Flood Risk Management Plan – Heide Museum of Modern Art

Rain Consulting prepared a Flood Emergency Response Plan for the Yaluk Langa Meeting Place at Heide Museum of Modern Art. This project was delivered in-kind as part of Rain’s commitment to community giving. The site is a collaborative Indigenous garden located along the Birrarung (Yarra River), created in partnership with Traditional Owners, landscape architects, and Heide staff. Rain’s involvement was driven by the meaningful connection to Country and a deep personal appreciation of Heide’s legacy.

Above & Beyond Strategies

Yaluk Langa sits on the active floodplain of the Birrarung, where major floods are rare but can be catastrophic. Heide required a clear and practical plan to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff during flood events, while also respecting the site’s cultural and ecological significance.

Rain delivered the following solutions.

• Delivered the project entirely in-kind as part of Rain’s community program, recognising the importance of the site and Heide’s role in Melbourne’s cultural and Indigenous landscape.
• Worked closely with Heide staff and Wurundjeri Woiwurrung representatives to reflect the significance of Country and Indigenous land care practices.
• Developed a step-by-step Flood Emergency Response Plan that covers before, during, and after flood events, with clear roles, triggers, and actions.
• Provided maps showing the meeting place in relation to the Yarra River and flood extents, ensuring clarity for all staff and volunteers.
• Created practical signage and communication templates for use during flood emergencies.
• Incorporated local flood gauge intelligence, giving several hours of warning time to evacuate the site safely.
• Outlined maintenance and recovery processes, including post-flood inspections and site reopening procedures.
• Designed the plan to be a living document, with annual reviews and updates following any major flood.

Rain provided Heide with a clear, actionable plan to protect visitors, staff, and the site itself from flood risk. The plan empowers Heide to continue holding cultural and educational events at Yaluk Langa, ensuring the space remains a safe and resilient part of the Birrarung for generations to come.

Rianda and Luke were honoured to be invited to the opening ceremony and to plant new trees at the site, reflecting their strong personal connection and respect for this important place.

Heide will keep the Flood Emergency Response Plan updated through regular OHS reviews and after any significant flood events. Staff and volunteers will reference the plan in all site inductions and receive ongoing training.