The five year anniversary is a timely reminder to prepare for floods and the community are invited to visit a flood photo display and receive a free information pack at Stockland Green Hills shopping centre on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 June. The display is coordinated by the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) and the State Emergency Service (SES).

The June 2007 flood was the first experience of flooding for many Maitland residents, catching many by surprise at how quickly the river can rise and break it’s bank. Maitland has a long history of flooding, however, and the display includes many photos of the infamous 1955 flood and a rare set of 1875 flood photos on display for the first time.’

Information will be available on the Lower Hunter Flood Mitigation Scheme and on how to prepare for flooding. Information packs include the book Maitland, City on the Hunter. Fighting floods or living with them, a DVD of 1955 flood stories and the commemorative ABC1233 DVD A June to Remember.

There will also be a guided walking tour on Sunday 24 June in Maitland, part of the Walk & Talk flood tour series coordinated by the CMA. The popular tour will run for about 2 hours and will be led by local flood historian Peter Bogan who will share his personal accounts of the 1955 flood. To book your place on the tour, contact the CMA on 4930 1030 or email hcr@cma.nsw.gov.au.