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Few people are better equipped to speak of the past and future of country newspapers than Ross McPherson. The McPherson family purchased The News in 1888. During the family’s ownership, the newspaper experienced two fires on its premises, various droughts, two world wars, a depression and three recessions, including the one we had to have.
When he speaks at the Greater Shepparton Biennial Bruce Wilson Memorial Heritage Lecture on June 5, it is unlikely Ross will tell us about the outstanding contribution his family has made to the industry over the past century or the respect in which it is held. This alone is a remarkable story. However, he will tell us of the good times and the bad. He will talk about the current situation and give you an informed glimpse into the future. Along the way, we will learn about a newspaper and its changing relationship to the community it serves.
The Greater Shepparton Biennial Bruce Wilson Memorial Heritage Lecture
‘A town talks to itself: The heritage and future of country newspapers.’ Presented by Ross McPherson, chairman and editor-in-chief of McPherson Media Group.
Two free sessions will be held on Wednesday, June 5, at Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton, at 1pm and 6pm.
To RSVP, contact council’s Building, Planning and Compliance Department via email: council@shepparton.vic.gov.au (attn: Planning and Building Support) or call 5832 9730.
The heritage of the heritage lecture
Bruce Wilson
Bruce was chairperson of the Heritage Advisory Committee when a possible heritage lecture came up for discussion. There are many good reasons to promote our cultural heritage to history groups, heritage advisors, students and the general community. Bruce was keen to pursue permission to use the Raymond West name for the lecture. However, the first lecture was presented on April 21, 2016, and the following month, Bruce passed away.
The Greater Shepparton Heritage Advisory Committee requested that Bruce’s name be added to the title.
I didn’t know Bruce well. In fact, we were acquainted merely because he played percussion in the Shepparton Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra accompanied Shepparton Theatre Arts Group in its musical endeavours, and I was a cast member for several successive years. The longest conversation I ever had with Bruce was in a supermarket, where we discussed the importance of a balanced council — experience and expertise coupled with enthusiasm and energy.
However, I did know that Bruce was a man of history and, in fact, had a weekly slot on OneFM, where he informed a substantial audience about Shepparton’s past. In addition, of course, he was a councillor on the Borough and City of Shepparton from 1970 to 1981 and mayor in 1975. He returned as a councillor with Greater Shepparton City Council from 1997 to 2008. He was mayor again in 1997.
Bruce made a substantial contribution to our city. He passed away in 2016 after a long illness at the age of 75.
Biennial lecture
The lecture is held every two years — except when it wasn’t. And we all know that 2020 was a year when everything was postponed. In fact, it felt as if our very lives were put on hold.
So, the heritage lecture has been held in 2016, 2018, 2021 and 2022 and will be held on June 5, 2024.
A brief recap. How’s your memory?
2016
The inaugural lecture was presented by Louise Honman and was titled ‘Jewels in the crown, places of the heart’. Ms Honman is a distinguished architect and consultant. She is also a member of the Heritage Council of Victoria.
Her presentation focused on old and new approaches to heritage practice in local communities.
2018
The second lecture was presented by Emeritus Professor John Davison, Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor (Monash University). His offering was entitled ‘The past around us: How Victoria saved its heritage’.
The professor spent considerable time researching our area’s history and heritage, and his presentation was well-targeted to his audience.
2021
Chris Johnston has been one of the nation’s leading heritage figures for a long time. Her topic for us was ‘Navigating heritage; past, present and future’.
Chris outlined how heritage places offered us ways to connect to the past. She spoke about the importance of concepts such as attachment to a place — and discussed differing ideas of heritage value.
‘If ‘social value’ had been an accepted measure of heritage significance in the 1970s, the treasured Shepparton Post Office may still be standing tall in Wyndham St!’
2022
Researcher, heritage enthusiast and Tallygaroopna farmer Evan Lloyd gave a lecture entitled ‘The contribution of architect J. A. K. Clarke to Shepparton and district’.
