2012 Cultural Heritage Program - City of Whittlesea

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A Message from the Mayor 

Welcome to the City of Whittlesea’s 2012 Cultural Heritage 

Program. This popular and successful program of events provides 

a fantastic opportunity to join together and celebrate our shared 

and special heritage. 

Over a period of eight months, the program offers events and 

activities that acknowledge the rich indigenous cultural heritage 

of this area, the unique natural heritage of the Plenty Valley, 

and the diverse histories and cultures which together reflect our 

development as a municipality and as a community. 

The City of Whittlesea is proud to support this fantastic program 

of events. The Cultural Heritage Program plays an important 

role in promoting awareness of our history and our heritage. It 

contributes to our sense of place, to our community and personal 

well being and informs us about where we have come from. 

Once again, the City of 

Whittlesea would like to thank 

the Cultural Heritage Program 

Committee for its on going 

commitment to the program. It 

is through the support and hard 

work that this group offers that 

we are again able to present 

such a varied and unique 

program of events. 

I invite you to participate in the 

wonderful events on offer, to 

learn more about our community 

and to truly appreciate the 

dynamic living culture and 

heritage of our municipality. 

- Mayor Cr Stevan Kozmevski

Message from our Sponsor 

Whittlesea & Plenty Valley Tourism Association 

The 2012 Cultural Heritage Program is proudly sponsored by the 

Whittlesea and Plenty Valley Tourism Association Inc (WPVTA). 

Now in its fifth year of partnership with the Cultural Heritage 

Program, the WPVTA is the local tourism association working 

with the City of Whittlesea to develop and market a sustainable 

tourism industry, building on the region’s many strengths. The 

Association consists of volunteer local businesses, community 

representatives and Council staff. 

There is a magnificent wealth of history in the Whittlesea and 

Plenty Valley region where picturesque parks, culinary creations 

and bluestone buildings await your discovery. The City of 

Whittlesea, with its rich offering and hospitality is only 40 minutes 

from Melbourne’s CBD. 

To find out what else you might see on your journey through 

the City of Whittlesea visit www.whittleseatourism.com.au or 

drop in to the Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor Information Centre, 

located at the corner of Church and Beech Streets, Whittlesea. 

For more information phone 9716 1866. 

Open 7 days from 9am - 5pm. 

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‘Wominjeka Wurundjeri Bik’ 

Welcome to Wurundjeri Land 

The City of Whittlesea recognises the rich indigenous heritage of 

this country and acknowledges the Wurundjeri Wilam Clan as the 

traditional custodians of this place. 

As part of our developing relationship with indigenous 

communities, we have been honoured with a welcome in the Woi 

Wurrung language by the Wurundjeri Land Council. 

Phil Cooper Junior ‘Corroborree Tree & the Hands of Many 

Nations’ (Whittlesea Reconciliation Group Logo)

Map and Location of Events 

1. Yan Yean Reservoir Park, Reservoir 

Road, Yan Yean (Melway 391 C1) 

2. Lalor Library, 2A May Road, Lalor 

(Melway 8 K6) 

3. Thomastown Library, 52 Main 

Street, Thomastown (Melway 8 G7) 

4. Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty 

Road, Mill Park (Melway 10 C2) 

5. High Street Community Precinct 

Thomastown, between Pleasant 

and Spring Streets, Thomastown 

(Melway 8 J8) 

6. Whittlesea Courthouse Visitor 

Information Centre, Corner Church 

and Beech Streets, Whittlesea 

(Melway 246 G8) 

7. Farm Viganó Cultural and 

Community Centre, 10 Bushmans 

Way, South Morang (Melway 183 J9) 

8. Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, 

South Morang (Melway 183 A10) 

9. St. Damian’s Church, 1 Settlement 

Road, Bundoora (Melway 9 J12) 

10. Nioka Bush Camp, 5 Gordons 

Road, South Morang (Melway 183 H8) 

11. RMIT Bundoora Campus, Plenty 

Road, Bundoora (Melway 10 A8) 

12. St Luke’s Church, 1A David 

Street, Lalor (Melway 8 K5) 

13. Le Page Homestead, Hawkstowe 

Picnic Area, Plenty Gorge Park, 

Gordons Road, South Morang 

(Melway 183 H8) 

14. Ziebell Farmhouse, Corner 

Gardenia Road and Ainwick Crescent, 

Thomastown (Melway 8 H5) 

