Hundreds of volunteers filled thousands of sandbags at the Picola Recreation Reserve at the height of the recent flood threat.
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A sandbagging operation was set up at the Picola football and netball ground, supported by the State Emergency Service and the Australian Defence Force.
The Army had more than five Bushmaster light armoured vehicles stationed with a bivouacked contingent at the recreation reserve in case evacuations were required through floodwater.
Team leader and Picola farmer, Diana Baxter, said the sandbagging operation began to support Barmah and surrounding communities which were worried about flood control.
“A lot of them went to Barmah and surrounding houses, and to protect levees protecting the community out here,” she said.
Ms Baxter said the local people responded to the call for help.
“The community came out in force. It’s been absolutely amazing.
“We had hundreds of people filling thousands of sandbags.
“We had semi-trailers taking out pallets of sandbags.
“The people have come from as far away as Cobram, and others who were ex-locals turned up.
“It’s an amazing community to belong to.”
The volunteers had the support of the SES and CFA, as well as Moira Shire Council for the use of the Picola Recreation Reserve.
With one of the last deliveries of sandbags going out from the Picola operation were (from left) Cameron Lancaster, Colin Crane and Paul Daniels.
Colin Crane and team leader at Picola, Diana Baxter, sitting on a bundle of sandbags at the Picola Recreation Reserve.
Colin Crane with a load of sandbags destined for Barmah, which were filled at Picola.
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