Remembering the 1956 South Australian Floods

Junction of the Murray and Darling rivers 9 September 1956. Sourced from the Murray-Darling Basin Commission.

Thousands of acres of orchards were destroyed in Renmark. Image courtesy of the State Library of South Australia (Ref: B23243). Image by the Adelaide Advertiser.

Many thousands of South Australians families were touched by the great 1956 River Murray floods, which threatened to drown all the Riverland towns. The flood waters took fifteen weeks to subside.

The SA Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation, with the help of a number of other groups, are collecting as many stories, photos and memorabilia of the 1956 floods as possible.

Some of these memories have been used to create a commemorative DVD which was sponsored by the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. The DVD costs $20 and can be ordered by phoning (08) 8226 4402. All funds raised by the sale of the DVDs will be donated to the Murray Darling Association Environmental Foundation.

Other activities include a 1956 Flood 50th Anniversary Exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and film. The exhibition will be on show at The Dart barge and will go on tour to Renmark, Berri, Loxton, Kingston on Murray, Waikerie, Cadell, Morgan, Blanchetown, Swan Reach, Mannum, Murray Bridge, Milang and Goolwa. Each of these places will also hold commemorative activities and events between now and November.

It might be interesting to ask older members of your family what they remember about the floods and whether they, or anyone they know was affected by them.

Fore more information on the 1956 South Australian Floods and to find out how you can purchase commemorative items just follow the link. http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/murray/56flood/index.html