The Numurkah Historical Society committee, with president Jeff Blackley front left.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
On a bright Saturday, February 8, the Numurkah Showgrounds came alive as the town marked a significant milestone in its history.
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Crowds flocked through Melville St to celebrate 150 years since the proclamation of Numurkah and neighbouring Wunghnu.
Numurkah Historical Society president Jeff Blackley was ecstatic — and somewhat relieved at the cooler turn in the weather — at the success of the event following at least two years of planning.
“It went really well,” he said.
“We were a bit worried about the weather. But it’s turned out okay.
“It’s great to see the crowd here — that’s terrific — and lots of activities and lots of horses that people love to see.
“As we got closer to the event, everyone really got on board. We had wonderful support from lots of organisations to pull this together.”
After its sesquicentenary, Numurkah’s future is bright, Mr Blackley said.
“As Sue [Aldridge] said, we’re moving away from irrigation, a lot of dairy farms, things like that,” he said.
“But there are other opportunities coming along now for people to have employment and to like living here — for the size of the town.”
Whether you were into wood chopping, perusing button collections or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere with a cone of soft-serve in hand, there was something for everyone.
As noon ticked over, shade became a rare commodity as guests gathered under a marquee to listen to the proclamation of Numurkah and Wunghnu, read by town crier Andrew Skinner.
Ms Aldridge regaled her audience with the colonial history of the two communities, engaging the audience with anecdotes of enterprising ventures and the host of colourful characters to settle in the area.
Attendees travelled from far and wide to attend the event, including Rebecca Gillespie of Shepparton.
Ms Gillespie, who spent her childhood in Numurkah, still considers herself part of her home town, even after relocating to the larger town further south.
She said she was happy to be able to catch up with family and friends from her home town.
“I love the history ... and seeing the photos from the past,” she said.
Shepparton resident Rebecca Gillespie, with son Eben Broadbent and daughter Zara Broadbent and their French bulldog Tahlia.
Photo by
Owen Sinclair
Mr Blackley said it was a highlight to have the Cobb & Co carriage visit all the way from Bendigo.
“I think that’s great to see,” he said.
“One hundred and fifty years ago, that was how people travelled around before trains came.
“A big thank-you to all the community groups that have helped, really, and the community that has come along today.”
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