A story about Australia’s first irrigation channel (at Murchison, by the way) might bring back recollections of a grandfather who worked there; a story on the monkey house in Queen’s Gardens could prompt thoughts of childhood visits; a story on the once thriving Miepoll Football Club might recreate days of sporting prowess in one’s mind’s eye.
There is so much we keep at the back of our heads — and this sleeping library only gets larger, the older we get — so it is surely a delight to be reminded of something we thought we had forgotten. A dusting off of the old tome, if you like. A chance to crack the spine and immerse ourselves in the pages of our own lives.
One press release that slid into my inbox a few weeks ago caught my eye, so I interviewed Campaspe Shire Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates about it. Campaspe Shire Council has produced a new, natty map showing a local history trail, with 21 interesting sites and places you can visit to learn more about the region as a visitor or, better still, to discover what you might not have known was in your own backyard.
We all know about the Port of Echuca with its glorious paddle steamers, of course, but what about the Rochester Sports Museum, the Whroo and Balaclava Mine or the Gunbower Heritage Trail?
What a great idea for families to head out armed with maps to explore local history; what a great idea for school excursions too. There’s a tendency to think we must head off to Melbourne or Canberra for history lessons but perhaps these lessons should start at home. As Campaspe’s history map rightly points out, its region is steeped in First Nations history and home to the Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta peoples, so there’s the starting point.
I did not know Greater Shepparton had a history and heritage trail, but apparently it does, highlighting attractions including memorials and buildings of significance. Perhaps it is time to refresh and relaunch it. Surely such initiatives contribute towards preservation of important sites.
As do the efforts of enthusiasts such as John Gribben. A playlist of John’s local history podcasts is here: https://bit.ly/3PTjT8Y
Terri Cowley is the breakfast presenter on One FM 98.5
