General News
12 September, 2024
A glimpse of history captured in new book
A NEW book providing an updated historical account of Dundonnell is set to be launch later this month.
The book, ‘Dundonnell, Victoria, Updated 2023,’ was compiled by prominent local writer and historian Florence Charles.
The Dundonnell Community Hall Committee and the Mortlake and District Historical Society Inc will officially launch the book on Sunday, September 22, from 1.30pm from the Dundonnell Community Hall.
“In 1983, the “Back to Dundonnell/Mt Violet Committee” published the booklet ‘Dundonnell Victoria’ in collaboration with the late Bill Cumming,” she said.
“Three hundred and thirty copies were sold during the weekend of April 23, 1983, with a further one hundred orders taken.
“Many contributions from that publication have been reprinted in this new publication but with photographs as there were none in the original booklet, as nearly all were destroyed during the devastating fire of 1944.”
The Derrinallum Lismore History Group and local residents have supplied photos, and previous and present inhabitants have provided stories about Dundonnell after the Closer Settlements of World War One and World War Two.
Mrs Charles said the book would showcase the history of the Dundonnell area, which was once a thriving hub due to establishment of the settlements, through to the developments occurring in the township today.
“At one time there was a public hall, state school, post office, telephone exchange and rural supply shed, Presbyterian Church, Country Fire Authority fire shed, rifle and pigeon shooting range and a Recreation Reserve with tennis courts and cricket pitch.
“There was also a tennis club, cricket club, rifle club, pony club, school mother’s club, fire brigade, brownie pack, Country Women’s Association branch and a local Returned Soldier’s and Sailor’s Imperial League of Australia branch.
“The Dundonnell Public Hall was demolished in early 2023 to make way for a new Dundonnell Fire Station and Community Hall, which was opened in May of this year.”
The book is entirely funded by Tilt Renewables Dundonnell Wind Farm Community Fund.
Mrs Charles said the book will be dedicated to the late Joanne Jackson OAM, the late Doris Brewer and the late Bill Cumming.
Any copies remaining after the launch will be available through the Mortlake and District Historical Society, which can be reached via e-mail at mortlakedhs@gmail.com.