Six years ago Moree experienced a one in 100 year flood which left many residents isolated and absolutely devastated.
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On the first of February a flood warning was issued by the State Emergency Service as more than 100mm of rain fell throughout a 24-hour period.
It was like deja vu for many residents who had just recovered from November’s flooding experience, but preparations of sandbagging were underway within hours.
On February 3 the Mehi River peaked at levels not seen since 1976, cutting the town in two and flooding businesses and homes throughout the township.
The river reached 10.69 metres at 10.15am that day.
Premier at the time, Barry O’Farrell, described the town as more like Venice than rural New South Wales, with surrounding areas turned into “an inland sea”.
Over the next 10 days that followed, a local family the Harris’, had no place to sleep as their house along Gwydir Street was completely inundated with flood water.
Julie, Kent, Tian and Jessie waited patiently as flood waters slowly subsided, and prayed their efforts to move belongings to higher areas in the house had worked.
Once they were able to enter their home, it was a devastating moment. Flooring was ruined, furniture destroyed, sentimental photos and items were unsalvageable.
Every day the family had to mop and scrub the entire house as muddy water continued to seep out of walls and floors. By February 11, Julie’s birthday, the family’s spirits were at an all time low.
The family headed to mayor Katrina Humphries’ business, Fishabout, for lunch where they got to chatting.
“I told Katrina all I wanted for my birthday was to sleep in my own bed and a few hours later she called me saying Julia Gillard was in town and wanted to visit,” she said.
Prime Minister Gillard visited the family giving a kiss and cuddle, and a birthday card, as she entered to inspect the damage. It was an uplifting moment and a once-in-a-lifetime birthday experience.
After reminiscing six years on, Julie admitted it felt like yesterday remembering the heartbreaking situation they endured.
“It feels like were only just getting back to our normal lives. We couldn’t re-do our flooring or bathroom until the house was lifted so it’s only just starting to feel like home again now,” she said.
Under the NSW Floodplain Management Program, the Office of Environment and Heritage provided funding to assist home owners raise the floor level of their house to reduce the damages and trauma caused by flood water.
The Harris family decided to access this funding through a Voluntary House Raising Scheme coordinated by Moree Plains Shire Council, however the process has taken a long time.
Last year the house was finally lifted, after years of continuous consultation with council.
“Basically, the government covers two thirds of the cost to raise your house, if you are eligible. It was worth the wait. I simply could not go through another flood again, physically or mentally,” she said.
It took professionals a week to lift the Gwydir Street house, and straight away work began to re-do the inside.
Share with us your memories of the 2012 floods as we take a look back at its impact, six years on. Email laini.kirkman@fairfaxmedia.com.au to share your pictures and memories.