History remembers Waranga Basin as an engineering triumph.
But in 1906, one stubborn woman nearly became its most memorable feature.
As the new reservoir filled, water crept towards the weatherboard cottage of Mrs Thomas Cleary.
The government wanted her out. Mrs Cleary had other ideas.
Unless she was compensated, she declared, “she would stay in the old home until the government drowned her.”
The Water Supply Department offered £20, but she still refused to budge, threatening to retreat to the roof as the water rose.
Then came the twist.
Newspapers had portrayed Mrs Cleary as a lonely widow, but it emerged she had an able-bodied husband and several grown sons — some working on the very irrigation scheme threatening their home.
A photograph even showed the cheerful Cleary family standing outside their half-submerged cottage.
Eventually, £20 brought the dispute to an end. The family moved, the cottage was rescued from the rising waters, and Waranga Basin continued its steady rise.
Today, the reservoir is remembered for engineering and irrigation.
But its waters also conceal the tale of one determined woman who briefly challenged the government to drown her rather than move her.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, contact the centre on 4831 8659.
