Unwrap the past this Christmas with the ideal local gift
– a copy of “Wycheproof and District – The Way it Was”, by Allan “Prof” Milburn.
Jackie Noonan, The Buloke Times
Standing proudly at the heart of the Wycheproof community is a remarkable former school building which has been beautifully restored to honour academic heritage while offering new life inspiration as the home to an impressive local history museum collection.
With its grand façade, tall windows, and original architectural details, the building evokes a sense of nostalgia, inviting visitors to step back in time. Inside, the decor echos with stories of the past, now carefully preserved in each exhibit space.
The building’s transformation from an educational cornerstone to a vibrant museum showcases the community’s commitment to preserving local history. One could say there was no better place to host the recent book launch of “Wycheproof and District – The Way it Was”, as here it felt especially fitting; the space embodied the very heritage and pride that Prof’s work captures.
As guests gathered on the front lawns, one could almost sense the energy of former students, the ambience added depth to the event — a tribute to the past, now brilliantly preserved for future generations.
150 years acknowledgement
Those gathered celebrated the launch of the remarkable book on local history, further marking a significant milestone – 150 years since the founding of the Wycheproof community. The occasion wasn’t simply a book launch, but also a tribute to the generations who built, shaped, and enriched the community over the past century and a half. The occasion honoured the stories, struggles, and triumphs that have brought Wycheproof to this moment, preserving them for future generations to cherish. There could not have been a more fitting way to celebrate a shared legacy and the vibrant spirit that continues to define the community today.
Keynote speakers
Alex Morrison, an integral member of the Friends of Mount Wycheproof (co-hosted the event alongside the Wycheproof Historical Society). Alex set the scene of the morning, welcoming guests, detailing formalities and incorporating his own personal historic insights into the occasion.
First, Alex welcomed Mr Garry Larmour, formerly of Wycheproof and now a resident of Charlton to speak and introduce Prof’s book to the large crowd. The following is a transcript of Garry’s insightful presentation.
Wycheproof and district book launch
“Thank you Allan, Alex and all the others involved for the opportunity to be part of this book launch.
“First, I ask for a small indulgence to start with a little bit of personal history. In 1966/7 I was the secretary of the Back to Wycheproof Centenary Committee. Prof, our author today, was also involved in that committee, but this is not yet about you, Prof, but rather your mother Doll and Alex Morrison’s mother, Margaret. As with every ‘Back-to’ in the past, a book was being written by Marg, with collaboration and research by Doll and quite a few others (not always harmonious I might add, I was not part of the book writing committee). We titled the book ‘To Wycheproof and Back’ with a cover drawn by local artist Bev Stevens (nee Long).
“I remember one winter’s night, in Marg and Col Morrison’s lounge room where we reached the conclusion that it was about 7 years too early for the Centenary of the Wycheproof Township and, depending on where you put the start line, up to 21 years too late for the settlement of the district. It was of course too late to turn back; the celebrations went ahead as planned and were a huge success.
“Just three years later my father’s business had come to an end and my family and I faced a major change in our life’s direction, Marg suggested to my mother that I should look into Local Government as a future career. As coincidence would have it, a job came up in the Shire of Wycheproof. Graeme Dryden told me some years later that it was my work as secretary of that committee that impressed the Councillors of the day and that this was paramount in my getting the job, so it’s a very big thank you from me to Marg Morrison and the Wycheproof community for its part in shaping the rest of my life.
“Back to business, firstly the author, Allan ‘Prof’ Milburn, let’s give his proper name Allan. To write an authentic document of this type requires many attributes not the least being a part of the living history of the Wyche-proof community. To this extent Allan has had a very active role in the shaping of Wycheproof’s history and his memory of it. He is a fourth-generation member of the Wycheproof Milburn family. He was a wheat and sheep farmer for 35 years and when he sold the farm, became a newsagent proprietor for another 17 years. His credentials include: 20 years membership of the Wycheproof Historic Society; president, secretary, treasurer and Life Member of the former Wycheproof Apex Club; president of the 1991 Back to Wycheproof Committee and, as referred to earlier, a committee member of the 1967 reunion. He was also a member of the original King of the Mountain Committee for 11 years of which he was president for 2 years. Not a complete list, but he has also been connected with the Wycheproof Young Farmers, the School Council, the Agricultural & Pastoral Society, Friends of the Mount Committee, the Golf Club (secretary for 3 years) and the Football Club where he was the correspondent for the Wycheproof-Narraport under- 14 and -16s weekly report to the paper where I am reliable advised that his son Chris was always in the best players list (make of that as you wish).
