One-third of Charlton was covered in water on Monday, inundating houses and businesses, after the Avoca River burst its banks.

Buloke Mayor Leo Tellefson said a lot of people would need financial assistance following the floods.

“It’s not just physical, it’s stress issues as well,’’ he said.

“There are a lot of elderly people on some form of pension who won’t be able to assist themselves, so we’re looking for volunteers to help out with the clean-up.”

Cr Tellefson said people affected by the floods could use the council’s landfill for free until Sunday.

He said a recovery centre had moved in to the council office, manned by Department of Human Services and council staff.

Eily Rosewall said the community support of each other was wonderful.

“Quite a few people are not covered by flood insurance,’’ she said.

She said Charlton people had accepted the flood and moved on.

“It surprised everyone,’’ she said. “A few homes were evacuated but everyone’s well, which is the most important thing.’’

The inside of Ray Zini’s home next to the river was lucky to be spared.

“It was very close but the water never got inside,’’ he said.

Rex Theatre board member Karl De Jong said damage at the theatre in High Street was still being assessed after water came through floorboards in the first four rows of the auditorium.

Mr De Jong said it would cost about $12,000 to replace the carpet.

“Hopefully we will be covered by insurance,’’ he said.

Mr De Jong said power was restored to the theatre on Wednesday and he hoped the cinema would be open on Saturday.