In late August 1949 the Macleay Valley experienced one of its worst floods on record.
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The flood reached 8.52 metres at the Kempsey gauge, drowned more than 15,000 head of livestock, killed six people and washed away 53 homes and businesses, with many more properties and buildings severely damaged.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of the flood, the NSW SES and Kempsey Shire Council are conducting two events.
The first will be the launch of four videos that record some of the 1949 flood memories of 11 Macleay Valley residents. The videos include an array of fascinating and vivid stories about preparation, warnings, rescues, lucky escapes, massive damage and clean ups.
The aim of the project was to capture 1949 flood stories before they are lost. The videos will also be used in NSW SES and council flood education programs to explain some of the valley's current flood risks and the need for the community to be prepared for future floods.
The launch of the videos will be held at the NSW SES Kempsey Unit Headquarters on Thursday August 22 at 10.30am.
The second event will be a commemorative service for the six victims of the 1949 flood. The service will remember Patrick and Margaret Connelly who lived in Eden St, Leslie and Julie Baker from Belgrave St, William Hugginson a resident in Verge St and James Plummer from Clybucca. The service will be conducted by a NSW SES Chaplain and take place on Tuesday August 27 at 10.30am at the flood marker in Clyde Street Mall.
NSW SES Kempsey Unit Media Officer Greg Gill said the anniversary is a time for the community to reflect on the devastating flood.
"The 70th anniversary is a reminder for Macleay residents to be ready for the next flood. We live in a country with extreme variations in weather and the current big dry may be broken with a big rain event," he said.
Anyone wishing to contact the NSW SES Kempsey Unit for more information can do so via the Macleay Valley SES Facebook page, or by emailing kempseyshire.ops@ses.nsw.gov.au.
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