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Index to events 

WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTATIONS 

Heritage and Family Memorabilia.....16 

Family History Research Day…..20 

Starting Your Family History…..20 

Wikinorthia: Documenting Life in Melbourne’s North…..22 

Restoring Family Photos at Mill Park Library…..25 

Mernda Bakery at Mill Park Library…..30 

GUIDED TOURS AND WALKS 

Yan Yean Water Supply System: Lifeblood of the City…..9 

LALOR: Tour of the Peter Lalor Home Building 

Co-operative Precinct…..11 

Bear’s Castle Tour.....14 

‘Journey of Healing’ - National Sorry Day.....15 

Keelbundoora Scarred Tree and Heritage Trail - Guided Tour.....19 

Heritage Bicycle Tour…..28 

Whittlesea Township Heritage Walk – A Puzzling Journey.....32 

PERFORMANCES 

‘The Big Pond’ – A Theatrical Performance.....12 

EXHIBITIONS AND OPEN DAYS 

LALOR: The Making of a Suburb…..10 

Sites to be Seen – personal art in public places…..13 

Nostalgia Vigano: Collecting Memories…..26 

The Way We Were….24 

Dreaming…. 25 

The Good Old Days.....27 

Ziebell Farmhouse Heritage Garden Open Weekend.....31

Index to events 

COMMUNITY AND CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS 

La Festa di San Antonio.....17 

Celebrate Italia!.....16 

Mill Park Library 10th Anniversary Celebration.....18 

The Well Bread Festival.....17 

La Festa di San Donato.....21 

Wominjeka! Wurundjeri Cultural Awareness Session.....23 

Food Fest at Whittlesea Libraries.....24 

La Festa di San Padre Pio.....27 

Diwali Celebrations.....29 

Key to events 

$ 

Family friendly event 

Outdoor Event – suitable hat, shoes required. Bring your 

own drinking water 

Catered event. Please advise of special dietary 

requirements at time of booking. 

Access all abilities 

Appropriate footwear and moderate level of fitness are 

required. 

Free event. All Welcome 

Bookings essential, places limited. Book online at 

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and follow links to the 

events page or phone 9217 2377 

Please refer to the event key in each event listing to 

assess the suitability of the event for you. 

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Event Cancellation & 

Refund Policy 

The information provided in this program was correct at time 

of printing but details may change. Outdoor events are subject 

to suitable weather conditions. Please check local papers and 

Council’s website closer to the event for more information. 

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au 

1. The City of Whittlesea reserves the right to cancel an event. 

Cancelled events may be postponed and rescheduled to a new date. 

If an event is cancelled, registrants will be offered a full refund. 

If an event is postponed, those registered will be given the 

option of transferring their booking to the same event on a new date. 

2. Cancelled or postponed events: All registrants will be advised 

directly ASAP. 

3. Rescheduled events: Registrants will be contacted with a new 

date and time. If the new date is unsuitable, a full refund will be 

offered upon request. 

4. Cancellations received within five days of the date of the event 

will not be eligible for a refund. 

5. Refunds will not be available for those who choose not to 

attend an event.

Whittlesea Historical Society 

The Whittlesea Historical Society seeks to promote and preserve 

the history of the municipality and region through a program of 

social activities, presentations, tours, research projects, displays 

and archiving. 

The aims of the Society are to: 

• Advocate on behalf of historic sites, buildings and trees to 

local and state government 

• Undertake and promote the research of our history 

• Collect, conserve, compile and make available historic records 

• Establish and maintain library & archives of local history information 

• Disseminate knowledge of our history through lectures, 

publications, exhibitions, excursions and other means 

• Provide a means for people interested in the history of this 

area to meet, discuss and participate. 

Some future and on going projects of the Society and 

individual members include: 

• Involvement in the City of Whittlesea’s Cultural Heritage Program 

• Cataloguing and indexing of our collection 

• History of the Yan Yean Cemetery 

• Coordinating field trips and family history research 

The Whittlesea Historical Society meets on the second 

Wednesday of every month. If you would you like to become 

involved in the Society, assist with the website or come along to 

a meeting please contact us by emailing: 

info@whittleseahistoricalsociety.com.au 

For more information 

please visit the website: 

www.whittleseahistoricalsociety.com.au 

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Yan Yean Water Supply System: 

Lifeblood of the City 

PRESENTED BY MELBOURNE WATER AND 

WHITTLESEA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

Supported by City of Whittlesea and Parks Victoria 

Due to popular demand, we continue the exploration of 

the built and natural wonders of the Yan Yean Reservoir. 

Completed in 1857, the Yan Yean Reservoir remains one 

of the oldest functioning water systems in Australia. An 

engineering marvel, it used ancient techniques of civil 

engineering to augment the natural water courses of the 

Plenty River and serve as a repository of drinking water for the 

city. Join local historian Lindsay Mann, and Paul Balassone 

from Melbourne Water to learn about its historical significance, 

and future challenges in the management of heritage values of 

this early water supply. This is an all day event, commencing 

at Yan Yean Reservoir’s Caretakers Cottage and concluding at 

Wallaby Creek. Morning tea and a light lunch will be provided. 

DID YOU KNOW? The Yan Yean Reservoir was the first major public work to 

be constructed in Victoria in 1857 and was one of the world’s largest artificial 

lakes which piped water for more than 30 kilometres into Melbourne. 

DATES: Sunday 15 April and 

Sunday 18 November 

TIME: 11am - 4pm 

COST: $25 per person 

LOCATION: Caretakers Cottage, Yan Yean 

Reservoir Park, Reservoir Rd, 

Yan Yean (Melway 391 C1) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Book online 

at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au 

and follow links to the events 

page or 

PHONE 9217 2377 

EMAIL: events@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

LALOR: The Making of a Suburb 

PRESENTED BY CITY OF WHITTLESEA & 

YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 

Hidden within the Melbourne suburb of Lalor, 

lies an intriguing story. 

