“Times” moves towards 150
Shane O’Shea. On July 29 this year, the “Buloke Times” commenced its 150th year of newspaper publication, continuing a tradition of recording local district news established by the founder of the “Donald Times”, the late Godfrey Morgan ... the newspaper has undergone many changes, both in name and production method, but has steadfastly adhered to the desire to keep its readers informed and to record the many events that impact their lives and have shaped the development of the region.
The biography of John Gunn
The biography of John Gunn is now published, titled Opportunity Makes the Man, The Labours of John Alexander Gunn—the only biography ever written about one of Australia’s greatest sons. Who was John Gunn? He was an Australian pastoralist who, in 1893, commenced using his own double-dose anthrax vaccine. His vaccine outperformed the vaccine of Louis Pasteur ...
Elders story brought to life
The story told by the late Elsie Jones on how the Baaka people got fire is the topic for the movie, made by students at the Central School last week. Under the guidance of Simon and Amilie Storey, the students first told the story they had heard over the years.
The Nhill roll call of 1974
John Williams. Nhill was headline news in 1974 as the town was flooded after 6 inches of rain, but business continued to keep its head above water, and new ventures such as Lowan Whole Foods, which had just begun operations, were even established. At the Nhill Hospital, Jason McCartney, AFL football star and Bali bomb survivor had taken his first breath ...
Murray’s memories of his days as a builder
Following their August meeting, where memories of previous Olympic Games were shared, Donald Combined Probus Club members welcomed retired local builder, Murray Broughton as their guest speaker. Murray spoke on the changes to the local building industry as he has seen it, over the last 58 years, since becoming an apprentice to J.L. and M. A. Howley, after completing year 10, at the age of 15.
Sparks from the Past, Part 15 A: Waterfront wars begin
Chris Murray. Growing up on Lord Howe during the halcyon days of the flying boats, the Lord Howe waterfront seemed like a sea of tranquillity: cheerful crowds congregated at the jetty to greet and farewell passengers; flower leis were romantically cast into the lagoon by departing passengers; Hawaiian music was piped in the vicinity of the jetty; and it all happened against the backdrop of Lord Howe’s opalescent lagoon and towering southern mountains… surely the picture-perfect setting?
Maldon’s First Notable Town signs
Lee Mead. As you probably already know, Maldon township was discovered by heritage architects during the 1960s and recognised as having a significant number of original, unique, intact gold-mining era buildings and streetscapes. And as a consequence, was declared Victoria’s First Notable Town by the National Trust.
Stories from the Maldon Vintage Machinery & Museum
Ian Riley. A well-known feature of Maldon is its distinctive stone gutters, correct? But what does this have to do with the fire station? Well, everything, as I learnt after speaking with Darryl Walker, an amazing guy who has been a volunteer firefighter for over 60 years. That’s around the time the Beatles came to Australia.
Heritage village embraced
The people of Moulamein and district have embraced their Moulamein Heritage Village (MHV). Taking just over four years to complete, we reconstructed our first historic building, Jeraly wool shed, in 2020 … just completed the cultural infrastructure around the village … includes a large sealed car park with designated disabled car parking spaces and magnificent wide concrete pathways linking the car park to all the buildings on site.
SAL celebrates 40 years
Loyalty, independence, financial strength, and a sound knowledge of livestock and real estate underpin Southern Australia Livestock (SAL), celebrating 40 years in business ... Under current ownership, the company is now one of the larger independent operators of its type in South Australia, employing 50 people State-wide, including almost 30 livestock agents and a strong real estate network.
Church milestone celebrated
The centenary celebrations commemorating the laying of the foundation stone for Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cudgewa on 16 July, 1924 were held on 14 July, 2024. The service was well attended with visitors coming from near and far ... In the 2019-20 bushfires Holy Trinity Anglican Church came very close to destruction ...
Meeting next week for Morant proposal
Hugh Schuitemaker. Renmark Paringa Council and the local RSL are in favour of an idea to honour an iconic Australian military figure with connections to the Riverland. A meeting will be held by Adelaide City Council on Tuesday to discuss a proposal of adding Harry ‘Breaker’ Morant’s name to the state heritage-listed Boer War Memorial.
Carrathool turns back time
Kimberly Grabham. To celebrate the centenary of Carrathool, 40-years-ago a time capsule was filled and sealed, to be opened on July 24, 2024 ... The community Hall at Carrathool was packed with excited people, waiting to see the contents of a time capsule filled and sealed in 1983.
Nhill’s stunning “Tiffany” shop front
John Williams. Tiffany reflects Art Nouveau, a style that included domes, arches and leadlight with motifs of stylised leaves, fruit and vines. Without question, this would have to be the old Central Café and now Nhill Pharmacy in Victoria Street.
Culturally significant objects returned home to Warumungu country
In a historic and heartfelt ceremony at The Fowler Museum at UCLA, a collection of 20 culturally significant items was handed back to the Warumungu community of Tennant Creek. The significant gesture marks the permanent and ethical return of these cherished artifacts that hold deep cultural importance to the Warumungu people.
Powerhouse burns in 1920
John Whitehead. These photos were taken by Henry James Mercer Hobday, manager of the Bank of Victoria, who was stationed in Nhill from 1913 until 1921. Photography was his hobby so he developed and printed his photos at home in the bank.
Fifty years to the day
Last Saturday, July 20, 2024, prior to scheduled games of club football, netball and hockey, former players, officials and others gathered at Donald’s A. A. Dunstan Stadium to celebrate the North-Central District’s history-making victory in the Victorian Country Football Championships at Warrnambool, on Saturday, July 20, 1974.
Cobb & Co Centenary gets stamp of approval
Recognising the Centenary of the iconic Cobb & Co, who played a vital role in Australia’s royal mail service, a special commemorative Cobb & Co ‘Carrying mail on Australia’s Last Run’ – First Day cover and Maxicard stamp sets with Surat Postmark will be released by Australia Post on August 13 to celebrate the 100-year milestone and Australia’s last coach run. The new stamps will form part of the centenary celebrations at the Cobb & Co Festival...
The jewel in the ocean
Dave Christie. From serving on a destroyer, I had been drafted to the frigate HMAS Shoalhaven in 1952 ... For unknown reasons, we took a left-hand turn from Shark Bay to the west. Eventually, we arrived at the group of Montebello Islands and dropped anchor. An archipelago and Australia’s Greatest Jewel in the Indian Ocean.
Renmark icon’s restoration
Madison Estmond. “Around 10 months ago, a 5kg concrete slab fell off the building’s soffit onto the road,” Hotel Renmark general manager Darren Baker said ... With the project approved by Stage Heritage and the hotel’s community board, Hotel Renmark will also be painted.
Wondai Heritage Museum Open Day
Come and enjoy the day. Wander through the Museum and ask the volunteers questions. There will be a sausage sizzle, coffee van and many stalls featuring local crafts and produce.
Stories from the museum
Ian Riley. This week, we’re backtracking. In finding out about some of the exhibits in the museum, I’ve discovered that the museum itself has a fascinating history ... The Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum was started as an offshoot of the Maldon Museum & Archives Association about 20 years ago.
