THE GREAT FLOOD OF GUNDAGAI

Remembering our national heroes

Over three days and nights from June 24, 1852, the town of Gundagai flooded, taking the lives of an estimated 89 lives and destrying the town. The flood is known as the greatest natural disaster in Australian history.

There were two heroes of the Great Flood - Yarri and Jacky Jacky - who risked their own lives in the raging flood waters to save an estimated 59 lives. Their story, and the lives of Wiradyuri people during that time, inspired my novel BILA YARRUDGANGGALANGDHURAY (River of Dreams), and the children’s picture book BIDHI GALING (BIG RAIN), beautifully illustrated by Samantha Campbell.

BILA YARRUDHANGGALANGDHURAY as an audio book was narrated by Tamala Shelton (who also narrated DIRRAYAWADHA about the Bathurst War).

Teaching notes for BIDHI GALING were created by Shelley Ware with Culture is Life and are downloadable from their website.

BILA YARRUDHANGGALANGDHURAY storyline:

Gundagai, 1852

The powerful Murrumbidgee River surges through town leaving death and destruction in its wake. It is a stark reminder that while the river can give life, it can just as easily take it away.

Wagadhaany is one of the lucky ones. She survives. But is her life now better than the fate she escaped? Forced to move away from her miyagan, she walks through each day with no trace of dance in her step, her broken heart forever calling her back home to Gundagai.

When she meets Wiradyuri stockman Yindyamarra, Wagadhaany’s heart slowly begins to heal. But still, she dreams of a better life, away from the degradation of being owned. She longs to set out along the river of her ancestors, in search of lost family and country. Can she find the courage to defy the White man’s law? And if she does, will it bring hope ... or heartache?

Set on timeless Wiradyuri country, where the life-giving waters of the rivers can make or break dreams, and based on devastating true events, Bila Yarrudhanggalangdhuray (River of Dreams) is an epic story of love, loss and belonging.

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