AS THE country continues to cop a lashing from wild weather, an important historical project for the 2012 Wagga floods was launched yesterday.
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Wagga was selected to participate in the State Library of NSW's major oral history project, with the results from a lot of hard work revealed at an event held at the Wagga Council Chambers.
The project sees 24 residents talk about their personal experiences to Wagga historian Sherry Morris.
NSW State Library curator of oral history Sally Hone said the audio records would provide meaningful research material for the future.
"There is a trend in oral histories around the world with more of a focus on disaster and environmental stories," she said.
"As I was looking at where to start, I thought 'why not start with Wagga?'
"This provides personal perspectives and I'm extremely pleased with the end result."
Ms Morris conducted 25 hours worth of interviews and said she was touched by the resiliency displayed by all those affected by the floods.
"I think it is great there is such a big project that will be available which puts information about the environment in the spotlight," she said, adding there were many comparisons to the 1974 floods.
Virginia Anderson was one of the North Wagga residents to share her experiences, which will now be available for the public to hear.
"Nothing prepares you for the violence and chaos you come home to," she told the audience of about 50 at the launch.
"The water came through our house about six-foot high with force."
People will be able to borrow the recordings at Wagga City Library or through the State Library of NSW website.