living history
PAST & PRESENT
the EARLY YEARS
PASSION & RESEARCH
Girgarre Living History was formed in 2001 when a group of passionate local residents began to research present and former families of Girgarre. In the early years most of the workload was shouldered by Carol Ohlin with assistance from Rob Axen.
Families were interviewed, precious photographs were copied and information relating to Girgarre was collected. It was envisaged that the family stories be incorporated in a publication depicting the history of Girgarre including closer and soldier settlement.
Much research was undertaken by Athol McDonald regarding Girgarre’s history and Girgarre Living History members assisted on visits to the Public Record Office Victoria to view and photograph closer and soldier settlers’ files. In all, 3800 photographs were taken.
The group had hoped to have the book completed to mark the centenary of closer settlement blocks being offered for sale at Girgarre. However it was 101 years after that date when the book Girgarre was launched on November 12, 2016. At that time members of Girgarre Living History were Rob Axen, John Crilly, Athol McDonald, Jan Smith, Robyna Varcoe and Jenny Wadelton.
the BOOK
THE GIRGARE LIVING HISTORY PROJECT
The history of Girgarre is wrapped up in a hard cover at last!
The 15-year book project on Girgarre ~ its history, closer and soldier settlement and family stories has finally come to fruition. The 250 pages contain details of local history, family stories and details of settlement before and after the first World War.
As noted above, the family stories in the main have been submitted by current and former residents, but the Closer and Soldier Settlement section of the book involved lengthy and detailed research through many avenues including the Public Records Office of Victoria.
Girgarre and Stanhope were in the main settled by returning World War I soldiers, Australian and Allies and the book details their names, allotment numbers, service records and the trials they had to face working on the land. Also included are historical topics, such as the Coming of the Railway to Girgarre.
One of the chief compilers, Athol McDonald said the book has been something the community has been wanting to do for some time and the book has been well received by the whole community. ‘‘Everyone is quite proud of what we have put together and have enjoyed reading it,’’ Mr McDonald said.
Copies of 'Girgarre' are available for $30.00AU.
To order your copy please contact:
Athol McDonald in Girgarre
+613 5854 6324
the MILESTONES
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
We invite people who have not contributed their family stories and wish to do so, to contact us. Photographs and information relating to Girgarre are always welcomed. A storage and display area has been constructed in a small room at the Memorial Hall, so anything received by the group can be archived there. Rob Axen has done a great job sourcing signs from Girgarre’s past and he has affixed these to the walls of the room.
The Girgarre RSL has organised the printing of three soldier settlement information panels which have been erected in the rail trail area.
CENTENARIES
The Girgarre Primary School. On November 4, 2018, it was 100 years since the first teacher began duty at the school.
The Girgarre Cricket Club and the Girgarre Football Netball Club are both over 100 years old, as is the Girgarre Memorial Hall
The Girgarre sub-branch of The Returned Sailors’ and Soldiers’ Imperial League of Australia (RSSILA), now known as the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL), was formed in 1920.
