Wandong History Group

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Registered Office: Affleck Street, Wandong, 3758

Telephone: 57871 314

Inaugural office bearers 2012/2013:

President - Karen Christensen

Vice President - David Moran

Secretary - Diana Vidal

Treasurer - Sandra Moran

The Wandong History Group was formed to collate, catalogue and preserve the past history of Wandong and Heathcote Junction for the benefit of future generations.

HISTORY

The Wandong History Group (WHG) evolved when a group of local residents recognised that before it was too late, there was the urgent need to collate, catalogue and preserve the past history of Wandong and Heathcote Junction for the benefit of future generations. Wandong - Heathcote Junction has a unique and interesting settlement and social history that included one of Victoria's largest timber and seasoning operations. Wandong was a hive of activity during the mid-1880s with tramways, a seasoning works, joinery and terra cotta lumber plant, as well as a coffee palace and boarding house, all built around a privately created subdivision owned by Robert Affleck Robertson. The Mt. Disappointment area was also home to prisoners of war who worked in forest camps during World War II. Wandong also laid claim to initiating the first Country Music Festival during the 1970s. Wandong and Heathcote Junction have many unexplored stories yet to be told

The WHG held its first formal meeting on 26 September 2012 when office bearers were elected and at a subsequent meeting it was unanimously decided to apply to be an Incorporated Group. The WHG is a not for profit group and any membership fees, donations, fund raising money will be put toward the collation, cataloguing and preserving our history.

The Wandong History Group has elected to adopt the Model Rules for an Incorporated Association [Associations Incorporation Act 1981]

MEMBERSHIP

Membership fees will be set at Annual General Meetings. Financial members are encouraged to participate in Group activities and in discussion at monthly meetings.

OPERATION

The Wandong History Group initially aims to collate, record and store information on the history of Wandong - Heathcote Junction. It is intended to meet monthly and all residents interested in the great history of our towns would be most welcome to participate.

The Group will meet regularly and consensus decision making will be adopted. Regular history presentations will be conducted for the benefit of residents and visitors.

Committee members for 2014- 2015 are:

President: Karen Christensen

Vice President: David Moran

Secretary: Di Vidal

Treasurer: Sandra Moran

Membership fees were set at $10 single and family $15

HISTORY BULLETINS - follow the links

DECEMBER 2018

HISTORY GROUP

Another busy year for the History Group, with our two major events being the “Walk through the Wars” exhibition in April and our Open Day in October with the “Sawmilling History of Mt Disappointment”. Both displays were successful and well attended. It's pleasing to know our efforts are appreciated and makes us more deter-mined to continue showcasing the valuable history our town offers. A big thank you to Karen who has worked tirelessly researching all the soldiers profiles for the articles submitted in the North Central Review, “Lest We Forget” series. The Public Record Office has recognised these contributions with an award. How very deserving.

Throughout the year the Wandong Pharmacy and Kemps Bakery have allowed us to leave collection tins for our save the Church Fund. A big thanks to everyone who donates their change, this assists in the preservation on St Michael's Church, now home of the History Group. The Group was successful obtaining a grant from Heritage Victoria to establish the structural state of the building. The next step is preparing another application for a grant to complete the restoration. This building is the only one in our town on the heritage register.

For anybody wanting to purchase any of our books as a gift for Christmas they are available at the Wandong Post Office or contact the History Group.

One of our precious members Gwen McIntosh hasn't been keeping very good health this year, but I can report she is now home from hospital and on the mend. Gwen would like to thank all the people who sent cards and get well wishes wishing her a speedy recovery.

I would like to thank our members and readers for your support throughout the year and wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and be safe over the festive season.

Until Next Year

Di Vidal

Secretary

Contact: 57871 314 wandonghistorygroup4gmail.com

MARK THESE DATES IN YOUR DIARIES:

SUNDAY MARCH 23rd The Back to Wandong Annual Luncheon next year is at the Australiana Restaurant. Anybody interested in attending is most welcome. More details in February What‟s News.

JANUARY 27th Sausage Sizzle at BUNNINGS CRAIGIEBURN

Attention, Businesses and Local groups

The Wandong History Group is putting together a pack of local information to help both new and old residents learn a little about our history and what services, businesses and groups operate in the area. If your business or group would like to be involved with this please contact the Wandong History Group via email wandonghistorygroup4@gmail.com or phone 57871314