Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads) (23:00): This month we mark the seventieth anniversary of the devastating floods in Maitland in 1955. This is a time for us to reflect, remember and recognise the resilience that defines our community of Maitland. The events of February 1955 remain one of the most significant natural disasters in Australian history, shaping the identity of Maitland and the wider Hunter Valley and also becoming the first event of the State Emergency Service. Everyone who was in Maitland and surrounds at the time has their own unique flood story. Those individual experiences are still fresh in their minds, and I am so grateful for the stories that many people in our community have shared, not just with me but with countless authors who have studied these floods and made documentaries about them over time.
In late February 1955, unprecedented rainfall caused the Hunter River to swell beyond its banks, turning the region into an inland sea. Maitland bore the brunt of the catastrophe. The floodwaters inundated the city, forcing the evacuation of thousands and leaving widespread destruction in their wake. At its peak, the flood measured over 12.1 metres at the Belmore Bridge gauge—an unimaginable volume of water that tore through homes, businesses, and farmlands. The statistics from that time are staggering. More than 40,000 people were displaced across 40 towns. Approximately 5,200 homes were inundated, and 58 were completely destroyed. Tragically, 24 people lost their lives.
The human toll was immense, not only in the loss of those loved people but also in the emotional and economic hardships and trauma that followed. Yet, in the face of devastation, the spirit of Maitland shone through. Ordinary people became heroes, neighbours helped neighbours, and volunteers from across the State arrived to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts. The bravery of those who waded through chest‑high waters to save others, the resilience of families who rebuilt from the ruins over many generations and the generosity of those who gave what they could—all of those stories form the backbone of Maitland's history. The flood also led to major changes in flood mitigation and emergency planning. The Hunter Valley Conservation Trust, which was established in 1950, five years before the flood, took on a crucial role in managing flood risks, land degradation and conservation efforts.
Since then, significant investment has been made in levee systems, warning technologies and emergency response strategies to protect communities from future disasters. As I said, we saw the establishment of the State Emergency Service—the orange SES—out of these floods. As we reflect on this anniversary, we honour those who lost their life, those who endured the hardship, and those who helped to rebuild Maitland and the wider Hunter Valley to what it is today. We acknowledge the progress that has been made in flood management and mitigation, but we also recognise that climate change presents new challenges. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe, highlighting the need for continued investment in sustainable infrastructure and, most importantly, disaster preparedness.
The lessons of 1955 must not be forgotten. We must remain vigilant, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the knowledge, resources, and support to weather any storm or any flood. As the local representative of the people of Maitland, I remain dedicated to ensuring that Maitland continues to grow and thrive while always respecting the lessons of our history. I also congratulate and thank all of those who take the time to volunteer for the SES. It is such an important role that we can play in our community by volunteering, but also helping people when they are facing floodwaters is an incredible task.
These events do not happen on a bright, sunny day. It is often in the middle of the night. Our volunteers are called away from their families to attend incredibly dangerous situations, often while their own homes or their own families are at risk. I respect all SES volunteers in our communities right across this State. The seventieth anniversary of the Maitland floods is a time to remember, reflect and reaffirm our commitment to a strong and resilient Maitland, and to a strong and resilient New South Wales, that can weather the storms ahead.