The Peter Lalor Homebuilding Cooperative Society was formed 

after World War II during a chronic housing shortage. It was 

composed mainly of ex-servicemen and their families who were 

driven by a self-help ethos and a determination to see working 

class men and women fulfil the great Australian dream of owning 

their own homes. Now the origins of Lalor have been resurrected 

from the footnotes of history. We meet some inspirational 

leaders but ultimately this is the history of ordinary men and 

women cooperating in the creation of a community. Their stories 

are worth telling.This exhibition is designed to accompany 

the book Lalor: The Peter Lalor Home Building Co-operative 

1946–2012, by Moira Scollay, published by the UNSW Press 

with support from the City of Whittlesea. 

DID YOU KNOW? The United Nations has declared 2012 to be the 

International Year of Co-Operatives. This is an acknowledgement by the 

international community that co-operatives drive the economy, respond to 

social change, are resilient to the global economic crisis and are serious, 

successful businesses creating jobs in all sectors. 

DATES: Lalor Library: 16-27 April 2012, 

Thomastown Library: 30 April -11 May 2012 

Mill Park Library: 14-25 May 2012 

TIME: Library opening hours 

COST: Free. All welcome 

LOCATION: Lalor Library, 2A May Rd, Lalor (Melway 8 K6) 

Thomastown Library, 52 Main St, 

Thomastown (Melway 8 G7) 

Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Rd, 

Mill Park (Melway 10 C2) 

BOOKINGS: For bookings and further 

information please contact the Libraries: 

PHONE Lalor Library 9465 2353 

Thomastown Library 9464 1864 

Mill Park Library 9437 8189 

$ 

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LALOR: Tour of the Peter Lalor 

Home Building Co-op Precinct 

PRESENTED BY CITY OF WHITTLESEA 

Melbourne suffered a chronic housing shortage during the 

1940s. But by 1948, a vibrant building hub had been established 

to the north of the city. A group of passionate people responded 

to the housing crisis by forming a housing co-operative. Using 

modernist building techniques, such as prefabrication, members 

built homes for a community of 800 people, establishing the 

suburb of Lalor. Named after the leader of the Eureka Rebellion, 

the Peter Lalor Homebuilding Co-operative Society was a 

grassroots organisation established to help its members realise 

the great Australian dream of home ownership. For the most 

part, the streetscape remains largely in tact. Join us for a bus 

tour of the Co-operative precinct, where we will introduce you to 

the residents that shaped this unique Melbourne suburb: home 

by home, family by family, street by street. 

DID YOU KNOW? Despite the first homes being built in Lalor in 1948 

it was another thirteen years until roads and drains were constructed 

by Council in 1961. 

DATES: Monday 16 April 

TIME: 10am-12pm 


LOCATION: Lalor Library, 2A May Rd, 

Lalor (Melway 8 K6) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Places 

strictly limited. Book online at 



page or 

PHONE 9217 2377 

EMAIL: events@whittlesea.vic.gov.au

‘The Big Pond’ 

A Theatrical Performance 

PRESENTED BY FRIENDS OF 

WOODLANDS HISTORIC PARK 

Supported by the Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria & 

Whittlesea Historic Society 

Perched on a hill above the reservoir, the Yan Yean 

Caretakers Cottage is as sturdy and picturesque as the 

reservoir itself. Throughout the 160 years of the reservoir the 

caretakers and their families have been privileged to live in 

this beautiful setting.‘The Big Pond’ is a performance taking 

a single day from 1892 and follows caretaker John Wilson, 

his family and other visitors as the day becomes increasingly 

busy. On this particular day, several visitors beat a path to the 

door – the last two under the cover of darkness. 

Life at the reservoir is never dull! 

DID YOU KNOW? Yan Yean was Melbourne’s first reservoir and has supplied 

the city with water since 1857. It was the plan of James Blackburn, a civil 

engineer who unfortunately died before ever seeing his dream developed 

DATES: Saturday 28 April 

TIMES: 1pm and 3.15pm 


LOCATION: Caretakers Cottage, Yan Yean 

Reservoir Park, Reservoir Rd, 

Yan Yean (Melway 391 C1) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Places 

strictly limited. Book online at 

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and 

follow links to the events page or 

PHONE: 9217 2377 

EMAIL: events@whittlesea.vic.gov.au 

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Sites to be Seen – personal art 

in public places 


Sites to be Seen explores the connection between personal 

experiences and public space. More than 50 artworks and 

poems that share memories of time and place will be installed 

onto the pavement, walls and in surprise locations around the 

Thomastown community precinct in High Street. 

A map showing the location of each of the artworks will shortly 

be available on the City of Whittlesea website. The project will 

be launched on Saturday 19 May between 1-2pm in High Street 

Thomastown. Exact location to be confirmed. Please visit the 

City of Whittlesea website: www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au for details 

closer to the date. Everyone is welcome to attend the launch. 

DID YOU KNOW? Thomastown is undergoing a creative change. The City 

of Whittlesea has completed the Thomastown & Lalor Master Plan. The 

plan focuses on five themes, which reflect the vision and aspirations of the 

community: safety and wellbeing, learning for all ages, different cultures, 

belonging and connecting, pride in your neighbourhood, and spaces to gather 

and share. 

DATES: May - August 

TIME: 24 hour viewing 


LOCATION: A trail of artworks will be 

displayed in High Street between 

Spring St and Pleasant St. 

