Cultural heritage runs deep

Tom O''Meara with Mayor Tony Stevenson.

 The Yarra Ranges Heritage Network has produced a Guide to Heritage in the Yarra Ranges for the community and visitors.

Warburton’s historic Signs Publishing printed the booklet and Yarra Ranges Council’s Grants for Community program provided funding.

The guide highlights key sites across the region that showcase its unique history.

Mayor Tony Stevenson said the Yarra Ranges was internationally-renowned for its wine, food and landscape and many tourists were often surprised at the area’s depth of cultural heritage.

“As the home of William Barak, Dame Nellie Melba, Edna Walling, Arthur Streeton and Tom Roberts, our history is also of international standing and a major attraction for the area,” he said.

Cr Stevenson said it was a great way for those who lived in the community to understand how the area helped to inspire those individuals to achieve what they did and become so influential.

Yarra Ranges Heritage Network chair Tom O’Meara said the guide included the contact details for 15 heritage groups so people could contact them to find more information on historical issues they would like to explore further.

“Whether you are a local or a visitor, the guide enables you to explore the deeper layers of this area, including sites relating to our favourite personalities as well as the ordinary people that shaped the region,” he said.

The guide is available in PDF format from ach.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/Connect/Research_Local_History

Hard copies are available at council venues, Eastern Regional Libraries and historical societies.

Email Paula Herlihy at pherlihy3@gmail.com or Mr O’Meara at uyvhs.info@gmail.com for larger quantities of the guide.