Collarenebri, the rural town he grew up in on the Barwon River, had started to struggle as its weir ran dry and tap water turned an almost undrinkable muddy brown.

A group of activists from Sydney, the Water Runs Community, has become a lifeline, bringing tonnes of bottled water to the town.

"I sit there and I worry all the time because I check the river everyday and I can see water is disappearing," Mr Flick said. "All the government cares about is money in their pocket.

"I'd like to see them consult the Aboriginal people on what we believe in and how to fix the problem because we know how but nobody will take notice of us because we don't have a PhD."

Water Runs needs $15,000 to purchase 8000L of water, 150 carbon units and $1500 to cover running expenses for another water delivery.

It's organised by former Tamworth resident Adam Anderson, who said it's just a band-aid solution to the bigger issue of water licenses for mining and agriculture industries that drain the river.

"The first step is just water relief, making sure there is a supply of drinkable water in the town," he said.

"The Barwon River was just completely dry, if you went out to the weir there you could see bare fish traps just resting in the sun which means the water pumped out for the town is just putrid when it comes out of the tap."

Some residents choose to buy bottled water but not everyone can afford to.

As the weir continued to drop, Walgett Shire Council made the decision to drill a new bore for Collarenebri residents who had also faced blue-green algae issues.

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Mayor Ian Woodcock said issues with how water is shared have long been a bone of contention.

"I think many years ago more thought should have been put into the water that's allowed to be taken out of the rivers," he said.

"When more mines opened up around Namoi way it made a hell of a difference, because water was let go during the drought and it should have gotten down to Walgett but it never arrived.

"There are arguments for and against the water being taken out of the rivers because for some people it's their livelihood."

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