Heritage study for former Shire of Huntly seeks local knowledge

A heritage study has begun for the former Shire of Huntly and community members are invited to contribute to the first stage of the study and share their local knowledge.

The City of Greater Bendigo Heritage Gap Analysis review last year identified the former Shire of Huntly had never been the focus of a comprehensive heritage study. As part of the preliminary stages of this heritage study, community members with local knowledge are invited to attend two community drop in sessions.

City Director Strategy and Growth Bernie O’Sullivan said the sessions provided an opportunity to speak to residents from Huntly and Elmore who knew the history of the area when it was the former Shire of Huntly.

“We would like to hear from people who have good local knowledge about the former Shire of Huntly and if you have photographs or records please bring them along,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“We are also interested in discussing any potential places of heritage significance within the area and any information that can be shared to help fill in historical details.”

These include:

  • Events that can confirm the significance of building periods within the area
  • The establishment of community and social infrastructure, including health, sporting and social places
  • The development of different phases of housing including early settlement, early mining and agriculture, including the fortunes of the area

The former Shire of Huntly covered areas including Ascot, Bagshot, Drummartin, Elmore, Epsom, Fosterville, Goornong, Kamarooka and parts of Huntly, East Bendigo and Longlea.

If you think that you can contribute any information that could form part of the former Shire of Huntly’s history, the City is eager to hear from you.

Two community drop-in sessions will be held on Wednesday March 4 at the former Huntly Shire Council Chambers at 620-626 Midland Highway, Huntly from 3pm to 6pm and on Thursday March 5 at the Elmore Community Hub, 3 Clarke Street, Elmore from 3pm -6pm.

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