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Historic Lake Bolac

Phone: +61 3 5350 2204

Address: 2110 Glenelg Highway 3351 Lake Bolac, VIC, Australia

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25.01.2022 M c M a s t e r s S t o r e Laurie McMurray has shared some Bolac High School photos on the Willaura Facebook page over the past few days. This first photo shows former teacher Joe Skehan at the High School in 1959 or 60. It is a great photo of Joe but what caught the eye of this historian is what is featured in the background of the photo. At back left can be seen the back of the bluestone St Bernards Catholic Church in the pine trees. It opened in 1875 and was demo...lished in 1963. We have a number of photos of the church including the one featured here. At back right in the distance is the old bluestone store which was owned by John McMaster and built in 1870. It was located in the north-west corner of the block across the road from the present Catholic Church. This is the first photo we have seen of this building. After being used as a store the building became a private residence and was also demolished in 1963. Perhaps one day a much better photo of the store will turn up. Heres hoping! So, this wonderful photo of Mr Skehan accidentally captured an early part of Bolacs history. Thanks Laurie. See more

25.01.2022 D i s t r i c t S c h o o l s S p o r t s The Lake Bolac and District Schools Sports Association conducted their first meeting at the Westmere Recreation Reserve in 1934. Participating schools were Lake Bolac, Westmere, Streatham, Mininera, Mininera East, Tatyoon and Carranballac. The sports were then known as the Westmere Combined Sports. By 1940 Nerrin Nerrin school had joined the Association and with Bolac being the largest school it entered two teams, Bolac A... and Bolac B. The first photo shows Bolac students David Drever, Don Pedder and Ian Veale all ready for action on sports day. Year ?. Photo courtesy of Desma Meek. By the 1960s the sports were being held at the Mininera oval. When the shift from Westmere to Mininera was made I am not sure. They then became known as the Mininera Sports. The L.B.D.S.S.A. had greatly expanded by this time. As well as the previously mentioned schools Glenthompson, Wickliffe, Willaura, Rossbridge, Maroona, Yalla-Y-Poora, Jacksons Creek, Skipton and Vite Vite North were also participating. They had become big events! For example in 1964 800 children participated with the schools divided into Divisions A, B and C depending on school size. 700 children participated in 1973. The sports were eagerly anticipated and highly competitive with the day beginning with a school march past. In the lead up to the sports I well remember spending many hours marching around the asphalt area at the old Bolac Primary School with marching music blaring over the loud speaker. The teachers would try their level best to instill some discipline and a degree of uniformity into our marching as there was prestige associated with winning the marching competition at the Mininera Sports. The second photo was sent last week by Bea Lipson and it prompted this post. It shows the Bolac team at Mininera in the mid to late 1960s. Recognise anyone? The well dressed teacher on the right of the team I believe is Peter Shearer. It must have been a logistical nightmare organising and conducting the sports so hats off to the teachers and parents across the decades who were involved. It is sad to think that of all the schools once involved only Bolac, Willaura, Maroona and Skipton still have their schools operating. What are your memories of the District Schools Sports? See more

24.01.2022 The new cover photo shows Bert (J. K.) Moreton with his wagon loaded with wheat at Bellevue, Lake Bolac c1920s. Photo courtesy of Susan Clarke.

24.01.2022 M u s i c C l u b M e m o r i e s The Lake Bolac Music Club was established 70 years ago. Edith Atkinson has had a long association with the Club and has provided some of her memories as Guest Author today. 'Looking back over 150 years ago through various local historical documents it would seem that Lake Bolac people have always loved to entertain themselves. Concerts featured local variety artists and visiting troupes. Picture shows and photography which were new t...Continue reading

24.01.2022 B o l a c s P o s s i b l e C o n n e c t i o n W i t h A l C a p o n e ? Well, the things that turn up when you start digging into history! Following our post last Sunday on the former Lake Bolac Bakery the Society was contacted again this week by John Baglin with a follow-up story relating to the Sproull Family bakers van.... John believes he has located the old van and that it may once have been owned by the famous American gangster, Al Capone. Here is some of what John wrote. Did my mum and my grandfather drive Al Capones van? I am house sitting on a wheat and sheep farm about 25 kilometres from Lake Bolac where my grandfather owned the bakery during World War Two. On the farm here is the pictured van. It was bought at auction a few years back where the auctioneer declared that the van had previously belonged to the Chicago gangster, Al Capone! Supposedly they had documentation to prove this and who wouldnt believe a salesman? I decided to check a little closer. Yes, the compliance plate says made in Chicago USA and I can see where it was converted from left hand drive to right. The story goes that Al, looking to the future, bought the van while he was residing in Alcatraz. The story is a bit sketchy about how it might have found its way to Lake Bolac but as the salesman assures us, they traced the numbers on the compliance plate. It is all legit! So why would I think it could have belonged to my grandfather? Well, as I mentioned the farm is not far from Lake Bolac and curiosity took hold. I happen to have a pic of my grandfathers van (following). It looks very similar. I contacted mum to see if she knew anything of the van. Mum could not remember the make (International 1934) but said the van was green. The interior of the van section was lined with galvanised iron, riveted and soldered as one might for a food van. The brand on the sheet metal indicates it was done here in Australia. The join line on the bodywork is in the same position. Could it be? Mum and her younger brother Andy delivered bread to homes and the local mansions that dot the area. I will always wonder, but probably never know for sure, if pop bought Als van but it is a great possible story! Thanks to John for sending us the story and photos.