(Melway 8J7) 

CONTACT: Cultural Collection Coordinator 

PHONE: 9217 2377 


$ 

Artistic Impressions from left to right – 

Michelle Bolmat, Phibs (top image), Lisa 

Mills Pwerl (bottom image) and Deb.

Bear’s Castle Tour 

PRESENTED BY WHITTLESEA 

COURTHOUSE ASSOCIATION INC 

Supported by Melbourne Water 

Embark on the rare opportunity to visit this unique building known as 

Bear’s Castle. Discover the story behind this distinctive building, and 

why its origins have long mystified historians. 

The tour concludes with visits to other historical sites of significance 

and points of interest associated with Melbourne’s oldest water 

storage system. 

DID YOU KNOW? Built in 1864, the Courthouse is one of the oldest 

functional buildings in the region. Operating as a petty sessions court 

until 1989, it was later restored and reopened to the public as a Visitor 

Information Centre in 1996. The site also features the single-cell lockup, 

which was built in 1859 to serve the Yan Yean area. 

DATES: Sunday 6 May & Sunday 21 October 

TIME: 10am - 12.30pm & 2 - 4.30pm both days 


LOCATION: Bus departs from Whittlesea 

Courthouse Visitor Information Centre, 

Cnr Church & Beech St, Whittlesea 

(Melway 246 G8) 

BOOKINGS: Online at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and 


PHONE: 9217 2377 

Sharon West ‘The Bunyips and 


Bushrangers of Bear’s Castle’, 2011 

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‘Journey of Healing’ 

National Sorry Day 


RECONCILIATION GROUP 

In expressing regret for the historical mistreatment of Aboriginal 

people, the City of Whittlesea is participating in National Sorry 

Day commemorations. Sorry Day is a national event that 

commemorates the ‘Bringing Them Home Report’ that was 

released on 26 May 1997. It is an opportunity to raise awareness 

and foster understanding of Australia’s unique history, and the 

issues affecting Aboriginal people today. Aboriginal elder Reg 

Blow, will lead Councillors, members of the Reconciliation Group, 

and visitors in a ceremonial walk around the grounds of the Civic 

Centre. The whole community is invited to attend, and are advised 

that the flags at Council Offices will be flown at half-mast in 

recognition of this significant day. Light refreshments will be served. 

DID YOU KNOW? The first Sorry Day was held in Sydney in 1998, it is now 

commemorated nationally with thousands of Australians from all walks of 

life participating in memorial services, commemorative meetings, survival 

celebrations and community gatherings to honour the Stolen Generations. 

DATES: Friday 25 May 



LOCATION: The Great Hall, Civic Centre, 25 

Ferres Blvd, South Morang 

(Melway 183 A10) 

CONTACT: Aboriginal Liaison Officer 

PHONE 9217 2159 

EMAIL: donna.wright@whittlesea.vic.gov.au 

$

Heritage and Family Memorabilia 

PRESENTED BY YARRA PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 

In recognition of Australian Library & Information week, Mill Park 

Library will present a session on preserving your precious keepsakes. 

Join Australian award-winning picture framer Neville Crawford from 

Recherche Speciality Picture Framing, to learn how military and other 

historical memorabilia can be presented in a manner that can look 

fantastic and ensure their longevity for generations to come. Bring 

along your old family photographs and war medals to share and visit 

your local libraries during Australian Library & Information week! 

DATES: Saturday 26 May 

TIME: 1 - 2pm 

LOCATION: Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Rd, 


BOOKINGS: Bookings essential, places strictly 

limited. Book online at 

www.yprl.vic.gov.au or call 

Mill Park Library 9437 8189 


$ 

Celebrate Italia! 

PRESENTED BY YARRA 

PLENTY REGIONAL LIBRARY 

Come along to Lalor Library and help celebrate one of the 

community cultural groups who have made the City of Whittlesea 

the wonderful place it is today. Help us celebrate a unique culture 

famous for its love of family, celebrations and sharing with the 

music and food that Italy is famous for. Taste delightful food, and 

sing and dance along with Duo Alitalia, who will provide wonderful 

tunes that have become part of the Australian landscape. 

DATES: Tuesday 5 June 

TIME: 6.30 – 9.00pm 

COST: Free event. All welcome 

LOCATION: Lalor Library, 2A May Rd, Lalor (Melway 8 K6) 

EMAIL: khurley@yprl.vic.gov.au 

$ 

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La Festa Di San Antonio 

PRESENTED BY THE ITALIAN 

COMMITTEE OF ST. DAMIAN’S 

St Anthony is venerated all over the world as the Patron Saint for lost 

articles and is credited with many miracles involving lost people, lost 

things and even lost spiritual goods. In celebrating the anniversary of 

this prolific saint, the Italian Committee of St. Damian’s would like to 

invite everyone to come and celebrate with ‘La Festa di San Antonio’. 

Celebrations will include a Mass, the blessing of the bread and 

prayers sung by local musicians. A short procession will follow and all 

are welcome to the Dunlop Room for afternoon tea. 

