Whittlesea Courthouse 150th

The Whittlesea Courthouse celebrates its 150^th anniversary as part of the 2014 City of Whittlesea Cultural heritage Program.  Built in 1864, the Courthouse is one of the oldest functional buildings in the municipality.  Operating as a Court of Petty sessions until 1989, it was later restored and reopened to the public in 1996.  The site features a single-cell lockup, which was built in 1859 to serve the Yan Yean area.

The Courthouse played an important role in the daily life and development of the district.  Apart from court proceedings, meetings of the Whittlesea Roads Board were held here, and in 1875 hosted a meeting of the newly established Whittlesea Shire Council.

The Courthouse located on the corner of Church and Beech Streets, Whittlesea now houses the Visitor Information Centre where it provides local arts and crafts for sale. Historical and visitor information is also available. The courthouse is surrounded by picnic facilities within its scenic surroundings.

The Courthouse Association will be celebrating the 150^th milestone through a series of events and activities including historical re-enactments, displays,  coach rides and walking tours over a three week period from Saturday September 27 – Sunday 19 October.

Source: Cultural Heritage Program 2014

Photo: Whittlesea Courthouse ca 2000. Yarra Plenty Regional Library collection

Whittlesea Tapestry of history

The 2013 Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program continues in November with the Whittlesea Historical Society presenting "Whittlese's Tapestry of History" event on Wednesday 13 November at the Civic Centre, Sth Morang.

Learn about the colourful past of objects in the Society's collection.

Find out:

how the township of Whittlesea got its name

Why there is an antique clock residing in the Whittlesea Post Office

What was showcased at the Whittlesea Agricultural Show in the 1880s

You will also hear about the work of the Society who advocate for the protection of local history.

Supper will be provided.

Further details available at the City of Whittlesea

Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program launched

The City of Whittlesea has launched its 2012 Cultural Heritage Program.
This popular and successful program of events provides a fantastic opportunity to join together and celebrate our shared and special heritage.

Over a period of eight months, it offers events and activities that acknowledge the rich indigenous cultural heritage of the area, the unique natural heritage of the Plenty Valley, and the diverse histories and cultures which together reflect our development as a municipality and as a community.

Mayor Cr Stevan Kozmevski said he was proud to support such a fantastic program of events.

“The Cultural Heritage Program plays an important role in promoting awareness of our history and our heritage,” Cr Kozmevski said.

“It contributes to our sense of place and to our community and personal well-being, informs us about where we have come from and who we are.”

The booklet is produced by Council, with support from the Cultural Heritage Program Committee which includes Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

“It is through the support and hard work that this group offers that we are again able to present such a varied and program of events,” Cr Kozmevski said.

“I invite you to participate in the wonderful events on offer, to learn more and to truly appreciate the dynamic living culture and heritage of our municipality.”
Pick up a copy of the booklet at your local library or see the link at City of Whittlesea

Bear's Castle Tour

Places still available for the Bear's Castle Tour, situated beside Yan Yean Reservoir - this Sunday May 1 as part of the Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program - also Sunday 23 October

Information and Bookings : City of Whitttlesea

Farming in the Plenty Valley exhibition

Lalor Library is currently hosting the historical photographic exhibition: Farming in the Plenty Valley: an historical view".

This photographic display depicts some of the early farming practices that were carried out within the Plenty Valley. Produce from the Plenty Valley supported the development of early Melbourne and was once considered Melbourne’s food bowl.

The display provides an opportunity to reflect on the early methods used in agriculture and consider the advances made.

This display was created by the Whittlesea Historical Society in order to recognise and celebrate the 150th year of the Whittlesea Agricultural Show held in 2009.

Visit Lalor Library, May Road, Lalor - open every day until 12 December

Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program 2010

More than 35 festivals, events, tours and activities are included in the Whittlesea Cultural Heritage Program that runs from June until November.

Yarra Plenty Regional Library is a partner in the program and is hosting a number of events. Highlights of the program include an heirloom and antique discovery day, family history research day, multicultural food fest, public art and heritage tour, photo preservation workshop, heritage bike tour and the Westgarthtown 160th anniversary.

The cultural activiites include those related to our Chinese, Indian, Italian, Macedonia nad Maltese communities.

Copies of the program are available at all Whittlesea libraries and online

Whittlesea Heritage Progam

The Heritage Program June-November 2008 has been released. Each year the City of Whittlesea highlights its wonderful historic and cultural heritage through the calandar of events in the program. Upcoming events include the City of Whittlesea Cultural collection strategy 2008-2012 launch at Lalor Library on Friday June 20 and the Bundoora Scar Tree Trail and Gum Leaf Music Workshop at RMIT Bundoora Campus on Tuesday July 10. This event falls in the school holidays and should be a great event for the whole family to enjoy.

Copies of the booklet can be obtained from this link or hard copies can be picked up from the City of Whittlesea and all branches of Yarra Plenty Regional Library.

Whittlesea Heritage Program

The Whittlesea Heritage Program is about half way through its calandar of activities. The 2007 program runs through to November and celebrates the history and cultural heritage of the City of Whittlesea.
Upcoming events include:
Wed 19 Sept - Mon 24 Sept - Whittlesea Chinese Association Display at Mill Park Library

Sunday 23 Sept - Eastern Orthodox Liturgy in Byzantine Chant

Monday 24 Sept - Chinese lantern making workshop for children at Mill Park Library