23.01.2022 P e r r y s B a k e r y No review of the former bakery could be complete without a mention of the Perry family - possibly the best remembered and the last family to own and operate the business. Thanks to Melissa Perry for posting this photo yesterday. It shows Mick, Shaun and Kevin (Joe ) Perry outside the bakehouse in 1971.... Mick and Myrtle Perry purchased the bakery from the Fell family in 1959. Initially bread was sold through a window in a small room on the left side of the building. This was later renovated and a larger shop opened and operated as a milk bar and bakery. Bread was delivered around the district by employees including Alan Wordly and Noel Fromager. Others? As we try to build a written record of the bakery there are lots of gaps in our knowledge. Hopefully you can help fill in some. Families associated with the bakery include the Burnell family during the 1930s, the Sproull family during World War 2, the Illingworth family in 1954 followed by the the Fell family until 1959. Ownership between 1945 and 1954 is still uncertain although we believe the Steele Family ran the business possibly during part or all of this time. It is possible that when they left Bolac they went on to run a bakery in Mortlake? The bakery finally closed its doors in 1975. Any information or memories you can provide would be appreciated and added to our records. This is likely to be the final post about the former bakery which so many of us have great memories of. I guess to some extent we took it for granted back then that the bakery would always be part of the community, but now we have been without one for 45 years.

22.01.2022 O l l i e M a t h e r s o n a n d 3 B , 1 9 7 0 Today's Lake Bolac High School photo from 50 years ago features Form 3B and teacher Mrs Ollie Matherson. The Lake Bolac Community were saddened to hear of Mrs Matherson's passing during last week. Ollie and her husband Kevin were the Lake Bolac Hotel publicans from 1954 to 1959. After leaving the hotel they purchased a local property.... Ollie had a long association with the High School both as a teacher (1967 - 1987) and as a parent. She was also actively involved with the Lake Bolac community. No doubt many 'followers' of this page remember Mrs Matherson from their High School days. Feel free to share memories with us. Vale Ollie Matherson. See more

21.01.2022 1 9 5 0 P r e m i e r s h i p T e a m There will be no local senior football action this season thanks to COVID-19 but this doesnt stop us having a look back at some of the successful teams of earlier times having anniversaries this year. We begin by going back 70 years to the Lake Bolac Premiership team of 1950. Lake Bolac 9.9 defeated Tatyoon 4.4 in the Grand Final at Willaura. In a fine individual performance seven of Bolacs nine goals were kicked by Eric Robert...son. It was also the last game of footy for local publican, Con Delaney, at the age of 42. This was Bolacs third premiership in a row and part of a golden era where the Club won seven flags in the space of ten years. There are many well-known Bolac footballing families represented in this team photo which came to us courtesy of George Murray. Back L - R: Arthur Veale, Roy Keilar, Eric Robertson, Alick Robertson, Matt Carland, Russell Park, Cecil Green, Max Anderson, Bert Gale, Con Delaney Front: Fred Drever, Ken McIntyre, Alistair Murray, Lindsay Robertson, Neil Robertson, Bill McMaster, Hal Witham, Ron McMaster See more

21.01.2022 W i l l a u r a L a k e B o l a c J o u r n a l 1 9 6 7 The first edition of the Willaura-Lake Bolac Journal was published on the 22nd of June, 1967. It was published weekly and served the districts of Willaura, Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Glenthompson, Dunkeld, Chatsworth, Westmere, Streatham, Nerrin Nerrin, Tatyoon and Mininera. However, it was short lived and only published in 1967. Why did it cease publication? Did the locals find the price of each copy (5 cents) t...oo dear? If they had charged 10 cents per copy might it have survived? Perhaps someone out there knows the answer? What a great record of the districts history it would have been if it had continued!! We were fortunate to have a complete set of the papers donated to us a few years back and they are safely stored away. This scanned copy of the first edition was sent to us by former Bolac resident Mark Symons. Thanks Mark for enabling us to share this with our page followers. A bit of light reading for you, especially those in Victoria enduring the ISO lockdown. See more

21.01.2022 J e a n H o w a r d T u r n s 1 0 0 Today is the 100th birthday of former Lake Bolac resident Mrs Jean Howard (nee Bassett). Thanks to Judy McCarthy for sending us this recent photo of Jean. Jean was born in Ballarat and grew up on her parents World War One Soldier Settlement farm on the Cowaugh Estate at Lake Bolac. Her father Alexander (Joe) Bassett took up his block in 1921. The property was located just south of the lake and was called Eloora. ... The second photo shows Jean on her horse at Eloora in the 1930s. Jean, her sister Kath and younger brother Alexander all attended the Lake Bolac State School. Sadly, Alexander died in 1945 at the age of 13. After leaving school Jean worked on the farm until in 1942, at the age of 22, she was asked by the local flax mill manager to fill in for a shift at the mill for a week. She went on to work there for the next 14 years. In the mid 1990s we carried out a videoed interview at Colac with Jean and the late Clive Edwards, a former manager of the flax mill. We had many laughs as Jean reminisced on some of the more amusing events during her time at the mill. She began working alongside the many local residents employed there and she saw the Land Army girls come and go during the war. She was witness to one of the most interesting periods in Bolacs history when migrant workers from 14 mainly Eastern European countries lived and worked at the mill after 1948. During these years Jean at times had to act as peacekeeper between some of the workers who harboured animosities towards each other and even had to fend off proposals of marriage! However, it wasnt all happy times for Jean. The family suffered a major setback in January, 1944 when the family home and farm were burnt out in a bush fire, which ironically began in the mill yard while Jean was at work. This fire went on to burn out a large area of the western district. Jean described her years at the mill as the toughest but best years of her life. The next photo shows Jean on a tractor at the mill. Jean later donated her mill photos to the Society many of which we shared on this page last year. The final photo shows the newly built home of the Bassett family at Eloora soon after the 1944 fire. In 1956 the family farm was sold and Jean and her parents chose Colac as their new home. Jean met her husband Ted Howard while working at the Colac flax mill. Sadly, Ted died ten years after they were married but she has stayed on in Colac and is now a resident of an Aged Care Facility there. Some of the information in this post was sourced from an article on Jean which features in todays edition of the Colac Herald. Mrs Howard is the second former resident of the town to celebrate their 100th birthday this year with Mrs Sloper having reached the milestone back in April. Congratulations and Happy Birthday Mrs Howard.