DATES: Sunday 10 June 

TIME: 2.30 – 5.30pm 

COST: Free. All Welcome 

LOCATION: St. Damian’s Church, 

1 Settlement Road, Bundoora 

CONTACT: Rocco Gentile 9467 4131 


$ 

The Well Bread Festival 


City of Whittlesea is having a Bread Festival! Join us for a day 

of making, baking, and breaking of bread with people of diverse 

cultures living in the City of Whittlesea. Learn about the historical, 

cultural and social importance of this simple food stuff, share your 

stories and sample a delicious selection of breads from around the 

globe. Come along and let’s celebrate bread together! 

DATES: Sunday 17 June 


COST: Free. All Welcome 

LOCATION: Nioka Bush Camp, 5 Gordons 

Road, South Morang (Melway 183 H8) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Book online at 

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and follow 

links to the events page or call 92172377 


$

Mill Park Library 

10th Anniversary Celebration 



Mill Park Library is ten years old! A visually stunning building, when 

Mill Park Library opened in 2002 it was the first in Victoria to be 

designed on the concept of a hybrid digital/print library. This iconic 

building on Plenty Road has a spacious children’s library, a fully 

equipped training room with 12 computers, an extensive local history 

collection, silent study room, community spaces and groups, language 

collections, and a fantastic program of monthly events. 

Come celebrate its birthday with a day of cultural activities and 

performances. 

DID YOU KNOW? Currently there are 1402 Australian public libraries, 

and around 80 mobile libraries. Australians generate more than 110 

million library visits per year (that is about nine million visits per month). 

Figures indicate that 46% of the population are members of public 

libraries, which contain more than 41.5 million items to use and borrow, 

and more than 11,600 computers for public use. 

DATES: Saturday 23 June 




EMAIL: jchan@yprl.vic.gov.au 

$ 

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Keelbundoora Scarred Tree & 

Heritage Trail – Guided Tour 


Supported by Ngarara Willum & RMIT Koorie Art Unit 

In acknowledgement of NAIDOC week, the City of Whittlesea 

is offering an opportunity to participate in a guided tour of 

the Keelbundoora Scarred Trees and Heritage Trail at RMIT 

University Bundoora campus.The university is home to six 

scarred trees which form part of the trail and is a creative 

interpretation of the resource harvesting techniques practiced 

by generations of Aboriginal people. Join Bruce Partland of 

the RMIT Conservation & Land Management Program, for an 

insightful tour on the development of the trail and on Aboriginal 

cultural land management. A light lunch will be served at the 

conclusion of the tour. 

DID YOU KNOW? NAIDOC originally stood for ‘National Aborigines and 

Islanders Day Observance Committee’. This committee was once responsible for 

organising national activities during NAIDOC Week and its acronym has since 

become the name of the week itself. For more information about NAIDOC and 

events visit: www.naidoc.org.au 

DATES: Wednesday 4 July 

TIME: 10am – 1pm 

COST: Free event 

LOCATION: RMIT Bundoora campus. Plenty 

Rd, Bundoora. Follow the signs 

to the car park next to the lake. 

(Melway 10 A8) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Book online 

at www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au 


page or 

PHONE 9217 2377 


$ 

Photo courtesy of Bruce Partland

Family History Research Day 



Researching your family history is an increasingly popular 

and rewarding past time. Are you a confident researcher with 

computer skills who just needs some time to get stuck into that 

family line? Enjoy a free after-hours event just for genealogists. 

Access to databases including Ancestry, and ‘Times Digital 

Archives’, historical indexes and more will be provided. This is a 

great opportunity to network with other researchers. Limited staff 

assistance will be available. Places limited. Lunch provided. 

DATES: Thursday 31 July and Tuesday 9 October 


LOCATION: Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Rd, Mill Park (Melway 10 C2) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings Essential.Places limited. 

www.yprl.vic.gov.au or Mill Park Library 9437 8189 

EMAIL: localhistorygene@yprl.vic.gov.au 

$ 

Starting Your Family History 



It is National Family History Week. Family history can be a rich 

and rewarding hobby – and there’s no better time to get started. 

Did you know that Yarra Plenty Regional Library has resources 

to assist your family history research such as free access to 

online databases such as Ancestry.com? Family and local history 

librarian Liz Pidgeon will lead this session and provide tips and 

hints to get you started on your research journey. 

DATES: Thursday 2 August 

TIME: 1 – 2pm 

COST: Free event 

LOCATION: 394 Plenty Rd, Mill Park (Melway 10 C2) 


$ 

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La Festa di San Donato 

PRESENTED BY THE SAN DONATO FESTA COMMITTEE 

Supported by City of Whittlesea 

San Donato was a medieval saint, famed for performing 

miracles; such as bringing a woman back to life, giving sight to 

the blind and killing dragons. In Italy La festa di San Donato 

celebrates the anniversary of the death of this saint through 

the parading of effigies through the streets. 

In maintaining with tradition, the San Donato Association 

of Lalor continues to celebrate with a mass and a colourful 

procession around St Lukes Church, followed by opera 

performances from Banda Bellini in the Church Hall. 

Refreshments will be served in the hall following celebrations. 

DID YOU KNOW? The relics of San Donato and those of an alleged dragon 

killed by the saint were brought to the Church of Santa Maria e San Donato on 

the island of Murano, near Venice in 1125. 

