Articles tagged: History
Shipwreck, settlers and famous shore
What began as a book capturing a family’s historical tale is now a novel bringing light to a notorious Moonlight Head shipwreck.
Battalion hopes to shed light on life
A memorial stone has been found at Alvie, but there’s still vital information missing.
Historic Apollo Bay landmark restored
Apollo Bay and Marengo historians’ prayers have been answered with an iconic beacon reinstated after the 160-year-old pillar was removed five years ago.
Archives reveal Colac businesswomen
A Colac law firm’s archives have revealed the reality of how women dealt with money in the early twentieth century, and now a researcher is calling on the community to share their family memories of the time.
Warncoort life shaped Wendy
Wendy Harmer has spent decades as a renowned Australian author, comedian, radio presenter and television personality–but memories of her formative years living in the Colac district have never left her.
Lively doctor made an impact
The sudden death of Dr Joseph Gillis Wynne on May 21, 1915, shocked Colac.
Historians celebrate milestone
The Colac and District Family History Group has marked 10 years of a unique project.
Olympian to speak at riding luncheon
An equestrian legend is set to come to Colac to share his life experiences.
Project puts new shine in first pumper
A piece of Colac’s firefighting history is set to be restored and showcased.
Project continues to unearth history
Dedicated volunteer researchers have pieced together the century-old stories of more than 1000 burials at the Colac cemetery.
Tragedy, tenacity of Harris family
Charles Harris and Amelia Gumbly emigrated from Birmingham with their five children aboard the Crusader in May 1870.
Project preserves history
While Colac and District History Group members love to look back in time, they will have their sights set on the future as they tackle a new project.
Pioneer woman’s legacy of strength
By The Colac and District Family History Group Catherine (Powell) Ah Yee was born in Colac in 1859. She grew up in the rolling hills of Barongarook in 19th-century Victoria and was resilient, hardworking and fiercely committed to her family and community. Long before her marriage, Catherine endured the rugged realities of pioneer life. She […]
Historians in debt to Mr Hebb
Isaac Hebb was a multi-talented bootmaker, photographer and correspondent who was responsible for recording much of Colac’s early history.
Retired Colac butchers reminisce
A fascination with Colac and a desire to learn more about his family history, author and researcher Alan Doyle has been mapping the history of Colac district butchers.
Iconic arcade hits the market
An iconic piece of Colac’s history in Murray Street is up for sale.
Cressy railway’s fascinating story
Local author and historian Norman Houghton has produced a new book about a historic railway line that linked the northern parts of the Colac Otway Shire.
Wartime onion factory demolition proposed
A historic but dilapidated former onion-drying factory in Colac West could be demolished over safety concerns.
Remembering Alvie’s former railway link, a century on
Alvie’s historic former railway line will mark a century since its first opening on Friday.
Shipwreck memories linger a century on
Apollo Bay has this week marked the centenary of a shipwreck and rescue near the town.
Cliffy’s inspirational story spread far and wide
Artifacts from Cliff Young's collection have made their way to the Otways for the 40th anniversary of his historic ultramarathon win.
National day’s change of date
We might associate Australia Day with hot weather, being in the middle of summer. But Colac has previously celebrated Australia Day in the depths of winter.
Loch Ard relics return to Port
The Port Campbell community has received a gift of precious items that survived the Loch Ard shipwreck 144 years ago.
Opening a window on croquet’s history
Colac’s Mallet Sports Club has prepared a window display to celebrate a hundred years of croquet in Colac.
