Embarrassing Floods
Floods have caused havoc and embarrassment at the Avoca Football Ground.
In 1956, the Avoca River, which runs past the football ground, rose to a record height and demolished more than half of the oval fence.
The water peaked so high that the roof of the ticket box was just sticking out above the torrent.
Although the floods of 1989 were no comparison to 1956, the bridge over the ford near the football gates was being lapped by water when Darren Maclean, a stock and station agent, arrived at the football club for a social night.
Darren, who worked with Elders, had only just moved to Avoca.
Although he crossed safely, he was not familiar with the river, or how treacherous it could become in a very short time.
A few hours later, and after quite a few drinks, the new bloke in town approached the river on the return trip.
Neil Mckechnie, a passenger, suggested they should detour over the big bridge located a kilometre up stream.
But, with dutch courage on his side Darren was not going to let a bit of water stop him.
Two days later the vehicle was spotted 200 metres down stream.
Darren and Neil both evacuated their submarine just before it sailed off towards Natte Yallock.