“Now the book. My mind boggles, 512 pages of facts and information about the history of Wycheproof and District, where do you start? Allan told me that he has inherited the Milburn, particularly his uncle John’s ability, to accurately remember historic facts, and that is evident in this publication. He also told me that this publication is the conclusion of a lifetime ambition to write a book on the history of Wycheproof and District, and I congratulate you Allan on your achievement.
“Something I have not seen in a book of this type (but could also be standard practice) and which I think is a real bonus for people who purchase a copy, is the section titled ‘Timelines’, where Allan has created a year-by-year summary of the important snippets of our history from 1846 to the start of 2011. Can you imagine the research needed? No doubt Prof’s memory was a significant factor in putting this section together. It’s been a real quick-release refresher into my past as it will I am sure, be yours.
“As we look further into the structure of the book you cannot help but be impressed with the details attached to a great many people who have formed an integral and important part of our history, the photographs and the copies of advertisements of past dealings. Just noting the different ways people have had in expressing themselves over time and through the different text styles will, I expect, bring a smile to your face. Again, think of the research, the hand-written notes followed by the typing, the proof reading, editing and finally the printing of this publication, and let’s not forget the added bonus of an index at the back of the book. Allan, from my perspective it takes a special type of person to bring this all together and I am sure you are rightly proud of your achievements as you should be.
“Each of you who buy and read Allan’s book will have a slightly different perspective of its structure and content, and you will of course form your own views of its value. For me it is refreshing that this, in these troubled times of wokeism, that Allan has given us a history book written as the title says, “The Way it Was”. Congratulations Allan on your publication, it’s a credit to you and your family and I am sure it will bring many hours for happiness and pleasure to all those who read it.
“Finally, to all those of you that have come today to be a part of Allan’s book launch you too can have your copy of this magnificent book for the fantastically low price of just $50.00; but wait, there’s more. Sorry I told a lie, there is no more, just the option to be the owner of this extremely competent and well written publication.
“I now have much pleasure in declaring Allan Prof Milburne’s book ‘Wycheproof and District – The Way it Was’ officially launched.”
Rousing applause and cake cutting
Post Garry’s presentation the crowd erupted in applause and gratitude – Garry’s recollections certainly resonating with many. Garry and Alex together then welcomed Prof to speak.
“Prof” spoke with a captivating blend of intellect and heartfelt emotion. His words were insightful, revealing the depth of his research and the passion behind each story detailed in the book. He effortlessly engaged the audience, sharing both the personal journey and the significance of his work with sincerity and warmth. It was clear that his messages would leave a lasting impression on everyone present. “Prof” further acknowledged the assistance of the Wycheproof Historical Society and Mr Ken Arnold before cutting a large ceremonial cake, appropriately decorated in an historic map of the township and also featuring a subtle Lexus Melbourne Cup trophy, given the weekend was a thoroughbred fanfare.
Open museum
Alex formally closed proceedings and encouraged those in attendance to engage with “Prof”, enjoy light refreshments and explore the impressive museum curations. Alex thanked all volunteers who had spent considerable hours painstakingly ensuring the museum space was well equipped to cater for visitors. As formalities became more relaxed, queues formed rapidly as those in attendance sought to secure a copy of the book, and also a personal inscription, if so desired, from the author himself.
Local outlets
Seeking a last-minute Christmas gift? Those interested in making a purchase can do so via local outlets listed below:
- Wycheproof Resource Centre.
- Wycheproof Post Office.
- Elders Wycheproof.
- Wycheproof BP Fuel Station.
- Wycheproof Hardware.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 20 December 2024.