Civic Reception Celebrating Walhalla’s History

Published on 11 September 2018

Baw Baw Shire Council is hosting a civic reception in Walhalla to commemorate 100 years since the amalgamation of the Shire of Walhalla into the Shire of Narracan.

The civic reception will take place from 3.00pm on Monday 1 October at the Walhalla Mechanics Institute.

The event will feature guest speakers, a memorabilia display, a guided walking tour of the town and light supper. An Ordinary Council Meeting will commence onsite at 5.30pm after the reception.

Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Joe Gauci extends an open invitation to the community to join Councillors, community and regional leaders in celebrating a significant milestone in the townships rich history.

Long-time Walhalla resident and East Ward Cr Michael Leaney is looking forward to welcoming everyone to Walhalla to share his own insights and knowledge during the civic reception and walking tour.

“At its height in the late 1800s, the Shire of Walhalla was the second wealthiest municipality in Gippsland, after the Shire of Sale. It was home to one of the country’s biggest gold mining booms and almost 5,000 people once called the Shire of Walhalla home. The Shire included areas such and Aberfeldy and Moondarra.” said Cr Leaney.

“Between 1911 and 1914 gold mining declined rapidly and in turn so did the number of ratepayers in the surrounding region. With the Shire’s economic base removed and nearly bankrupt, the Shire of Walhalla was incorporated into the neighbouring Shire of Narracan on 1 October 1918. This Shire was eventually amalgamating into the current Baw Baw Shire in 1994.”

“Today, Walhalla remains one of our Shire’s most valuable tourism assets drawing over 130,000 visitors from all over the world each year, and it’s no surprise why. Looking around Walhalla today, it’s a reminder of days gone by. It’s a town with a unique history, iconic landmarks and perfectly preserved gardens and heritage buildings.

“Walhalla is a regional gem to be treasured and we’re excited to commemorate this important moment in local history.”

When: Monday 1 October 2018 Where: Walhalla Mechanics Institute, Main Road, Walhalla

3.00pm Civic reception 4.00pm Guided walking tour 4.30pm Light supper 5.30pm Ordinary Council Meeting

Community members wishing to attend are encouraged to RSVP (for catering purposes) by Friday 21 September on 5624 2411 or by email at [email protected]