Live blog, October 22: Guthrie St Primary School opens donation collection point; Slight river rises expected from rain

A reminder: the most recent news updates are at the top of this blog. As you scroll down, you’ll be travelling backwards in time.

Ensure you stay across alerts on the Vic Emergency app, the Victoria SES website or calling 132 500 if you urgently need assistance. Call 000 in an emergency and remember to never drive through or enter floodwaters.

If you need to contact us, please email editor@sheppnews.com.au or call (03) 5831 2312.

UPDATE, 5.15pm: Signing off

That’ll do us on the blog for October 22. I’m signing off for the afternoon, but am still hoping to hear from the incident control centre this arvo.

That story will be on the home page of the News’ website and up on social media when (if) it comes through.

Stay safe and dry, and we’ll be back tomorrow.

UPDATE, 5pm: ‘The water came through the floorboards before it got over the top of the sandbags’

A pile with fridges, washing machines and mattresses sits high on the nature strip outside Wayne and Benjamin Anderson’s Mooroopna home.

Inside, a sodden couch is in the lounge room, too heavy with water for them to lift yet.

The floors are caked with mud.

Floodwater from the Goulburn River went knee-high inside the father and son’s house on Echuca Rd.

Read the full story from Monique Preston and with Megan Fisher photos here:

UPDATE, 4.40pm: Mooroopn’a ‘mini army’ leading clean-up

As mentioned earlier today, Zac Standish popped into Mooroopna Rec Reserve to see what the Mooroopna Football Netball Club had been up to following widespread damage across the town.

Cats president Bill Dowling said he was overwhelmed by the response of the community upon opening ‘Recovery HQ’ at the Sir Ian McLennan Centre on Saturday morning.

“We had a tremendous response, with over 200 people here at 8am this morning despite the rain to volunteer,” Dowling said

“We have got over 25 groups of six to nine people heading out all over our community assisting homes and businesses with their clean-ups.

“It is a mini army of Mooroopna people out there right now just doing what they can to help.”

Read the full story here:

UPDATE, 4.25pm: Update from Numurkah as Broken Creek rises

Photographer Megan Fisher has sent in some photos on her day off of the Broken Creek breaching the banks of Numurkah caravan park, while the creek has also reached Katamatite-Nathalia Rd.

There is currently a moderate flood warning for Numurkah and the Broken Creek floodplain, with minor flooding at Walshs Bridge and Nathalia.

River levels in and around Numurkah are expected to see rises similar to that of the December 2010 event in coming days.

UPDATE, 4.10pm: Massive community support behind Guthrie Street Primary School drive

Guthrie Street Primary School and the school council organised the donation drive, with clothing available to flood-affected residents.

They’re open until 6pm Saturday in the school gymnasium on Guthrie St.

Guthrie Street Primary School business manager Jo Pickles said the school community members and the wider community had donated items including men’s and women’s clothing, children’s clothes, linen, shoes, and some books.

“We were really surprised at how fabulous the community was, people came straight away and dropped things off,” Mrs Pickles said.

“We’re very blessed we live in such a community where people will help out.”

After today, they’re taking the adult clothing to the evacuation centre at the Showgrounds, and on Monday all the other items will be taken to Mooroopna Park Primary School where people can grab anything they need.

UPDATE, 3.35pm: Murchsion and Ardmona resource recovery centres close

Council has provided an update on some of the waste facilities across Greater Shepparton.

Murchison Resource Recovery Centre is now closed, and council will advise of new hours on their Facebook page as information becomes available.

The Ardmona Resource Recovery Centre also closed at 3pm and will and re-open tomorrow.

In amongst cleaning her own home, Fiona Lloyd put together some words about Loch Garry regulations being changed in light of the flooding. Check that out here.

UPDATE, 3.30pm: Don’t put sandbags in skip bins: Council

Greater Shepparton City Council has asked people not to place sandbags in skip bins. Sandbags are too heavy, meaning skip bins may not be able to be collected.

People are being urged to take their sandbags to the tip or to a transfer station if possible.

UPDATE, 3pm: Rain comes tumbling down, Mooroopna family comes together

There are two hand-drawn lines on the wall outside the front door of Darrel Kay’s Mooroopna home.

One marks the 1974 flood level when water rushed through his Anderson St home.

Newly drawn is another higher marker, which shows where floodwater flowed through at about knee-height on October 16, 2022.

Mr Kay has lived in the house for 52 years, but he said he has never seen anything quite like this.

He had 54mm of water through the house then, but this time it was nearly double that.

Read that full story here, while the rain comes tumbling down outside (at least here in Kialla it’s storming down).

UPDATE, 2.45pm: Move to higher ground warning for downstream of Rochester

Vic Emergency has put out a warning for people to move to higher ground downstream of Rochester, which doesn’t bode well for Echuca, which has had some levees topped today ahead of an expected peak towards the middle of next week.

As said earlier, there is scope for more than 50 homes to be inundated in Rochester again over coming days.

UPDATE, 2.40pm: Guthrie St donation centre open for people in need of clothing and more

I keep getting overwhelmed with how good so many people are. We just got a call from Guthrie St Primary School saying the school has opened a donation centre for people in need.

