Clean-up begins

Seymour rallied on Friday, starting the clean-up of the carnage of the previous 24 hours.

Much of the town north of the rail yard was still submerged Friday morning. Nonetheless, people did what they could to help each other.

On Station St, some business owners assessed the damage and began the clean-up, while others, like Amy Wang and her husband, had not stopped since Thursday night.

Amy owns fish and chip shop Hot Spot, and said she hadn’t stopped mopping all night, describing it as a “very scary” experience.

Little Stones Cafe owners Milan Gmawali and Kris Medson avoided significant damage, but found ways to help the clean-up efforts.

They opened their doors early, offering free food and coffee to emergency services workers who spent all night on-call.

“It’s what we can do,” Mr Gmawali said. Ms Medsen said they were “lucky” and wanted to help those less fortunate.

“We were lucky enough to escape the worst of the damage. We just want to provide something for the community,” she said.

Looking over a flooded Tallarook St, resident Carly O’Shea said the water looked a “bit out of control”.

Ms O’Shea has lived in Seymour all her life and said this flood was as high as she had ever seen the water.

Residents had gathered on the street and compared notes from Thursday night. Offers of help were exchanged.

Goulburn St resident Bryan Wellard escaped the flooding himself, but had friends who were not so fortunate.

“One of my mates is in hospital and his house has gone under while he’s in hospital, so we’ve got to clean that up before he gets home, if we can,” Mr Wellard said.

“It’s what us old folks do.” Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford said hundreds of houses and businesses were affected by the flooding.

“The Goulburn River saw record flood levels on Thursday night and into this morning,” Mr Luxford said on Friday.

“A relief centre is open at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre, providing toilets, showers, emergency accommodation and basic food for those who require it.

“We also have some power to help charge your devices, and free wifi.”

He thanked SES, Victoria Police, CFA and council workers who were on hand during the night to help deal with the record-breaking flood.

“On behalf of the community, I’d like to send a big thank you to everyone working tirelessly to support our community through this,” Mr Luxford said.

Photo: Max Stainkamph High ground: Madi O’Shea, 8, and Logan O’Shea, 6, on the rail line above a flooded Tallarook St on Friday morning in Seymour.

Submerged: Although the water is receding, the full extent of the damage is yet to be assessed.

Good deeds: Kris Medson and Milan Gmawali are cooking free food and making coffee to support emergency service workers’ efforts.

Working tirelessly: Amy Wang did not stop all night, trying to minimise damage to her business.

Good fortune: Largely unscathed, Bryan Wellard is ready to chip in and lend his mates a hand.

Photo: Max Stainkamph Flooding: The Wallis St extension in Seymour.