Gannawarra Shire Council, Media Release, 13 February 2026
Residents and visitors are now able to view a photographic display highlighting the Gannawarra’s recovery from the 2022 floods.
The Gannawarra Reflect & Connect – A Celebration of Community exhibition, located within Kerang’s Patchell Plaza, marks the end of the recovery from the 2022 flood with the Emergency Recovery Victoria supported Gannawarra Flood Recovery Program officially ending on 31 January 2026.
The photographic exhibition highlights some of the more than 330 events, programs and activities held over the past three years to support community connections and mental health and wellbeing following the municipality’s second major flood this century.
“The 2022 floods impacted around 44 per cent of the municipality, with every community across Gannawarra Shire affected,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.
“Community recovery from the flood event commenced prior to the floodwaters receding with Council and emergency services hosting community gatherings across the Gannawarra Shire to enable impacted residents to come together to connect socially while receiving vital information and resources.
“Throughout the recovery, resources and funds have been provided direct to a range of community groups and partners to ensure that events, programs and activities are relevant and timely to the needs of the community.”
The photographic display highlights recovery activities in communities across the Gannawarra Shire, from the larger townships to the smaller outlying communities and rural districts.
“The display celebrates the volunteers involved in the recovery effort and provides the opportunity for residents to reflect and celebrate what the Gannawarra is renowned for – a strong sense of community, connection, and resilience,” Mr Rollinson said.
“These events, programs and activities have enabled residents to remain socially active and have supported individual and community wellbeing throughout the recovery process.”
The display features 50 framed collages that highlight various events held between the end of 2022 and December 2025. Images that feature include major community celebrations and festivals, one-off events and small workshops. There are also several larger projects highlighted including the establishment of the Bush Tucker Garden – Tyapa Kurra Kahl, meaning ‘to plant on Country’ – developed in partnership with the Kerang Elders and Leaders Group, Mallee District Aboriginal Services and Northern District Community Health.
All recovery events, programs and activities featured in the display were funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) as part of the Gannawarra Community Flood Recovery Program.
“It is acknowledged that recovery for individuals impacted by the 2022 flood event or any other emergency situation does not end on a certain date and that feelings and emotions are a normal part of recovery that can continue for many years.” Mr Rollinson said.
“Council thanks all who played a role in supporting the Gannawarra community to recover from the 2022 floods and encourages residents who are still impacted to reach out for support.”
For more information regarding the Gannawarra Flood Recovery Program, please visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/resilience.
See further: Victorian floods 2022.
