Sculpture: The Great Rescue of 1852

Where: Cnr Kitchener Street & Sheridan St

Commemorative Sculpture by Darien Pullen, Meridian Sculpture Foundry

In the early hours of 24 June 1852, a catastrophic flood tore through Gundagai. After weeks of relentless rain, the Murrumbidgee River broke its banks, transforming the town into a raging inland sea. Whole buildings were swept away, and terrified residents clung to treetops and rooftops through the freezing night.

When the water finally receded, only three buildings remained. Between 80 and 100 people — nearly a third of Gundagai’s population — had lost their lives, making it the deadliest flood in Australia’s recorded history. The Sydney Morning Herald described it as “one of the most fearful catastrophes which it has ever been our lot to record.”

Wiradjuri Heroes

Amid the devastation, four Wiradjuri men launched daring rescue missions into the floodwaters. Two of their names are remembered — Yarri and Jacky Jacky. Armed with a bark canoe and a small rowboat, they braved the torrent for days, pulling survivors to safety one by one.

Yarri is credited with rescuing 49 people, and Jacky Jacky 20 more. Their incredible bravery and compassion saved dozens of lives and stand as one of Australia’s most remarkable stories of courage and humanity.

A Town Rebuilt

Warnings from the Wiradjuri people that Gundagai’s original site on the river flats was prone to flooding had gone unheeded by early settlers. After the 1852 disaster, the town was rebuilt on higher ground, where it remains today.

In 1875, Yarri and Jacky Jacky were finally recognised for their heroism with engraved breastplates and a small pension from the townspeople.

Unveiled in 2017, this larger-than-life bronze sculpture commemorates the 165th anniversary of the Great Flood and honours the Wiradjuri heroes whose courage and selflessness embody the true spirit of Gundagai — strength, resilience, and community.