Flood of thanks

By Emma Sun
Mr Price and Ms Champion were heavily involved in assisting the community in trying to keep the water at bay and helping the town to recover in the aftermath of the floods.
During their presentation at the cluster meeting, they acknowledged the two clubs, which provided almost $30,000 to get the flood-ravaged community back on its feet.
Ms Champion said the money, which went out into flood affected people in the form of vouchers, was beneficial to the community.
“The vouchers could only be used at shops in Kerang, which meant businesses were getting a much needed boost and people were getting things they needed,” she said.
“Most, if not all, of the money was spent on food, so that really shows what was in need back then.”
Mr Price was away when the flood waters hit the town but upon his return, he offered his services and monitored the water levels leading up to the peak of the floods.
“About 79,000 to 90,000 megalitres of water was hitting Kerang per day and the water rose one to two centimetres per hour – it just never let up,” Mr Price said.
“Dry Lake, which had no water in it, was five metres deep and was filled in a day and a half.
“We used a total of 200,000 sandbags during the week of the flood.”
Ms Champion was among 70 volunteers from Rotary, the Lions Club and a local church group on call 24 hours a day to cater for those affected by the floods and those helping out, including the SES, DSE, the army and divisional communications.
“Rotary offered its assistance and we were put on cooking duty – we catered 15,000 plated meals from makeshift kitchens,” Ms Champion said.
“We were working 15 hour days and on call 24 hours a day so we’d be cooking in our pyjamas at three in the morning.
“It was really eye-opening to see everyone working together.”