Maitland City Council is set to mark the 70th anniversary of the historic 1955 Hunter Valley flood with a commemorative event and string of initiatives designed to honour the resilience and recovery of the Maitland community.
The 1955 flood, which inundated all but two hectares of land in Maitland, was one of Australia’s first natural disasters to be broadcast globally, leaving an enduring legacy on the city and its people.
The centrepiece of the commemoration will take place at the Maitland Administration Centre on Saturday February 22nd from 10am, with an official remembrance ceremony, an SES rescue and DUKW aquatic military vehicle display, community BBQ, and the official opening of FLOOD LEVEL 1955 – A Historical Exhibition.
The Council will also unveil Beyond the Flood Levels, an innovative self-guided walking tour that explores Maitland’s flood history through immersive, interactive experiences using augmented reality and digital storytelling.
Maitland Mayor, Philip Penfold reflected on the flood’s significance, saying, “The 1955 flood is a defining chapter in Maitland’s history. It reminds us of the challenges we’ve faced and celebrates the strength and unity that helped us rebuild.
“This anniversary honours the resilience and spirit of Maitland’s people while remembering the profound impact of that historic event.”
February 22nd will mark the start of FLOOD LEVEL 1955 – A Historical Exhibition, a three-week exhibition at the Maitland Administration Centre, where visitors can explore equipment used during flood responses from the SES, a refurbished flood boat and a range of fashion, historical images, video footage, and displays dedicated to flood education.
Following the launch, the exhibition will be open to the public between 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays until Saturday March 15th.
Local groups, including the Maitland District Historical Society and Maitland Regional Museum, will participate alongside emergency services like the SES, which was established in response to the 1955 flood.
NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM says this is an opportunity to reflect on one of the state’s most significant natural disasters.
“The devastating floods of 1955 were a turning point in the history of emergency response in NSW. They highlighted the need for a coordinated, statewide response capability, which led to the establishment of the NSW SES,” Commissioner Wassing says.
“Today, the NSW SES continues to build on that legacy, adapting and innovating to meet the challenges of modern emergencies while staying true to our mission of protecting lives and communities.
“Natural disasters have long been a defining part of NSW history. They test our communities in unimaginable ways but also bring out extraordinary courage, collaboration, and resilience.
The 1955 Hunter Valley flood serves as a poignant reminder of both the challenges we face and the strength we gain from overcoming them together.”
Meanwhile, Beyond the Flood Levels is an innovative digital project using augmented reality that will bring Maitland’s flood history to life via QR codes located across the city centre.
Using a smartphone, visitors to access 10 interactive augmented reality experiences during a free, self-guided tour that spans approximately 1km, offering engaging ways to connect with Maitland’s history.
“This project connects our community with our past in an educational and innovative way,” Mayor Penfold says.
“By blending technology and storytelling, we’re celebrating Maitland’s history while embracing the resilience that defines us.”
For more information about the commemorative event, visit mait.city/1955flood. To learn more about Beyond the Flood Levels, visit mait.city/BeyondTheFloodLevels.