20.01.2022 1 9 6 2 H i g h S c h o o l F o o t b a l l T e a m Can anyone name the players in this photo of the Lake Bolac High School football team from 1962? Thanks to Karen McIntyre for posting this photo. Original photo courtesy of Laurence McMurray. Front John Moore, Jim McAndrew, Bernie Waixel 2nd Row Alan (Piedy) Blurton, Ian Veale, Russell Adams, Laurence McMurray, Doug Dalgleish... Back Ken Sloper, Greg Richie, Robert Wade, Kevin Perkins, Tim Nietschke, Noel Dunmill, Mr Gunston See more

19.01.2022 H a y M a k i n g A t W e s t m e r e With hay making season upon us it is a good time to look back at hay making from earlier times. These clear photographs are courtesy of J.K. Moreton and show hay making at Hugh O'Rorke's property at Westmere during World War 2. The information provided for each photo is as follows. Photo 1 - Theo Spinks cutting heavy oaten hay for Hugh O'Rorke adjacent to the Westmere railway line during W.W.2.... Photo 2 - Hugh O'Rorke pushing up into heaps ready for the Walker's press. Photo 3 and 4 - The side rake being used at Westmere in 1941. See more

19.01.2022 F o r m 6, 1 9 7 0 Today is the first of a couple of posts looking back at Lake Bolac High School photos from 50 years ago. This photo shows Form 6 in 1970. Many followers of this page will no doubt remember Ag Science teacher Mr Don Naeff. Mr Naeff had some Ag Science plots in the paddock north of the school near where the Kindergarten is located today.... Mr Naeff travelled from Ararat daily to teach at the school. In those times the vast majority of staff lived locally in Education Department housing, private boarding residences or in houses on local farms. Since then almost all Departmental housing has been sold into private ownership and boarding seems to be a thing of the past. Another teacher from that era, Mr Harry Hunter, was also ahead of his time as he travelled from Ballarat each day. See more

19.01.2022 B & S C o m m i t t e e U p g r a d e F a c i l i t i e s In 2007 the Lake Bolac B & S Ball Committee received funding from the Victorian Government to carry out a major upgrade of the picnic facilities at the Lions Park. The project involved renovating the bluestone shelter, removal of the original entrance gates, building picnic shelters and tables, installing electric BBQs and lighting, erecting shade sails and landscape works including artificial grass a...nd garden areas. The Committee provided $42,000 towards the project. The first two photos show works underway on the improvements while the third shows the area soon after completion. These photos are courtesy of the Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre. This project greatly enhanced the appeal of the Lions Park to both visitors and locals alike and is now a great asset to the community. Next time - we conclude our review of the playground history with a look at developments over the past decade.

19.01.2022 L i o n s C l u b I m p r o v e P l a y g r o u n d In 1976 the Lake Bolac and District Lions Club adopted the playground as a project and immediately set about planning improvements. Trees were planted and a parking bay established off the highway.... In 1980 the bluestone picnic shelter was built and it housed a barbeque and two picnic tables. The first photo featured in the Ararat Advertiser and shows the shelter being officially opened by Local Government Minister, Digby Crozier on the 10th of October, 1980. From 1980 onwards the playground became better known as the Lions Park. The next photo shows the park in 2003 with the shelter and parking area. Note the cypress plantation on the left and pine trees on the right. Both plantations were later removed. The original entrance gates from 1958 can also be seen in this photo. The following photo shows play equipment being installed by the Development Association in 2003. The original boundary fence can be seen in this photo. The final photo shows the Lions tractor in position in 2004. Note that by this time the cypress tree plantation has been removed. These three photos are courtesy of the Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre. The bluestone shelter, tractor and mature trees in the park today are lasting legacies of the Lions Clubs contribution to the park. Next time - the Information and Business Centre is built and there are further developments in the Lions Park.

18.01.2022 V . P . D a y 1 9 4 5 Today is the 75th anniversary of Victory in the Pacific Day - the day World War Two ended. Unfortunately we have no photos in our collection taken on that momentous day, which is disappointing considering the importance of the event. However, we do have some newspaper articles from the Ararat Advertiser relating to this special time. The first featured prior to V.P. Day and outlined plans for celebrations in the township on the day, and for a ...Victory Ball to be held in the future. The second is a report on a Welcome Home Ball which was held in November and was one of many such occasions to welcome soldiers home from the war. The final article featured in the Ararat Advertiser on the 27th of October, 1945 and mentioned father and son George and Albert (Bert) Casey. Their story may not be unique but would certainly be quite uncommon. George Casey enlisted for service at Royal Park in June 1940 at the age of 39 years. His son Bert also enlisted at Royal Park on his 19th birthday in 1941. Both gave their address as c/- Post Office, Lake Bolac. Both father and son were sent overseas and became Prisoners Of War of the Japanese. They spent three and a half years in captivity at Changi Prison, Singapore. Remarkably both survived and returned to Lake Bolac. The other P.O.W. mentioned in the article, Robert Sproule, was the son of Andy Sproule the local baker. The Sproule Family owned and operated the local bakery prior to and during the Second World War. More on Welcome Home events next time. See more

18.01.2022 B o l a c H i g h 1 9 6 5 One of our page followers requested to see a photo from his time attending Lake Bolac High School in the 1960s. This photo shows Form 4 in 1965. One wonders about this group of teenagers. Most would have been raised on district farms and then went on to have families and pursue interesting career paths. Some may still live in this area while others may have spread out across Australia and to other parts of the world.... A calculation of their age suggests that most would now be retired or semi-retired enjoying the company of their grandchildren. (except of course for those currently living in Victoria!!) Perhaps some still keep in touch with each other or will renew a connection through this page. Sadly, some may no longer be with us. Hopefully most look back favourably upon their time growing up in this district and upon their years spent at Bolac High. We have many ex-students of the High School who follow this page who may, or may not know, that the Lake Bolac College have a public group Facebook page for past students and staff to find each other and catch up on news. See more

16.01.2022 Thanks to Ian Moreton for posting photos on the Community page of Rural Fire Brigade communications history and a photo of the Aquatic Club members from 1961.

