By Peter Douglas
AFTER more than two years in the making, the Mount Dandenong and District Historical Society is set to launch the anticipated Olinda Heritage Walk on Saturday, 15 October.
Designed to offer a snapshot of village life in the early 1900s, the walk features 13 plaques and a large information board, which aim to highlight sites of historical significance.
The project focuses on the Olinda Village settlement pre-1915 and has received enormous support from local businesses and organisations.
Historical Society member Wendy Britt said the work to get the project to launch stage was well worth the effort.
“What we’re trying to communicate to people is there were early pioneers here, but it was in the early 1900s, before the Great Depression, the character really started to develop,” she said.
“The government opened up 10-acre blocks to try to get life happening in Olinda.
“Not all those settlers were successful in growing things, but many stores took hold.
“Olinda became a hub … with butchers and blacksmiths.”
The Historical Society says the actual township of Olinda had its beginnings in 1895, when the first lots in the Olinda Township Reserve were offered for auction.
In a short space of time, the Olinda township grew to include a variety of businesses and services supporting the community.
There were coach services introduced to the township; firstly, horse and buggy, then motorised, which provided transport for locals and visitors.
Ms Britt said the project aimed to help people reflect.
“The plaques are set in close proximity to where these historical sites were believed to be – to give a sense of what the Olinda village would’ve looked like,” she said.
To aid in the experience, Neil Johnson, president of the society, said a booklet to complement the walk had been produced, with support from several local traders.
“We believe that both locals and visitors alike will enjoy learning about the story of the historic Olinda Village,” he said.
In addition, there will be a large sign at Mangana in the main street, which will give a comprehensive guide.
One of the major supporters of the heritage walk has been Yarra Ranges councillor, Noel Cliff, who helped to secure funding for the project.
Cr Cliff owned a shop in Olinda for more than 20 years and has a strong affinity with the region.
He said it was important to recognise the township’s past.
“Things change in towns and people always say, ‘We’ll keep in with the scheme of things’, but it’s rubbish, it’s never exactly the same,” he said.
“This is a great idea, marking out and reflecting on what has been here before.”
Cr Cliff paid tribute to the behind-the-scenes work of Pat Hogan from the historical society, whom he said had a wealth of knowledge when it came to the area.
He said there had been a huge swell of support for this project and thanked all those who had contributed.
The Olinda Heritage Walk will be launched at the Olinda Hall on Saturday, 15 October.
Displays will be on show from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, with the official launch taking place at 2pm.
