1954 Floods

Floodwater in the 1954 floods saw the Myall Creek rise and break its banks early on the night of Thursday 11 February 1954. Within several hours, the water had risen some feet, and miles of country was inundated.

The water entered many homes spread over a wide area, and others were fortunate that it stopped within inches of floor levels.

While heavy rain had fallen, and reports coming through suggested that there had been a deluge at the headwaters of the creek, but few were prepared for what happened.

A number of people living in Marble Street evacuated early in the night, and Police issued warnings where necessary. At about 8 pm, the water was level with the bearers of the Patrick Street Bridge, but within two hours they were several feet over it.

During the night the Drayton Street Bridge was covered, and it was closed to traffic. The raging torrent running over the bridge attracted crowds of sightseers.