16.01.2022 W h e e l s T h e S w a g m a n We were recently asked if we had any information on a swagman named Wheels who was known to frequent the Wickliffe district in the 1920s. Well, thanks to the late Desma Meek we were able to provide this photo of Wheels from our collection. His real name was William Curtis and he was an obsessive collector of wheels - hence the nickname. The lady in the photo is unknown but one assumes she chose to pose to have a photo taken with... this unique character. This photo also features on one of our plaques on the History Walk at the Information Centre. Thats all we know. Perhaps someone with a Wickliffe connection can provide more information that they have had passed down from parents or grandparents about Wheels? If you have a query you want answered or a topic you would like covered on this page send us a message. We (the Society) may or may not be able to help but I am sure if we cant then some of our knowledgeable page followers may be able to assist. See more

15.01.2022 L a k e B o l a c a n d W i c k l i f f e R e m e m b e r

15.01.2022 P u b l i c a t i o n s F o r S a l e With increased travel restrictions and limited opening hours at the Information Centre it is becoming more and more difficult to come in and purchase our publications. However, it is not difficult for us to mail them out so we are having a special sale of our publications from now until the end of October. These are our publications and the special deals follow. History of Lake Bolac 1841 - 1966 After The Boolucburrers written ...by Mary Green. 40 pages. First published in 1966 to coincide with the LB State School Centenary. Although written over 50 years ago in a different era and before the use of the internet and computers this is a very informative and comprehensive history of the township. Price $7 plus postage and handling. History of Wickliffe 1836 - 1962 written by Terri Allen. First published in 1970 to coincide with the Centenary of the bluestone Wickliffe School that year. Includes detailed history of the Narrapumelap, Berrambool and Greenvale stations. Price $10 plus P & H Legends Of The Lake edited by Karen McIntyre. 83 pages. First published in 1999. The Pioneer Histories of eight Lake Bolac Families - Austin, Knight, McMaster, Meek, Moreton, Murray, Park and Veale Families. Price $30 plus P & H Settlers On The Shores edited by Karen McIntyre. 94 pages. First published in 2003. The Stories of nine Lake Bolac District Settler Families. The Gale, Geddes, Graham, Hucker, McInnes, McKenzie, ORorke, Peters, Wills Families. Price $30 plus P & H *Special deals until October 31st. Buy both the Legends and Settlers books for only $50 plus P & H Buy all 4 publications for just $65 plus P & H If interested please message this page and we will message back Direct Credit Banking details.

15.01.2022 Thanks to Ian Coulter for sending these memories from his time at Bolac High.

14.01.2022 W i c k l i f f e S c h o o l 1 9 2 0 In the lead up to the 150th Anniversary of the Wickliffe School next Saturday we share this photo of the school from 100 years ago. There are many familiar Wickliffe family names among the scholars in this photo. Back L - R - Alan Grimmer, Don Gale, Daisy Bowes, Eileen Cleary, Daisy Williamson, Norma McInnes, Jack Cleary, Syd Prust, Keith McInnes 2nd Row - Ray Grimmer, Elice Glenn, Marjorie Prust, Hilda Farrell, Jean McInnes, Nel...ly Grimmer, Inez Farrell, Clarice Blackam, Beattie Farrell, Viv Grimmer 3rd Row - Flora McInnes, Ruby Prust, Murray Mitchell, Bill Farrell, Stuart McInnes, Roy Gale, Don McInnes Front - Murdock Ferguson, Charlie Grimmer, Cath Ford, Grace Prust, Elsie Grimmer, Leo Cleary Head Teacher - Mr Hewitt Assistant - Miss B. Grimmer Photo courtesy of Keith Grimmer. Next time we look back at the Centenary Celebrations of the Wickliffe School which were held in 1970. See more

14.01.2022 D o g s Today is National Dog Day and a search of our collection revealed quite a few photos featuring everyones best friend. Here are four of our photos. The first shows the Lake Bolac Coursing Club ready for a day of action at Eilyer in c1912. This photo is courtesy of Richard Peters. The next photo shows Lake Bolac pioneer Robert Helme with his faithful companion. Robert and his son Richard were local stonemasons and the Helme Family home was the bluestone cottage ...located half way between the hotel and the motel. This photo is courtesy of Lynne McMaster. The third photo shows local farmer Bob McKenzie with his truck load of wool. With him are his two farm workers with one of the dogs on sharp lookout on the truck bonnet. This photo comes to us courtesy of Colin McKenzie. Finally, we have Jessie McLeod giving her best friend a hug outside the Pitkethley Family home at Lake Bolac. Photo courtesy of Jean Phillips. Dogs have played an important role in the social and economic life of the district and today is good enough reason to go out and spoil any that you have. See more

14.01.2022 F o r m 4 B , 1 9 7 0 This final Lake Bolac High School photo from 50 years ago shows Form 4B with teacher Mrs Ruth Clarkson. Some names are missing or incorrect so help with these would be appreciated. *Thanks everyone. I think we have it all accurate now.