DATES: Sunday 5 August 

TIME: 1.30 – 6pm 


LOCATION: St Luke’s Church, 1A David St, 


CONTACT: Donato Polvere 

PHONE: 9466 1177 


$

Wikinorthia: Documenting life 

in Melbourne’s North 

PRESENTED BY YARRA PLENTY 

REGIONAL LIBRARY 

Do you remember the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games? Picnics 

at Yan Yean? Dances at Heidelberg Town Hall? Did you work in 

a local factory? What are your memories of the City of Whittlesea 

and bringing up a family in the outer suburbs? You can share your 

story on the Wikinorthia: Documenting life in Melbourne’s North 

website, a free, online encyclopedia. Local and family history 

librarian, Liz Pidgeon will provide a tour of the website and show 

you how you can easily add your own story, and help to build a 

picture of life in Melbourne’s northern suburbs. 

DID YOU KNOW? Trove is an innovative, free, online search engine developed 

by the National Library of Australia, where it is possible to find all kinds of 

information on Australia and Australians. Some of the features of Trove 

are: digitised Australian newspapers from 1803 – 1954; “The Australian 

Women’s Weekly” online to 1982; journals, articles, books, pictures, photos, 

objects, music, sound and video, maps, diaries, letters, archives, websites and 

much more. Visit: trove.nla.gov.au 

DATES: Tuesday 7 August 

TIME: 1.30pm – 2.30pm 


LOCATION: Lalor Library, May Road, Lalor 

(Melway Ref 8 K6) 

BOOKINGS: www.yprl.vic.gov.au or call 

Lalor Library 9437 8189 


$ 

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Wominjeka! Conversations 

with the Wurundjeri People 

PRESENTED BY CITY OF WHITTLESEA & 

WURUNDJERI LAND COUNCIL 

In observing the United Nation’s International Day of World 

Indigenous People, the City of Whittlesea extend an invitation 

to the community to participate in a cultural experience to learn 

about the unique history, dreaming and creation stories of the 

Wurundjeri people. Join Wurundjeri Elder Bill Nicholson, who 

will provide insight into traditional cultural practices through 

a moving experience that will broaden awareness about the 

local Aboriginal people. There will be an opportunity to share 

stories over a yarn and a cuppa and participate in a range of 

cultural activities on the day. Essential: warm clothing, a sense 

of spirit and an open heart to conciliation. 

DID YOU KNOW? The International Day of World’s Indigenous People is 

celebrated on 9 August each year and was first proclaimed by the United 

Nation’s General Assembly in December 1994. It is a day to recognise the plight 

of Indigenous people and strengthen international cooperation for solving 

problems faced by Indigenous people in areas such as culture, economic and 

social development, education and human rights. 

DATES: Thursday 9 August 


LOCATION: Nioka Bush Camp, 5 Gordons Rd, South 

Morang (Melway 183 H8) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Book online at 


links to the events page or 

PHONE: 9217 2377 


$

The Way We Were 

PRESENTED BY PLENTY VALLEY ARTS & 

WHITTLESEA HISTORICAL SOCIETY 

Experience Le Page homestead life as it was in bygone days, with 

demonstrations of traditional home crafts, an exhibition of historic 

photographs, displays of vintage farming implements and agricultural 

machinery, and traditional games for children. There’s something for 

everyone - a day for the whole family to enjoy! Sausage sizzle and 

devonshire tea will be available for purchase on the day. 

DATES: Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 September 

TIME: 10am - 4pm each day 


LOCATION: Le Page Homestead, Hawkstowe Picnic 

Area Plenty Gorge Park, Gordons Rd, 

South Morang (Melway 183 H8) 

EMAIL: thelart@wideband.net.au 

$ 

Food Fest at Whittlesea Libraries 

Celebrating cultural diversity in our community, Whittlesea Libraries 

are bringing the flavours of the world to you with a series of 

multicultural cooking demonstrations. Learn about cherished family 

recipes, secret ingredients and tantalise your taste-buds while sharing 

stories and learning more about the role food can play in helping 

people in a strange land retain their traditional cultural practices. 

DATES: Thursday 6 September - Lalor 

Wednesday 12 September - Mill Park 

Monday 17 September - Thomastown 

TIME: 6.30- 8pm 

COST: Free. Bookings essential. 

LOCATION: Lalor Library, 2A May Rd, Lalor (Melway 8 K6). 

Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Rd, Mill Park 

(Melway 10 C2).Thomastown Library, 52 Main St, 

Thomastown (Melway 8 G7) 

CONTACT: For bookings and further information 

please contact the libraries: 

PHONE: Lalor Library 9465 2353, Mill Park Library 

9437 8189, Thomastown Library 9464 1864 

$ 



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Restoring Family Photos at Mill 

Park Library 



Carol Heath from ‘Pixel by Pixel’ will demonstrate how to 

preserve, restore and organise family heritage photos and 

documents digitally. Bring one photo for Carol’s expert appraisal. 

DATES: Thursday 8 September 

TIME: 1 – 3.30pm 




BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. Places limited. 

