A Living History Day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Auchmore Home, will be held at the Nullawil Heritage Centre on Sunday, August 17.

Nullawil Historical Society members are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the day with an opportunity to “step back in time”. President Wendy Spry puts out the invitation to everyone to “Come and share the hospitality of a community that continues to care for the site as those who went before us did”.

Auchmore was built in 1925 by William Henry Bennett (“Stumpy”) to live in with his new wife, Eliza Marguerita Winfield (Rita). (Full history in previous article)

During 1993, the Watts family offered the Nullawil Historical Society use of Auchmore as an Historical Museum.

Since then, Historical Society members have set about adorning the house with antique furniture and decor used by early pioneers and characteristic of the era.

In the 32 years of caretaking, dedicated Historical Society volunteers have worked to maintain the integrity of the house with minimal disturbance to the original character of the home.

Heritage Centre

While Auchmore is considered the centrepiece, the Nullawil Heritage Centre has continued to expand and there are now 23 buildings at the site.

Over the years there have been significant “Living History” days where visitors have had the opportunity to step back in time and get a glimpse into the pioneering past of the Nullawil and district. Historical members and school children have dressed in period costumes with an ever-expanding array of displays and working demonstrations depicting a century of Mallee life. The upcoming centenary celebration gives yet another opportunity for the public to visit.

Living History Day

The Heritage Centre gates will open at 10.30 a.m.. With their customary hospitality, Historical members will welcome visitors in the catering area. The coppers will be “fired up” and morning tea will be available with tea and coffee accompanied by scones with jam and cream. An overview will be given into the origins and establishment of the Nullawil Historical Society.

Following morning tea, guests will be invited to wander over to the former Winston Church to enjoy a performance on the restored Estey Reed organ. There will be some musical items and even the opportunity for a sing-a-long at the church.

A program of events will be prominently displayed on the day, allowing attendees to select activities of personal interest. Volunteers will be available in the machinery sheds for those who prefer viewing machinery displays before lunch.

There will also be time for visitors to explore the Grange Stable, Drop Log Cabin, old Post Office and Blacksmith Shop. Drop into the Mathske Collection Barn, Gallery Barn and “Holey” Barn displaying items from St Joseph’s Catholic Church.

Lunch is scheduled between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m.; giving visitors time to catch up with old friends, and reminisce about days gone by.

Inspection

The Auchmore homestead will open for inspection after lunch.

Visitors will have the opportunity to wander through the beautiful 100-year-old homestead and appreciate its historical ambiance. Each room offers inviting displays, with a new exhibit in the children’s and mothers’ room with sewing machines, cots, dolls, and other items of interest.

The house gives a glimpse into a “simpler” existence, without the modern conveniences enjoyed in the present era. The “pioneering spirit” of our early settlers is on display, with a resourceful and resilient approach to the everyday challenges they faced. Their ability to find creative solutions is evident, with a “make do attitude”, when money was tight and resources scarce. You will see a “high chair” made with a plough seat; cake tins and drawers made out of kerosene tins, a homemade preserving outfit and other homemade furniture and fittings. The wash house and outhouse are separate from the home, the bathroom is on the verandah with chip heaters for hot water.

Garden

The Remembrance Garden out the front features Nullawil’s War Memorial, the World War 1 Centenary Soldier, Gallipoli Roses and the Lone Pine. The recently painted mural and framed WWI flags will be displayed in the Remembrance Room.

The Towaninnie School is also open for exploration, showcasing original desks, books, and school cases that evoke strong memories of the past.

Machinery displays, including demonstrations of grain gristing, a hand-operated baler, and chaff cutter, will take place at intervals throughout the afternoon, and the Bulldog tractor will also be operational.

Afternoon tea will be served for those wishing for a hot beverage and a light snack before their departure.

The aim of the day is to create a relaxed atmosphere in which guests can fully enjoy the unique ambience of the Nullawil Heritage Centre.

See all the pictures in the issue.
This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 8 August 2025.