14.01.2022 F o o t b a l l / N e t b a l l C l u b S o c i a l R o o m Our previous post featured the old football pavilion at the former Recreation Reserve. This prompted research into the current pavilion at the Complex Oval. The first photo shows the current pavilion and was taken in 2018. On the right is the social room extension which was completed 20 years ago. It added an extended kitchen, bar, changing room facilities for netball and a large function room to the origi...nal building. The first newspaper article shows the extension under construction in 1999 and featured in the Ararat Advertiser that same year. The next two photos of the construction in progress are courtesy of Lynette Smith with the photo taken inside showing George and Peter with tiling in progress. The social room was officially opened by then Minister For Sport, Justin Madden, in December 2000. The news article about the opening featured in the Ararat Advertiser on the 21st of December, 2000. Since then the facility has been used extensively for football/netball club functions, birthdays, funeral wakes, family reunions and private gatherings, displays and meetings of all kinds. The Wickliffe/Lake Bolac Football/Netball Club pavilion has become a real asset to the Community. See more

12.01.2022 B o l a c P l a y g r o u n d - M c M a s t e r D o n a t i o n R e c o g n i s e d In the early 1950s the Lake Bolac Progress Association began discussions on establishing a public playground in the township for the benefit of the ever-increasing numbers of children in the town. In 1956 Miss Maisie McMaster generously donated an area of land in the centre of town to the Ararat Shire for use as a playground.... The transfer of land from private to public use took place on May the 8th, 1956. The playground had humble beginnings with a slide, see-saw and a few swings installed. Jack Meeks sheep were employed as four-legged lawn mowers to keep the grass under control. The Shire were approached to plant some trees and eventually some golden cypress trees were planted. (since removed) The land was fenced and in 1958 the Shire erected entrance gates near where the current bluestone shelter is located. They consisted of stone pillars with double gates in the middle and a small entrance gate on either side. A track from the highway to the gates was formed. In 1959 the Scout/Guide Hall was erected in the north-west corner of the playground for use by the Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Brownies. Such was their popularity that an extension to the hall was added in 1970. The Society has recognised Miss McMasters generosity with the plaque pictured. The photo of Miss McMaster is courtesy of Lynne McMaster. The photo of the playground precinct was taken in 2018 and shows the bluestone shelter on which the plaque has been placed. Next to the shelter is the last remaining stone gate pillar - the final remnant of the early playground. The members of the 1950s Progress Association could not have imagined the transformation their original playground would eventually enjoy. The Society is pleased to have now formally recognised the community-minded and generous donation of the land by Maisie McMaster 64 years ago. Next time - the Lions Club adopt the playground as a project and many improvements to the area result.

12.01.2022 W i c k l i f f e S c h o o l 1 5 0 t h A n n i v e r s a r y Today is the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Wickliffe School No. 948 on the 26th of September, 1870. Some of the significant events in the 150 years of the school were - 1870 - The school opens on September, 26th with an enrolment of 38 children. First Head Teacher is John Broughton Jones. The bluestone building is 30 feet by 18 feet with a shingle roof. 1876 - Head Teacher reports the school is...Continue reading

11.01.2022 W i c k l i f f e - L a k e B o l a c 1 9 9 0 P r e m i e r s h i p Today we look back at the 1990 Wickliffe-Lake Bolac Premiership. Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 14.15 defeated Willaura 10.8 in the Grand Final at Mininera. Thanks to Nigel McInnes for sending through the team lists, scores and player profiles from the official program. It is said that the third quarter is the Premiership Quarter and on this occasion it certainly was with WLB kicking eight goals to one in t...he third to put the result beyond doubt. A look through the player list shows WLB had a very young and talented homegrown team, some of which had played in the U16 premiership the year before. This was to be Willauras last grand final appearance prior to merging with the Moyston Football Club. The newspaper report featured in the Ararat Advertiser on the 18th of September, 1990. See more

10.01.2022 I n f o r m a t i o n C e n t r e O p e n s The next major development at the Lions Park was the construction of the Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre in 2004. An initiative of the Development Association the centre was built following a government grant of $280,000 to provide a Rural Transaction Centre.... The first two photos show the construction underway in 2004. The LBIBC became home to a branch of the Willaura/Lake Bolac Bendigo Bank and our Society is also based there. In 2012 the building was extended to include the Library, exhibition/meeting room and extra storage facilities. The third photo shows the centre c2005 taken from the pine plantation along the Glenelg Highway. Following the tornado/storm of January, 2006 many of these trees were damaged and removed providing the opportunity to extend the parking area in front of the centre to better cater for trucks, buses and caravans. Todays photos are all courtesy of the LBIBC. The centre today sells a wide range of gifts, books and arts and crafts, provides tourist information and Centrelink facilities, historical displays and information and has generally become a focal point of the community. (Of course, due to the pandemic only the Bank is presently open.) Next time - the B&S Ball Committee contribute to the park with a major upgrade of the picnic/barbeque facilities.

09.01.2022 M E M O R I A L T O P R I V A T E J O N E S Todays memorial is possibly the least known of the war memorials in the town - a peppercorn tree planted in memory of a World War One soldier. The photo of the plaque attached to the trunk of the tree tells the story but interestingly Private Jones was not from Bolac. Private Victor Herbert Jones enlisted for the war in Moe and died on active service in Belgium in 1917. The Society has no record of the exact year the tre...e was planted but we know that the Dear Family ran a bakery adjacent to where the tree is planted at the time of his death. It is assumed that the tree was planted around that time along with five other pepper trees. Only four of the trees remain with two having been removed by Council in more recent times. How many drive back and forth past this tree without giving it a second glance? Just another tree! Thanks to Mrs Dear planting the tree 100 years ago it has become more than just another tree. It is a tree with a story and a special significance. Although never known by the Bolac community Private Jones memory lives on in our township thanks to his loving sister. See more

