History

The first sharks appeared about 470 million years ago in the vast inland sea over what is now Australia, a thought that will be sobering to those of us who regularly swim in Lake Daylesford.

In this final of a four part series, Arie Baelde recounts attempts by Assistant Protector Parker to Christianise and civilise local Aboriginal people. But death and disease continued to decimate the population until a decision was made to remove them to Coranderrk.

In this third of a four part series, Arie Baelde demonstrates that all were not equal under the law in colonial Australia. Aboriginal testimony was inadmissible in court making prosecutions for acts of violence against Indigenous peoples next to impossible.

In the first of a four part series, Arie Baelde examines the early post-colonial history of the conflict between Dja Dja Wurrung and Wadurrung peoples and local European settlers. Diaries and documents written at the time show that there were strong differences of opinion among settlers about ethical treatment of Indigenous people.

The local community has once again taken the initiative to conserve the significant heritage of Cornish Hill. The recent request from a group of 21 local Cornish Hill residents has prompted Hepburn Shire Council to undertake a heritage assessment of the precinct. The move is seen as important to safeguard local heritage for past, present and future generations.

To recognise Reconcilliation Week, the Daylesford & District Historical Society is hosting an exhibition to showcase a set of portraits of Dja Dja Wurrung people photographed in 1866 at the Coranderrk Aboriginal Station. The museum will be open every day during Reconcilliation Week from 10am – 2pm, from May 27th to June 3rd.

The mineral springs of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs have been an important part of the local economy since the 19th century but this important resource is threatened by the current renewal of mining exploration. A series of videos produced by Don’t Undermine Daylesford explains the geology, history and cultural significance of our mineral water resources.