Marking the Maribyrnong River floods with creativity in mind
Published on 14 October 2025
Three years ago, the Maribyrnong community faced the devastating 2022 river floods. Hundreds of homes and public spaces were impacted, but through this challenge – the resilience, solidarity, and creativity of the community shone through.
To mark this anniversary, Council is proud to present a series of projects that both remember the events and celebrate the strength and creativity of the community. While also recognising that some residents continue to be displaced and many affected by the significant impacts of the flood.
City of Maribyrnong Deputy Mayor Bernadette Thomas said the third anniversary allows us to reflect on the recovery over the last three years, while focusing on the ongoing journey to build a safer and flood-resilient Maribyrnong.
“Three years on, these projects offer a chance for reflection. They acknowledge the challenges faced, honour the resilience and creativity of the Maribyrnong community, and mark an important milestone in our ongoing recovery journey,” said Deputy Mayor Thomas.
“As part of this journey, Council continues to listen and advocate on behalf of the community to ensure we are implementing measures to prevent or mitigate future flood damage,” she said.
A community event, Mighty Stories, Mighty Community, was held on Saturday 11 October offering those wanting to mark the anniversary, a chance to come together. This special event featured screenings shorts films, live music and an artist talk on the new public artwork in Coulson Gardens. This event was held in partnership with Moonee Valley City Council and supported by the Victorian and Australian Governments.
This month, we are also launching the children’s book, We Watched Our River Rise – written by young people from the Maribyrnong community, delivered in partnership with 100 Story Building and Cohealth. This project gives voice to the perspectives of the next generation, reflecting their experiences and resilience during the floods.
Mary Cameron, a Community Recovery Committee member whose vision led to the children’s book project, said that the project was a way to support healing through storytelling.
“An unexpected event on an ordinary day leaves a memory on a child in a way they can only express it in word or image or drawing or in their games and play. This book is a small step in their journey to recovery to resilience to walk and live by their river everyday” said Mary.
Alongside these commemorative initiatives, Council continues to deliver a Recovery program, supporting households affected by the 2022 floods. The program provides practical assistance and resources to support rebuilding, resilience, and preparedness.
A group session will be held with recovery psychologist David Younger to support the community during this time. This will take place on Thursday 16 October from 6.30pm at the Maribyrnong Community Centre.
More information on the children’s book launch event and recovery program can be found at www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/flood
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