Book online at www.yprl.vic.gov.au or 

PHONE: Mill Park Library 9437 8189 


Dreaming 


An annual exhibition of original artworks created by people living 

in or connected to communities within the City of Whittlesea.This 

year’s theme, ‘Dreaming’ can be interpreted in many ways ranging 

from cultural references to Indigenous traditions; through artists’ 

desires, hopes and plans for their future; to the more literal meaning of 

images that course through our sleeping hours. The exhibition invites 

contributions from people of all ages, abilities and cultural backgrounds 

and supports the participation of people with special needs. 

DATES: 13 -28 September 

TIME: 11am - 4pm daily 


LOCATION: The Great Hall, City of 

Whittlesea Offices, 25 Ferres 

Blvd, South Morang (Melway 183 A10) 

CONTACT: Cultural Collection Coordinator 

9217 2143 Community Development 

Theatre Coordinator 9217 2291 


$ 

$ 

‘The Long Dry’ by Liz Walker

Nostalgia Viganó: 

Collecting Memories 

PRESENTED BY FRIENDS OF FARM VIGANO 

Set in the beautiful valley of the Plenty Gorge, Farm Viganó was 

once a vibrant culinary and cultural precinct. The surrounding 

farmland supplied fresh produce to the famous Mario’s restaurant 

in the city, reaching its height of success during the ‘50s and ‘60s. 

In recent years, Farm Viganó has been restored to its former 

glory as a community and cultural hub. You are invited to join with 

Friends of Farm Viganó in celebrating the launch of Nostalgia 

Viganó: Collecting Memories digital stories project. This multimedia 

presentation of personal stories featuring historical accounts of 

artists who painted on site, early Italian immigrants who tended 

the vegetable gardens and the families who raised their children 

overlooking the bend in the Plenty River at Farm Viganó is an 

event not to be missed. The digital stories will complement the 

self- guided trail of interpretive panels which provide historical 

information about the site. 

DID YOU KNOW? Guy Grossi, one of Melbourne’s most prominent 

restaurateurs, has a connection to the farm? His father Pietro Grossi migrated to 

Australia in 1960 when he was recruited by Mario Viganó to become a chef at his 

famous ‘Mario’s’ restaurant in Exhibition Street, Melbourne. 

DATES: Sunday 16 September 

TIME: 2 - 4pm 

COST: Free 

LOCATION: Farm Viganó Cultural and 

Community Centre, 10 Bushmans 

Way, South Morang (Melway 183 J9) 

BOOKINGS: Book online at 

www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au and 


PHONE: 9217 2377 


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La Festa di San Padre Pio 

PRESENTED BY THE SAN PADRE PIO COMMITTEE 

Padre Pio is a venerated saint in the Catholic Church and the 

anniversary of his death in 1968 is celebrated all over the world. 

The Padre Pio committee invites everyone to come and celebrate 

‘La Festa di San Padre Pio’ with a mass followed by a procession 

around St Lukes church grounds. Celebrations will continue with 

cultural performances. Refreshments will be served in the church hall. 

DATES: Sunday 23 September 

TIME: 1.30 – 6.30pm 


LOCATION: St Luke’s Church, 1A David 

Street, Lalor (Melway 8 K5) 

CONTACT: Diodoro Ferraro 9466 3109 

PHONE: 9466 3109 


$ 

The Good Old Days 

PRESENTED BY THE PLENTY VALLEY ARTS 

Artists from Plenty Valley Arts showcase their skills in all forms 

and mediums in their annual art exhibition and sale. This is a 

great opportunity to see the work of local artistic talent. Come 

along and reminisce about the good old days and support the 

art scene in Whittlesea. 

DATES: 5 October – 18 November 

TIME: Open Saturdays and Sundays 

1 - 4pm. Other times by appointment 


LOCATION: Le Page Homestead, Gordons Rd, 

South Morang (Melway 183 H8) 

CONTACT: Bev Shearer 

PHONE: 0427 506 239 


$

Heritage Bicycle Tour 

PRESENTED BY WHITTLESEA BICYCLE 

USERS GROUP INC. 

Cycle through history and into the present on your modern 

penny farthing and learn about the fascinating history and 

heritage that exists in this municipality. Focussing on the 

Thomastown, Lalor and Epping precincts, discover the rich 

indigenous heritage embedded within the landscape; the links 

between the suburb of Lalor and the Eureka Stockade; explore 

the early German settlement of Westgarthtown and the stories 

behind the graves that have given Epping Cemetery national 

heritage significance. Approximately 24 kilometres will be 

covered on the day. Morning tea and a light lunch will be 

provided. Moderate fitness and adequate riding attire required. 

DID YOU KNOW? The Whittlesea Bicycle Users Group (WhittBUG)has 

been established since 2010 and advocates for better cycling facilities and 

making cycling accessible to the community by organising group rides 

within the municipality. 

DATES: Sunday 7 October 


LOCATION: Tour Departs from Car park in front 

of the Municipal Offices, Ferris Blvd, 

South Morang (Melway 183 A10) 

BOOKINGS: Free. Bookings essential. Places 

limited. Book online at 


links to the events page or 

PHONE 9217 2377 


$ 

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Diwali Celebrations 

Diwali, or the ‘festival of lights’ is one of the most important 

cultural celebrations in Indian culture. It is celebrated over five 

days, and begins on the one new moon night (Amavasya) 

between mid-October and mid-November. Come along 

to our celebration, which will include live performances of 

Indian music and dance. Take part in workshops in henna 

hand painting and creating your very own Rangoli, an artistic 

creation to welcome good luck into your home during the 

coming year. Bookings are required for the henna session and 

the Rangoli workshop. 

