On 8 November 2005, the Gawler River burst its banks and spilled out onto the Adelaide Plains, destroying millions of dollars worth of homes, crops, greenhouses and machinery. South Australia’s State Government estimated more than 1,500 hectares were flooded, creating a bill of approximately $40 million.

More than 300 almond, grape, olive, herb, potato and onion growers were affected. Many of the growers who were long-term residents of the region, commented that they had never seen a flood this size before.