If you’re in need of clothes, shoes, linen, books and more, Guthrie St Primary School has opened from 2pm to 6pm for flood-affected residents to come down and take what they need.

UPDATE, 2.30pm: ‘The community of Shepparton is just incredible’: Pat and Tina’s BP soldiers on after flood

Pat and Tina’s BP in Shepparton North was back in action on Wednesday despite receiving flood water damage.

The service station saw significant water form both out the front and back of the building, with a drain next to the property causing issues.

Owner Joe Di Conza said the store lost around $4000 worth of stock due to the power going out in a fridge.

“We’ve now started the clean-up, we’re trying to operate,” Mr Di Conza said.

“The community of Shepparton is just incredible, in tough times we just stick together so much, it’s just amazing.”

Daniel Webb spoke to them yesterday, read the full story below. And, while all our flood coverage has been outside the pay wall for the past week or so, we encourage you to subscribe if you’re able.

UPDATE, 2.15pm: McCoy’s Bridge still shut

Rechelle Zammit and Zac Standish popped up through Undera and McCoys Bridge earlier today.

McCoys Bridge is still closed, but with no water over the bridge it might not be too far off reopening?

There’s nothing official behind this, but with the Goulburn’s peak now towards Barmah and Lower Moira it might be clear soon. Stay tuned, I’ll keep an eye on it.

Meanwhile, Mooroopna update: it’s still very wet at the Rec Reserve.

UPDATE, 1.30pm: Mooroopna businesses hit hard

I’m back after a quick bite of lunch, with a story from Monique Preston’s foray into Mooroopna a few days ago.

Mooroopna businesses were hit hard in the floods, with many of the main street’s shops inundated with water.

Other businesses in the town also had flood water wash through them.

As the clean-up started in the past few days, however, the community spirit shone through as shopkeepers, their families and friends, customers and even strangers pitched in to help.

Monique spoke to the owners of a few of those businesses. See her story here.

UPDATE, 12.55pm: Mooroopna sewer update

Residents around Mooroopna are still reporting issues with water draining in sinks and showers, and toilets only half flushing.

People around Lenne St in Mooroopna have today received a text from Goulburn Valley Water informing them the utility will work with council to pump water out of the area.

“We’re continuing to work with council to pump away water around Lenne St — we’ve been pumping for the past day but it is slow,” the text read.

“As soon as we can access our sewer pump station, we’ll be working to get them backk online to get your systems running back to normal.”

UPDATE, 12.35pm: Murchison bridge open to light traffic

The Shepparton incident control centre has said the Murchison Bridge has now opened to light vehicles only.

There were initial concerns the bridge might have shifted off its foundations and might be out of actions for months.

UPDATE, 12.15pm: Cats diving in headfirst

A “mini army” has descended on Mooroopna from the football netball club today. Zac Standish spoke to Bill Dowling about what has been happening down there.

“We had a tremendous response with over 200 people here at 8am this morning despite the rain to volunteer,” Mr Dowling said

“We have got over 25 groups of six to nine people heading out all over our community assisting homes and businesses with their clean ups.

“It is a mini army of Mooroopna people out there right now just doing what they can to help.”

Mr Dowling said he’d been blown away by the response from the football netball clubs in the region.

“The response has been fantastic, to be honest I’ve been blown away,” he said.

“I know Seymour has done a great job, Rochester is doing great stuff with their community and Echuca as well.

“At times like this people tend to migrate to their football netball clubs for a bit of direction and we are doing all we can to service our community during this time.”

UPDATE, 11.57am: State Emergency Service briefing

Authorities have just provided an update on the situation across the state, which included a briefing on rivers in the region.

SES controller Tim Wiebusch said the Campaspe River is at minor flood levels, but said there was a chance of renewed rises in Rochester and Echuca.

“We’re certainly not expecting the river levels to get what they were last week.”

“The Campaspe is at moderate flood level cutting roads but the major risk to Echuca now is the Murray River.

“It’s currently at 94.77m AHD and is expected to get to 95 to 95.2m.”

He said authorities were still urging people to evacuate.

“There is still an emergency warning to evacuate immediately. It’s the highest level we can put it.

“We can’t guarantee the levees will hold back the amount of water coming down the Murray at this point in time.”

He said there water would reach Swan Hill by the end of October and reach Mildura by the middle of November.

Mr Wiebusch said in Shepparton and Mooroopna water levels may rise to moderate flood levels “in coming days“.

“In and around Shepparton and Moorooopna we’re down to minor flood warnings and advice messages to stay informed,” he said.

He said there had been 8300 requests for assistance this month, with 750 rescues across the state.

ADF Bridgadier Matt Burr said the army was assisting cleanup in Seymour, Nagambie, Rochester to help ensure schools, hospitals, community centres were okay, as well as assisting vulnerable residents.

“That work will continue into Shepparton and Mooroopna in coming days and we will work with local agencies there,” he said.

UPDATE, 11.30am: Campaspe Shire Council update, possible moderate flooding in Kialla West

Campaspe Shire Council has posted an update on expected flooding in Echuca over the coming days, saying the peak is expected at 95.3 AHD on Wednesday.