09.01.2022 W e l c o m e Ho m e "Welcome Home events for returning service men and women first began during and following the First World War and were held in the original hall which was situated between the hotel and Parks Blacksmith shop. They were arranged by a Welcome Home Committee and usually involved speeches by prominent citizens, presentations of certificates and gifts and a dance with a lavish supper. The final World War One Welcome Home was held in 1920. 25 years la...ter the tradition continued welcoming those who served back from World War Two. Again they were organised by a Welcome Home Committee. A wire would be strung from the S.E.C. pole next to the Milk Bar across to the windmill and trough located where the public toilets are today. From the wire would be hung a banner listing the names of those returning. The community would turn out in force as they arrived. Later a formal gathering would be held at the Memorial Hall for speeches, presentations etc. These articles featured in the Ararat Advertiser in early 1946 and described one such Welcome Home event. Although these were significant events which brought the whole community together, lets hope we never see the likes of these Welcome Home gatherings again! See more

08.01.2022 O l y m p i c T o r c h R e l a y T h r o u g h B o l a c It is hard to believe that 20 years have gone by since the Sydney Olympics Torch Relay came through Bolac on Saturday, July 22nd, 2000. The relay began around 5 p.m. south of the town at McKenzie Lane and finished at the Post Office. From there the torch travelled by truck to Ararat for the next leg of the relay. People from neighbouring communities gathered in Bolac to watch this special event. The footba...ll/netball was played that day against Woorndoo and after the game many joined the crowds who were lining the street from the High School to the Post Office. None of the torch bearers were locals. Indeed, one of the male torch bearers came from Gippsland. The first photo shows people waiting in anticipation. In the second photo the torch appears on church hill and the third shows the torch approaching the crossroads. The final photo shows the torch arriving at the Post Office and the crowd dispersing. Certainly a memorable and historic event for the township. Perhaps you were there and have other photos you can share in the comments? See more

08.01.2022 N e w C o v e r P h o t o The new cover photo shows Bert (J.K.) Moreton on his wagon loaded with wheat at Bellevue c1920s. Photo courtesy of Susan Clarke.

07.01.2022 5 0 Y e a r s O f G r a m p i a n s W a t e r 50 years ago today the Grampians Water Supply was officially turned on to Lake Bolac on Friday, October 9th, 1970. The connection of electricity to Lake Bolac in 1938 was a significant advancement but so too was the achievement of a potable water supply for the town. However, the lead up to having a suitable water supply was indeed a long one. As far back as 1919 it was proposed to connect a supply of water from the ...Continue reading

06.01.2022 B o w l i n g C l u b H i s t o r y With a new synthetic green currently being installed at the Lake Bolac and District Bowling Club it is probably a good time to look back at some of the early history of the club. On the 2nd of April, 1959 the Progress Association called a public meeting seeking interest in forming a Lawn Bowls club in Lake Bolac.... Cr Leo ORorke moved and D.K. McInnes seconded that a bowling club be formed. Carried unanimously. A managing committee was formed consisting of Leo ORorke, Bob Vallance, D.K. McInnes, Godfrey Tallent, Don Lawrie, Alex McMaster, J.T. Murray, Don Davidson and Neil Robertson with Jock Low added at the next meeting. Three possible sites for the club were considered. The Recreation Reserve near the salt lakes, the recently established playground in the centre of town or a site on the lake front. The third option was preferred due to the large water supply nearby and when then owner of Boswell Park, Godfrey Tallent, offered to donate a block of land on the lake front in 1959 the decision was clear. (Tragically, Mr Tallent was killed in a tractor accident on Boswell Park later that year.) Initially the block didnt include the car park area of today which was purchased from Ron Labbett in 1967. With the land secured the next issue was a clubhouse. Don Lawrie attended the Flax Mill clearing sale in October, 1959 and he personally purchased the refreshment building for 400 pounds. It was originally the Coffee Palace at the Westmere Railway Station. Its condition was far from ready to go and not all were happy with the purchase however the committee members all chipped in and loaned the club the funds to pay Don back. The building was then moved to the block. The first attempt to establish a green was a failure due to unsuitable soil. The first foot of soil was replaced and another green sown. President of the Club in 1960 was Hugh Nailon who in his Annual Report did not mince his words when describing the situation the Club found itself in. You all know we did not get to the playing stage. The green had not properly settled down, the soil was too hungry, the surface not suitable for a bowling green, the intake of the pump was not far enough into the water, there are insufficient sprinklers to use all of the water the pump could supply, the clubhouse was a wreck, the surrounds a shambles and we had no mower, no roller and no experience. Surely things could only get better!!! Todays photo shows the Bowling Club c1961 and came to us courtesy of Bob Mahony. Next time - problems with the water supply are overcome and the clubhouse undergoes a major upgrade. *Much of the information in todays post has been taken from notes compiled by Leo McMaster for the 50th anniversary of the club in 2009.

06.01.2022 F l o o d i n g A t T h e R e c r e a t i o n R e s e r v e Anyone who doubted the wisdom of relocating golf and football from the former Recreation Reserve to the Complex site need only view these photos to see how justified the move was. These photos were taken in 1987, just a few years after the last golf (1979) and football (1981) were played at that location. In years of very high rainfall, when the two salt lakes reach capacity, there is nowhere else for ...the excess water to go but onto the old golf course and football oval. This was the case in 1953 when golf and footy were forced to relocate. Golf was moved to Alec McMasters farm while a temporary oval was used for footy in Maisie McMasters paddock where the current Lions Park is. Footy and golf returned to the Rec Reserve in 1957. The football pavilion shown was built in 1963 and replaced the corrugated iron change rooms which were located up on the hill on the eastern side of the oval. Knowing the history of the site locating the old rooms high and dry on the hill was probably a sound move! The new pavilion was a vast improvement on the former shed but it had a relatively short life span of less than 20 years of use. Despite being subject to occasional inundation by the salt lakes the old oval was actually a very dry surface in normal conditions. It was also an excellent venue for cricket as the natural grasses remained green throughout the summer without the need for artificial watering. To show that this flooding problem has been around for a long time the final photo is taken from the W. E. Veale collection and shows flooding of the original oval early last century. At that time football and cricket were played on an oval on the flat ground below where the old Red Shed was once located. The oval ran in an east-west direction. The new oval and golf course of today are, to say the least, a far cry from the former windswept Recreation Reserve. However, the old reserve did have its own character despite its somewhat primitive facilities by todays standards. For example, who could forget the old hot dog shed? Compare that to the modern canteen facilities of today at the current pavilion! A few attempts were made to grow trees on the Rec Reserve golf course but the harsh, salty conditions proved a formidable obstacle to their success. Compare this to the forest of trees on todays course! Lake Bolac is indeed fortunate to have such fine sporting facilities today thanks to the hard work of so many! See more