DID YOU KNOW? Rangoli are decorative designs made on floors of living 

rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals and are meant as sacred 

welcoming areas for the Hindu deities. The ancient symbols have been passed 

on through the ages, from each generation to the next, thus keeping both 

the art form and the tradition alive. The patterns are typically created with 

materials, including colored rice, dry flour, (coloured) sand or even flower petals. 

DATES: Thursday 8 November 

TIME: 6.30 - 8.30pm 


LOCATION: Lalor Library, 2A May Rd, 


BOOKINGS: www.yprl.vic.gov.au or call 

PHONE: Lalor Library 9437 8189 

EMAIL: khurley@yprl.vic.gov.au 

$ 


REGIONAL LIBRARY

Mernda Bakery at 

Mill Park Library 



Originally built in 1892, this small boutique bakery in Mernda 

was reopened in May 2010 by Jonathan Hicks and Sue 

Ferguson. The business is now producing good oldfashioned, 

homemade pies and pastries, cakes and sweets 

and specialises in producing a small range of sourdough 

breads, all cooked in the wood fired Scotch oven. 

Hear about Jonathan and Sue’s journey to breathe new life 

into this delightful café and its 19th century setting. 

DID YOU KNOW? The bakery was built in the early 1890’s by Charles and 

Stephenson Turner, two brothers who moved from Preston to Mernda to bake 

and supply bread to the Little Plenty River Flour Mills and the surrounding 

district. The business delivered bread to homes daily in Yan Yean, South 

Morang and as far north as Whittlesea. 

DATES: Wednesday 14 November 

TIME: 7 - 8pm 

COST: Free 

LOCATION: Mill Park Library, 394 Plenty Rd 

(Melway 10 C2) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. 

Book online at www.yprl.vic.gov.au 

PHONE 9437 8189 


$ 

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Ziebell Farmhouse Heritage 

Garden Open Weekend 

PRESENTED BY FRIENDS OF WESTGARTHTOWN INC. 

AND AUSTRALIA’S OPEN GARDEN SCHEME 

Supported by City of Whittlesea 

The Ziebell Farmhouse has historic gardens remain today much as 

they were in the mid 1850’s. The garden provides tangible evidence of 

beauty and culture which endured at Westgarthtown and a rich insight 

into the lives of the owners Christian and Sophia Ziebell, who arrived 

in Australia in 1850. Surrounded by a hostile environment, the Ziebells 

created a haven for themselves and their family by building a beautiful 

bluestone homestead. Their simple European flower garden added an 

unmistakable beauty to the dream of settlement in a new country. You 

are invited for a leisurely stroll to experience the garden in full bloom 

and learn about the fascinating history of the homestead and the 

family which have built and preserved this historic landmark. Tea and 

coffee will be provided. 

DID YOU KNOW? Christian Ziebell returned to Germany in 1856 to acquire 

seeds, plants, cuttings and trees, as well as tools, furniture and other items 

needed in the new settlement. It is believed these plants may have been 

imported in Wardian cases, miniature glasshouses which enabled the 

transportation of live plants on decks of ships as they traversed the globe. 

DATES: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 November 

TIME: 10am – 4.30pm 

COST: $7 per person, payable at the gate 

LOCATION: Ziebell Farmhouse, Corner Gardenia 

Rd and Ainwick Cres, Thomastown 

(Melway 8 H5) 

CONTACT: Westgarthtown Co-ordinator 

PHONE: 9717 3559 

EMAIL: enquiries@westgarthtown.org.au

Whittlesea Township Heritage 

Walk - A Puzzling Journey 


HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC. 

Quench your thirst for knowledge by taking part in this 

informative self-guided walk and unearthing fascinating 

historical facts about the township of Whittlesea. Participants 

will be provided with a guide containing information and clues 

to assist on a journey of discovery. Done at a leisurely pace, 

you will be set on a path of fact finding while completing a 

series of quiz questions and puzzles. Upon completion, submit 

your answer sheet to be in the running for a great prize! 

Afternoon tea will be served upon return at the Whittlesea 

Courthouse Visitor Information Centre where a display of 

historic photographs of Whittlesea township and other heritage 

attractions will available for viewing. 

DID YOU KNOW? In 1881, one of the recommendations that a specially 

appointed board of inquiry had put to the Victorian Government was 

that it should purchase (if necessary by compulsory acquisition), the 

Whittlesea township, and then allow for its gradual extinction. Complete 

the quiz to find out why! 

DATES: Sunday 25 November 

TIME: 1- 4pm 

LOCATION: Walk begins at the Whittlesea 

Courthouse Visitor Information 

Centre, corner Beech & Church 

Steets,Whittlesea. (Melway 246 G8) 

BOOKINGS: Bookings essential. 

Book online at 


and follow links to the events page or 

PHONE 9217 2377 


$ Image supplied courtesy of Bruce 

Battern, Whittlesea Historical 

Society. 

35

2012 Cultural Heritage Program - City of Whittlesea

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