History & heritage

This is the first of what is intended to be an ongoing series – a history of old Maldon and surrounding area families … Charles Collard: born Somerset England 1811, died Baringhup Victoria 1891 … The story of Charles and Mary is a classic one of people who travelled to a far land to make their fortune...

Rathmines-based No 11 Squadron suffered the loss of a Catalina amphibian and seven crewmen in a night crash on Lord Howe Island on this day ... Local residents Roy Wilson received George’s medal and Bill Davies received MBE for their bravery.

They contacted the Tarrangower Times to ask, “What’s with the markings on the stone wall outside the Maldon Masonic Centre?” Our immediate response was probably similar to yours, ‘What stone wall? What stone wall markings?’

These are the crimes, murders and tragedies from across western NSW that made headlines around Australia decades and decades ago but are long forgotten – until now. A new book to hit the shelves today, Bush Tragedies, is a compilation of short stories from dark pockets of Australia’s history, recorded in stark, descriptive detail by award-winning journalist Bill Poulos.

Escorting convicted criminal George Lorie from Walgett lock-up to Narrabri railway station was no easy task for Carinda police constable William Noble. Lorie was found guilty of stealing more than fifty sheep from Quilbone station, a 10,000-acre spread near Quambone in western NSW ... As Lorie was escorted down the courthouse steps, he noticed Veech and threatened to kill the old pioneer.

Today is the first day of spring in Australia, a day we celebrate as national Wattle Day ... we use today to celebrate a wonderful species that is, with a few exceptions, unique to our landscape. But to professional foresters, a recognition of wattles only reminds us of the deleterious effects of changed land management practices after millions of hectares of actively managed state forests have been converted to reserves since the 1990s. The effects have been compounded by massive wildfires that have occurred over that time.

Recent DownsSteam steam engine trials have been successful through Wyreema, likely to be followed by passenger journeys in the region as soon as 2024. A couple of weeks ago, C16 Steam engine 106 went on its maiden trip having departed Drayton station at 10am before a large crowd of train enthusiasts.

Toby Henson, famed for restoring the Pyap at Swan Hill, was joined by fellow skipper, Frank Tucker, in delivering the boat from Murray Downs to Moama … The addition of a bow thruster has made manoeuvring the Temeraire less stressful than just relying on the rudder.

More Australians have a better quality of life because they are bravely confronting the reality of death, according to a documentary filmmaker. All About Me Films founder Dan Thomas says after scores of interviews with people dealing with grief one thing has become increasingly clear - the more open to the reality of the end of life, the more likely we are to make the most of it.

A plan that sets out to protect, conserve and enhance The Bluff has been adopted by the City of Victor Harbor. The Bluff Master Plan was developed in collaboration with community over the past 18 months.

The Vietnam war was Australia's longest war of the 20th century. More than 60,000 Australians served, 3,000 were wounded, and 523 died. In the early 1970s, more than 200,000 people marched in the streets of Australia’s major cities in protest of the war.

Restoration of the Riverina’s largest woolshed and its conversion into a museum and major tourist attraction is gaining momentum, with locals hopeful they will officially own five acres of land containing old shearers’ quarters and sheds within weeks. Toganmain Station, located between Darlington Point and Carrathool, was established in 1867 as one of the first grazing properties in the region.

John Williams. Not Houdini, but another escapologist Ray Mondel performed a "thrilling feat" off the side of the gleaming 6-year-old Noske silo in October 1925. Before a gasping crowd of 200, Mondel, known as the "Manacled Miracle" was tightly secured into a straight-jacket with four large straps and hauled feet first up some 100 feet to the top of the silo.

Last Friday night, at the Yanac Public Hall, about 50 past and present locals joined to celebrate the 80 years of community service of the Yanac CFA ... The brigade started as the Yanac Bush Fire Brigade, which was formed in 1942. The only equipment they had were fire beaters and knapsacks, until 1949 when they were able to borrow an engine-driven pump kept at the Yanac Railway Station.

James Lister. On Friday, in my capacity as Shadow Assistant Minister for Veterans, I attended the Brisbane Vietnam Veterans Day service in ANZAC Square and laid a wreath in honour of the fallen. Vietnam Veterans Day is a unique post on our calendar of military remembrances.

Members of the Charlton RSL Sub-Branch marked Vietnam Veterans’ Day last Friday – August 18 – with a dinner and commemoration service to honour and recognize the contribution of those who served and fell in Australia’s longest military engagement (1962-1972/3) of the 20th Century.

Alyssa Walker. A group of over 50 archers descended upon Dunolly on August 4, preparing to defend the realm for the annual medieval shoot. With no one too old or too young to join the ranks, archers seized their cloaks, bows, and quivers (and in some cases, their armour) and took to the shooting range for the two-day competition.

Port Pirie Regional Council is thrilled to announce a captivating commemorative project that will breathe life into the military history of the region. South Australian artist Sam Brooks, renowned for his extensive portfolio of public art, has partnered with his assistant Mark Harding to create a stunning mural on the side of the last remaining WW2 Belmont Hangar at Port Pirie Aerodrome.

The historic Kaniva Shire Hall can now offer increased comfort and functionality with the installation of a new heating and cooling system. This marks a significant milestone for the building ... The Kaniva Shire Hall was officially opened in 1929 and is renowned for its unique architectural features, including a rare cameo ceiling.

John Williams. Digby Ian Harris OAM was Nhill ’s sturdy, warm-hearted family doctor for over 4 decades, a man of professional skill, enthusiasm, intelligence and humanity. He was known by everyone and had gained great respect, esteem and love. And he knew his people even better than they knew themselves.

Whyalla City Council has released a new book showcasing its historic art collection to the public in its entirety for the first time. ‘City of Whyalla Art Collection ... the history of Whyalla’s Art Collection starting from the 19th Century to the more recent pieces created in the 2020s.