Thomas M. Bell of Yarra Flats, was born in Scotland in 1821, and came to Australia in 1839. He and his father first went to Heidelberg for a time, and afterwards to the Stringybark Forest to cut timber for building purposes. Mr Bell purchased a piece of land at Kangaroo Ground, which was his residence […]
Category: Nillumbik
WW2 and Home Front Regulations, or Deja Vu
The COVID-19 virus pandemic has been likened by our political leaders to a war like situation. We have been directed to ‘stay at home’ and practice social isolation in order to stop the spread of the virus. Many businesses have been ordered to close and many people are working from home. Our streets are quiet […]
A Platform towards reconciliation
The Moor-rul pltaform was installed at Kangaroo Ground Memorial Park Tower in 2008. The Diamond Valley Leader reported: Years of co-operation, hard work and history have culminated in the completion of a Kangaroo Ground viewing platform and launch of Nillumbik Council Reconciliation Charter. Bagpipes heralded the official launch of the long-awaited Moor-rul platform and the […]
Len Young Woolshed
Most of this building was 140 years old in 1996 – built in 1856 as a Wesleyan Methodist Church on land owned by a Mr King of Bridge Inn Road, Separation – an area near Bob’s Hill, west of Mernda. For over 30 years it was used each week for two church services and Sunday […]
2nd Eltham Sea Scouts
The 2nd Eltham Sea Scout Group has been an important part of our community for 62 years. Our youth members are aged 6—25 and cover all sections: Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, Venturers and Rovers. The term “Sea Scouts” is somewhat misleading: we’re really just Scouts who love water and our boating activities can be on the […]
Hurstbridge Memorial Park and Hurstbridge Avenue of Honour
Hurstbridge Memorial Park and the Hurstbridge Avenue of Honour stand as memorials to local soldiers who served in WW1 and the spirit of the local community On Saturday 31 August 1919, residents and visitors from the city gathered at Dorset House to honour the soldiers who had died or fought in the First World War […]
Lone Pine at Eltham High
In 1998, Eltham High School students had the opportunity to plant a Lone Pine sapling, a descendant of the original tree from Gallipoli. A plaque was based nearby: The Lone Pine (descendant of the original tree from Gallipoli) in memory of those who sacrificed so much for our country Planted by Eltham High School Students […]
The Phantom Railway Network of Kinglake
Many will be aware that Whittlesea station became the terminus of the Fitzroy-Preston-Whittlesea when the full route was opened on 23 December, 1889; ditto Hurst’s-bridge (Hurstbridge) station opened on 25 June, 1912 as the terminus on the original Heidelberg line of 1887. The line north of Lalor station was closed on 29 November, 1959 ending […]
A Pioneer Woman’s story
I have a story of pioneer farming woman in the Strathewen area. I heard of this story, many years ago and it has stuck firmly in my memory bank ever since. I believe the event was told in a book by an Arthurs Creek man. I would like to give that long gone man, the credit […]
What’s In A Name? Yarrambat or Tanck’s Corner?
The name of Tanck’s Corner was altered following a meeting of ratepayers and residents in late January, 1929, a change having been considered for several years – a preferential ballot of those present actually opted for “Kanangra”, an aboriginal word apparently meaning “beautiful views”, “Yarrambat” was the second preference (again, aboriginal, “high hill”) and “Carawatha” […]