Murchison Flood History
It is now over two years since Murchison experienced the heartbreak of the flood in October 2022.
The City of Greater Shepparton Flood Support Team “Resilience in Recovery” have had a constant presence in the town since October 2022 and wanted to acknowledge the community members who came together to support one another during and after the floods.
A small exhibition of both historic photos and images from the 2022 flood, have been enlarged and mounted for display at the Murchison Heritage Centre with support by the Support Team to mark this anniversary.
Reflecting on the challenges the town has faced, the Flood Recovery Team salute the incredible resilience of the community and the unwavering support from volunteers, emergency services and local leaders who have supported the town every step of the way.
Team members say “The photos capture both the lasting impacts of the floods and the reality of the risk that comes with living in such a beautiful community alongside the river. However, through unity and strength, Murchison continues to rebuild and thrive.”
Humans so often settle beside a river for the benefit it offers, but then are troubled by the times when it floods! Murchison township is no exception and history books record many incidences when high levels caused significant disruption.
In 1870 the worst flood known to white settlers occurred. Apart from losses of crops and livestock, it interrupted the building of the first timber bridge over the river at Murchison for months. Construction of the Goulburn Weir was delayed by the flood of 1889 causing an overrun of expenses.
But the flood of 1916 was even worse. The rain came down for 48 hours and measured 7 inches (175mm) at Murchison, but the same rain event dropped 13 inches (325mm) at Yea so the Goulburn burst its banks in Murchison and there were boats in most streets as people and possessions were rescued from their houses. This flood still holds the record when the river rose to 12.22m.
In 2022 a flood again caused heartbreak and damage in Murchison, rising to 12.03m around midnight on Saturday 15 October with the river flowing over its banks inundating properties to the east of the town.
The efforts of Greater Shepparton Council staff, residents and total strangers, SES, CFA, Police and Australian Defence Force filling sandbags, building ‘the great wall of Murchison’, and pumping water from storm water drains that back-flowed into Stevenson Street, was outstanding and heartwarming.
Residents met regularly on the viewing platform near the bridge to watch the river rising and see the level measured on the Flood Marker – not as accurate as the Bureau of Meteorology data but it gave a very good indication of how rapidly the water rose. The speed and power of the current, the noise of its flow and the sheer volume and spread of the water over the opposite bank was mind-boggling!
Call into the Heritage Centre to see the display – we are open Wednesday and Saturday 10am – 12pm. We welcome groups outside these times by arrangement – ring Janet to make a booking, 5826 2363.
Kay Ball, President, Murchison & District Historical Society
