PAUL and Sharon Battle know all too well the long-reaching effects of flood and the displacement that can follow.

The Kerang couple has been living in a caravan since floodwaters inundated their farm in northern Victoria last January - three days after they moved in.

"We'd only spent three days in the house when we got wiped out; we had to go to a refuge. We hadn't even finished unpacking," Sharon said.

A metre of water went through the home. It was submerged for two months.

"There's only so much bench space; everything got soaked," she said.

They spent four weeks with family in Melbourne then a further six weeks at a refuge before returning to the farm - even then they had to boat in and out.

But they can see the lighter side of the situation.

"If it wasn't for the flood, we wouldn't have met so many nice people," Sharon said.

"People here have helped us relocate our livestock, helped us feed them and they've done so many other little things to help make the place pretty again.

"The community, the Red Cross, the Department of Human Services; they have all been amazing."

The farm, outside Kerang, is six months behind schedule and building inspectors say the house will not be habitable until March or April, but the Battles remain positive.

And, with the help of neighbours, friends and the Red Cross, they'll rebuild.

"We used to think we'd buy a farm or do the grey nomad thing and get a caravan and go around Australia," Paul said.

"Now, I never want to get in another bloody caravan again.

"We can't wait to get back in the house."