As at Saturday at 8am the river was at 94.75 – above major flood level.

“The river will continue to slowly rise across the coming days,” council said.

“With predicted rainfall, the Campaspe River is also predicted to rise. A flood watch is current, advising of the potential for renewed flooding. The river level at Echuca on Saturday at 9am is 94.49 - moderate flood level.”

Meanwhile, moderate flooding is possible in Kialla West on Saturday evening with river rises in Seven and Castle Creeks.

UPDATE, 11.20am: John Gray Oval at Mooroopna still under water

Rechelle Zammit and Zac Standish have headed across to Mooroopna before heading north.

John Gray Oval is still entirely under water, but the main oval is now clear of water — still not sure how Tony Greig would do putting the key in the pitch though. I’d probably have a bowl first.

The Football Netball Club has set up a command centre of sorts in the clubrooms, with 160 people across the town’s labyrinth of streets helping with the relief effort.

UPDATE, 11.05am: River levee breached in Echuca

Water is spilling over the levee near Echuca library.

UPDATE, 10.50am: Rochester bracing for more flooding

The Campaspe River is expected to flood again early this week, potentially at high as 115m AHD, with a community meeting held in Rochester last night.

If the river peaks at 114.6 AHD, no homes are expected to flood above floor height.

Rochester SES has posted that streets are expected to be flooded, but there was potential for as many as 50 homes to be inundated again.

“There are no plans for a levee, it would need to be 3-4m high on both sides of the river, that is not possible and there have never been any plans to do that,” the Rochester unit posted on Facebook.

“A flood study was completed after 2011 and there are no mitigation options for Rochester other than information. Understand your height so you can prepare to the level expected.

“Not all houses in the streets listed below will be affected, but if you live in Campaspe, Doyle, Echuca Rd, Edward, Fraser, Gillies, George, Mackay, Moore, Priory, Victoria, Nth Highway, Baynes, Bridge Rd, Grey, High, Hood, Lindsay, Lowry, Pascoe East, you are able to get sandbags from either sandbag point.”

UPDATE, 9.55am: Council ‘overwhelmed’ by community spirit as clean-up begins

Greater Shepparton City Council has launched into flood clean-up and been “overwhelmed” by people jumping in and helping out.

Forty loads of kerbside rubbish were collected from Murchison and Mooroopna on Friday, while the Shepparton Resource Recovery Centre processed more than 260 loads of flood waste, and another 227 loads in Ardmona.

Meanwhile, kerbside collection of bins recommenced this week, with 90 per cent of bins able to be collected.

Murchison Resource Recovery Centre is now open and operating with extended hours. It’s open from 8am to 4pm this today and tomorrow. Hours for next week are on the way, but it appears council isn’t saying “you’re on your own, kid“ to anyone needing help.

“We have been overwhelmed by the impressive community spirit shown by residents, both during the floods and now as we slowly start to work through clean up and recovery,” a council spokesperson said.

UPDATE, 9.20am: Midnight rain not expected to raise flood levels too much

Checking the Bureau of Meterology’s observations for Shepparton, we’ve had 18.2mm of rain in the past 24 hours.

River levels across Shepparton, Mooroopna dropped below moderate flood levels on Friday, with the river level at Murchison at minor flood levels.

Flood watches have put in place for the Broken and Goulburn catchment areas, as well as Seven Creeks, but while flash flooding may be possible depending on localised thunderstorms it appears extremely unlikely to cause widespread damage like we saw last week.

Reminder to keep up to date with the Vic Emergency app for incidents near to you.

UPDATE, 9am: Too late to leave in Barmah, Lower Moira, not safe to return in Bunbartha

Morning all, Max Stainkamph with you for another edition of the News’ live blogs.

The evacuation warning in Bunbartha and Kaarimba remains current, and emergency services say it is not yet safe to return.

“Dangerous flood water and road closures remain, continue to avoid flood-affected areas,” the Vic Emergency app said.

“Residents within evacuation areas can call 132 500 if they require urgent assistance assistance with essential supplies such as food or medicine.”

Residents in parts of Echuca and Moama are also being advised to evacuate, with red and maroon warnings flashing on the Vic Emergency and NSW Emergency apps.

Major flooding is continuing at McCoys Bridge, although the peak of the Goulburn River is now approaching the Murray, with enough water spilling in to make the Murray flow backwards.

Meanwhile, the incident control centre in Shepparton is warning the threat of flooding hasn’t gone, with rain forecast over coming days.

Shepparton ICC controller Jarrod Hayse said yesterday evening flooding was occurring in Lower Moira and Barmah.

“Thunderstorms mean the threat of flooding has not gone away,” he said.

“We hit the ground running on Thursday doing preliminary impact assessments, we were able to assess 1000 homes and 112 properties have been impacted, 87 of them significantly.”

He said people should check local government websites for information on waste disposal.

Relief centres are open at the at Nathalia Community Centre, the Ballantyne Centre in Tatura, and the McIntosh Centre and Deakin Reserve in Shepparton.

The Seymour Aquatic Centre has closed, with the Library now a recovery centre.