Hurstbridge articles

John Wilson and his wife Martha Burgess arrived in Port Phillip as bounty immigrants on the 18th February 1844 with their seven children ranging in age from 1 to 17. They left their home in Langley, Essex looking for better opportunities as so many others at the time did. Bounty immigrants were expected to begin […]

In April 1885, residents from Diamond Creek District met at the Literary Institute to discuss the establishment of a District Rifle Company. Mr. E.M. Bill, schoolmaster of Nillumbik State School, chaired the meeting and read a letter from the Minister of Defence, that urged residents not to be behind other districts in showing their willingness […]

In the early 1860’s, an increasing number of families were taking up and improving properties across Diamond Creek district. There was an even greater increase following the discovery of gold in Diamond Creek in 1862. Very quickly our first mine, the Diamond Creek Gold Mine, was established attracting a large number of miners and their […]

We had a very successful day at the Hurstbridge Wattle Festival on Sunday, 27th August, meeting and speaking with really interesting and interested people who shared some local stories and recollections. A highlight of our day was making some good connections that will help our society to thrive into the future. And, of course, we […]

The first Wattle Day at Hurstbridge 1912 Only a few months after the railway extension from Eltham to Hurstbridge was opened, a special train for a day excursion brought nearly 1,000 people from Melbourne to celebrate the Wattle Day holiday.  As the mass of passengers poured from the platform, they were greeted by photographers with […]