06.01.2022 C h a n g e s A t M o r t l a k e R o a d The first photo shows Mortlake Road, Lake Bolac in 1984. The cypress tree avenue leading up to the High School was planted by members of the Dads Association. It consisted of Dads whose sons or daughters served in the army, navy or air force during World War 2. Each tree was planted in honour of a son or daughter around the time of the war. Many of the Dads had themselves served in the First World War. The cypress were... removed in stages, firstly when the new Primary School was built in 1979 to allow for parking and then more were removed to allow for bus parking. The cypress on the right heading south were then removed to build the service road. The second photo was taken in 1987 and shows the newly formed service road. By this stage only the cypress tree at the Complex entrance and a few in front of the High School remained. The final photo was taken recently and shows Montgomery Street (the original name of the road) as it is today after 33 years of native tree growth.

06.01.2022 P r e m i e r s h i p o f 2 0 0 0 Its Saturday so its a good day to share another Premiership winning team. This time we go back 20 years to the 2000 Grand Final at Tatyoon. Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 12.13 defeated SMW Rovers 4.5. The Grand Final was played on the 26th of August that year due to the Sydney Olympic Games in September. These articles featured in the Ararat Advertiser on the 29th of August.

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05.01.2022 W i c k l i f f e S c h o o l C e n t e n a r y 1 9 7 0 The Wickliffe Community celebrated the centenary of the school with a weekend 'Back To Wickliffe' celebration in 1970. The celebrations began on Saturday morning with a gathering at the school for a plaque unveiling. The crowd then viewed an exhibition of early photographs and school history inside the building. A luncheon was held at the Western Hotel for official guests while a public luncheon was held at t...Continue reading

04.01.2022 W I C K L I F F E 1 8 5 9 This photo of the Wickliffe township was taken in 1859. It is part of the Thomas Hannay collection of photographs and came to us courtesy of Vern McCallum. Thomas Hannay was a travelling photographer who journeyed through South-West Victoria in 1858 and '59. A close look at this photo shows some of the residents standing out the front of their homes looking towards the camera, as are the people with the horses and the covered wagon. This was obv...iously a well-staged photograph. The photo pre-dates the building of both the bluestone Western Hotel and the iconic Presbyterian Church and Manse. At the right of the photo is Farrell's Inn and across the road is the original Police Station which opened in March, 1859. Of particular interest is the white tent. The first school to open in Wickliffe was a National School in 1858. (National schools were organised and managed by local Committees, which could receive grants from the National Schools Board to assist in building schools and paying the teachers' salaries. The teachers also received tuition fees from the pupils.) The National school-room at Wickliffe was a large canvas tent on a wooden frame. Could this be the National School in the photo? Perhaps we will never know for sure but it is a distinct possibility! Money was raised during 1859 for a permanent building but the Board was unable to contribute a grant and the school closed in June, 1860. In 1867 George Harriott began moves to establish a Common School. The next year the land for the school was purchased and a bluestone building, 30 feet by 18 feet, with a shingled roof was built. However, there was a long delay in opening the school as the Committee were dissatisfied with the teachers proposed for the school. Finally the Wickliffe Common School No. 948 was opened on the 26th of September, 1870 with an enrolment of 38 pupils. This page will share more information on the history of the school in the lead up to the 150th Anniversary on Saturday, September 26th. See more

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03.01.2022 S t a n b u r y ' s D e l i v e r y V a n Recently for sale on the local 'Buy, Sell and Swap Facebook Page' was the old delivery van from the General Store. The van was owned and operated by the Stanbury's in the 1960's. Bring back any memories?

03.01.2022 P l a y g r o u n d H i s t o r y C o n c l u d e s The last decade has seen further development at the Lions Park. In 2010 the Historical Society installed a 150 metre Heritage Walk around the Information Centre building. It incorporated 25 display plaques outlining various aspects of the areas history. The first photo was taken soon after completion of the project.... An extension to the Information and Business Centre was completed in 2012 and included the Library, meeting/exhibition room, display areas and storage room. The second photo clearly shows the newly added section of the building. With the demise of Scouts/Guides in the township the Scout/Guide Hall became disused after 2012. An initiative to repurpose the building to become the Treasure Hunters Hall began and over the past few years improvements have been made to the facility to allow it to operate as a business. These included the provision of disabled access. The Hall is now run by volunteers with all proceeds donated back to the community. The final photo shows the Treasure Hunters Hall as it is today. All photos are courtesy of the LBIBC. The Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre Committee are the current organisation contributing to the park and they are undertaking a staged development of the facilities to enhance the parks appeal to both locals and visitors alike. The park we enjoy today is the result of the hard work of the various community groups who have taken an interest in its development over the past 64 years. The Progress Association members of the 1950s could never have imagined the transformation their childrens playground would eventually undergo. However, none of this would have been possible without the generous donation of the land to to the community by Miss Maisie McMaster in 1956. This concludes the review of the history of the Lake Bolac Lions Park.

03.01.2022 C o l a c H e r a l d A r t i c l e O n M r s H o w a r d This article featured in the Colac Herald on Monday the 13th of July - the day of Mrs Howards 100th birthday.

