1956 Flood

The highest level on the official gauge at the Renmark Wharf read 27 feet 9 inches, with an extra length of 3 feet (90 cm) and a sign added, 'After this all out'. The gauge itself disappeared underwater with the official peak of the 1956 flood being determined at 30ft 7 ¾ inches. The peak came towards the end of August, with the High School, Hospital and homes and properties in Hale Street flooded, collapse of the Ral Ral Bridge, serious breaks in the levee at Angove's and the No. 3 irrigation pump and the Crescent area flooded.

The townspeople of Renmark never considered that the fight to save the town would not be won, and it was their faith and determination which eventually was victorious. Despite the town itself being saved, the damage to houses, horticulture properties and town facilities was widespread and the effects of the flood lasted for many years. Government grants for rehabilitation work in Renmark amounted to more that $770,000 and assistance was also given to families by donations from the Lord Mayor's Relief Fund.

The first signs of warning came in May when reports were received of unusually high levels in the Darling River. Coupled with heavy rains in other parts of the catchment area, the Murray rose steadily, and by the end of May, low lying areas were already inundated and people and livestock were being evacuated. By early June, 21st Street was closed and at the end of the month, the Sturt Highway between Renmark and Paringa was also out of action. The situation was eased by the introduction of a rail shuttle service between the two towns.

An emergency flood committee was set up, and the whole community became involved in the fight to save the town. 'Crash Gangs; were formed, standing by with trucks laden with sandbags and emergency equipment. By mid August 1500 people had been evacuated, leaving some 800 men women and children to battle the rising floodwaters. Shops and businesses operated with minimal staff and for reduced hours, so that as many people as possible were available to fill and transport sandbags. Volunteers came with heavy machinery from other areas to help. A canteen was set up in the Institute, providing up to 700 meals a day for weeks on end.

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