Evan grew up in a Clarke-designed homestead and, when at university, researched the man and his buildings, which include Ambermere, St Brendan’s Catholic Church and several graceful homes in Corio St.
Many of us were amused to hear that Nettlecoe Estate was, in fact, Nettlego Estate. Clarke had had difficulty getting rid of nettles and named his home accordingly. The years and our ears had changed it.
Hope to see you all at Eastbank on Wednesday, June 5.
A 100th birthday party — at Tallygaroopna
Shortly after the end of World War I, a public meeting was held in Tallygaroopna. The townspeople decided to build a hall, a very fine hall, in memory of the local boys who had died serving their country. A committee was formed to make it all happen.
It took some time, but in 1924, the foundation stone was laid. In gold lettering, it proclaims, ‘This stone was laid by Lieut-Colonel Bourchier, D.S.O., C.M.G., M.I.A., January 1, 1924.’
The building was officially opened by Acting Prime Minister Earle Page on June 9, 1924. The occasion was celebrated with a sports afternoon, dinner, concert and dance.
Over the years, the hall has been well used and remains the centre of many activities, including concerts, euchre parties, dances, bazaars, a debutante ball and visiting picture shows.
In 1930, the area under the stage was hollowed out to make it available to the RSL for use as a clubroom.
In the 1950s, the hall was taken over by Shepparton City Council due to difficulties the committee had encountered maintaining the building. For 70 years, the space known as ‘the dugout’, with its 7m x 4m earthen floor, was used as a meeting place for returned soldiers.
On the parapet of the hall sits a short-range trench mortar of the kind used extensively by the German army. And here I quote directly from notes I have been given — because I like the writing. “Many of these captured artillery pieces were distributed in the 1920s; few are displayed so ebulliently.” My thanks to whoever found a use for that delightful word!
I continue with some ebullience.
The celebrations — King’s Birthday long weekend
It all begins on Saturday, June 8, with a centenary celebration, the ‘old time’ ball. The dance program will bring back memories for many. Why not revisit the Pride of Erin or the progressive barn dance? There will also be a belle and a beau of the ball — and a re-enactment of the ‘Queens of Tallygaroopna’ (which will be explained on the night). It is $15 for adults and $10 for secondary students. And, as we all did once upon a time, you are requested to bring a plate of supper to share. The event will conclude at 11pm.
A commemorative luncheon will be held on Sunday, June 9. An RSL memorial service will begin proceedings, and it is free for all. Lunch, a 100-year birthday cake, music and afternoon tea will follow. To book for this event, call Trish Moss on 0427 298 288 or Lyn Hoffman on 0438 577 040.
Throughout the celebrations, there will be lucky tickets, prizes and raffles.
The Tallygaroopna Soldiers’ Memorial Hall has been a place of pride at the heart of this community for 100 years. To help celebrate, the Tally Hall Committee and Tallygaroopna and District Historical Society commissioned a book — to be written and compiled by Beverley Moss. The book will be launched on this special weekend. It contains photos, newspaper articles, family stories and community groups — all in 135 pages of full colour. The book is $40 and will be available at both events. It will also be sold by the historical society. However, if you are unable to attend, you can contact the author directly on 0492 289 831.
My congratulations to the people of Tallygaroopna for recognising, appreciating and celebrating their heritage. These kinds of events represent communities at their best.
Monash Park, Shepparton
Please visit Monash Park, as soon as you can. Monash Park is where our river used to run and today displays wonderful signage representing our history. It focuses on the Goulburn River and Welsford St, where our city began.
I thank Greater Shepparton City Council and River Connect for their interest and support. In particular, I want to thank John Dainton, who has rolled with every punch over the past five years and succeeded where others might have given up.
That’s it for now. Find some fun, and find something to laugh at — it’s good for your health.
And may it be easy, my friends
Marnie
Email: towntalk@sheppnews.com.au
Letter: Town Talk. The News. P.O. Box 204. Shepparton 3631.
Phone: Send a text to 0418 962 507. (Note: text only. I will call you back if you wish.)
Town Talk