03.01.2022 P u b l i c a t i o n S p e c i a l s October is 'History Month' and a great time to catch up on some local history reading. We have some special deals on our publications running until the end of the month. 'History of Lake Bolac 1841 - 1966' - $7... 'History of Wickliffe 1836 - 1962' -$10 'Legends of the Lake' - $30 'Settlers on the Shores' - $30 Purchase both 'Legends' and 'Settlers' books for the special price of $50. Purchase all four books for just $65. Available now at the Lake Bolac Information Centre or by mail out. Message this page for mail outs. Postage and handling charges will apply. Specials end on October 31st.

02.01.2022 B o w l s H i s t o r y C o n c l u d e s With the grass green proving to be labour intensive and expensive to maintain, investigations into a synthetic green was examined in the late 1980s and a decision was taken to head in this direction. The first synthetic green was opened on the 6th of October, 1991. This was renewed in 2004 and is currently being replaced by yet another synthetic green. 1995 saw further extensions made to the eastern end of the clubhouse at a c...ost of $80,000. The first photo was taken in 2018 just after lights had been installed and shows the green and clubhouse - a vast contrast to the photo taken in 1961 by Bob Mahony. The foundation members of the Club could never have imagined the club facilities of today. They would not recognise their unusable clubhouse of 1959 which today is a modern and functional building. They could not have imagined that bowlers would one day play bowls on a synthetic green or that lights would enable night bowls to be played. The Club of today is a culmination of the hard work and dedication of the members over the past 60 years and is a credit to all involved. For the past 60 years this secluded spot on the bank of Lake Bolac has echoed with laughter, cringed with profanities, created many friendships from near and far and listened to many voices raised in earnest and profitable debate. But most of all, it has and still is, providing great sporting and social enjoyment to both members and visitors. Thanks to Club historian Leo McMaster for compiling a history of the Club for its 50th Anniversary in 2009. We cant finish without sharing just a couple of anecdotes from Leos notes which we are sure all the bowlers out there will fully appreciate. Playing pennant at Bolac against Ararat VRI one day a player yelled out check the scoreboards!. Everyone turned around to look and in a once in a lifetime incident the four scoreboards all read 11 all on 11 ends. Many social matches were played over the years against Ballarat East Bowling Club. One day on a visit to East Bolac leader Fred Hucker came out from lunch, laid the mat and bowled his first bowl. It had immaculate line and weight to go right to his skippers feet. However, Fred had forgotten to throw the kitty first!! This concludes our brief look back at the history of the Lake Bolac and District Bowling Club. Long may it continue into the future!! Good bowling to all!

02.01.2022 O n e T r e e P o i n t Our new cover photo shows what we now know as 'The Point' which is located between the main beach and the second beach at Lake Bolac. When this photo was taken earlier last century it was referred to as 'One Tree Point' for obvious reasons. This photo came to us courtesy of John Moreton. Today 'The Point' is a popular free camping area with toilets, showers, bbq facilities, town water supply and sealed road access - none of which were present wh...en this photo was taken. At times this area has been confused with 'Picnic Point' which is about two kilometres east of this spot on the northern foreshore. In the early days of European settlement ‘Picnic Point’ was a popular gathering place for locals to enjoy. 'Picnic Point' is also the final resting place of James Pratt who drowned in the lake in 1865. See more

02.01.2022 M e m o r i e s O f T h e L a k e October is 'History Month' in Victoria and to kick it off this page is doing something a bit different. Today you are invited to provide the content of this post by sharing your favourite memories of time spent at the lake. These photos of the lake taken in recent times may help to jog your memory on what a wonderful place of recreation the lake has been for generations of locals and visitors alike. So join in and let's see how many ...good memories of the lake we have. Over to you! See more

01.01.2022 B o w l i n g C l u b P r o g r e s s The review of early Lake Bolac and District Bowling Club history continues. By the end of 1962 an Associates Club had been formed and bowling had commenced on the green. In 1962 the Club had 70 male members and 25 Associates who came from all around the district including Westmere, Streatham, Mininera, Nerrin, Tatyoon, Wickliffe, Chatsworth, Woorndoo and of course Bolac. A truly District Club.... Problems were encountered with the water supply from the lake as the water proved to be too saline. In 1963 a dam was dug at the corner of Mortlake Road and South Beach Road and the water was pumped the mile and a quarter from there to a 3,000 gallon tank at the Club. Once the Grampians water supply was connected to the town in 1970 this water was available for use. The first aerial photo shows the Club in 1963 and is courtesy of Pat Murfett. This shows how exposed the Club was to the elements. In it you can see the ti-tree fence on the western boundary which was built in 1962 to provide shelter from the Western District gales. Note there was no caravan park established at this time. Cars parked on the roadside until the car park block was purchased from Ron Labbett in 1967. 1967 was a big turning point for the club when earlier renovations to the clubhouse were greatly improved. The kitchen and main hall were extended 12 feet to the west, the main hall 12 feet east and 8 foot south, new front windows were installed, a verandah added to the south and east and a new floor added throughout. The second photo is courtesy of the Page Author and was taken in 1991 and shows the new look clubhouse. This photo also shows the last grass green as it was replaced by a synthetic green that same year. Next time - the era of synthetic greens arrives and the clubhouse undergoes another major upgrade. *Much of the information used in todays post has been taken from notes compiled by Leo McMaster for the 50th anniversary of the Club in 2009.

01.01.2022 M e m o r i e s o f B o n f i r e N i g h t Tomorrow is November the 5th - Guy Fawkes night. It is probably better known to us as bonfire night or cracker night. You are invited to provide the content of this post by sharing with us your memories of bonfire night no matter where you grew up. So, over to you!

01.01.2022 L a k e B o l a c B a k e r y With the former Lake Bolac Bakery currently for sale it is a good time to look back at some early history of the bakery. During World War 2 the bakery was owned and operated by the Sproull Family....Continue reading