Official Opening of the Yinnar Historical Society New Shed

Yinnar Historical Society received a grant from the Federal Government through Darren Chester, which resulted in a new large shed being installed at the Yinnar Historical Society site. An official opening had been put on hold form earlier in the year, so it was with enthusiastic anticipation that the members and guests gathered beside the new shed to officially open it on Sunday October 16.

Ian Blake, President, opened procedures by welcoming Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan, and South Ward Councillor Melissa Ferguson who would do the honours. Ian also introduced the members of the Society present. He acknowledged the work of Phil Williams and Lloyd Wicks in managing the grant to its completion. The shed represents a further large storage area for the growing number of items of historical significance which have been gifted to the Society.

The arranging of the implementation and oversight of the grant was complicated as first they had to arrange a lease of the land, and this took time.

Finally the shed was erected but the grant didn’t include lining of the inner walls. This was paid for by the Society and a man in town donated his labour to do the work. Latrobe City Council arranged the wheelchair accessible ramp which links the two buildings.

It all came together and the shed now contains a well organised display of many items.

Mayor Kellie thanked the group for the invitation to preside at the opening and also acknowledged Melissa Ferguson, who she said does a huge amount of work for the communities of her ward.

Kellie spoke an acknowledgement of country for the First Nations Aboriginal peoples. She added that there was a long history in Yinnar and district of many generations of families who had settled there and had made significant contributions and whose stories importantly should be preserved. She said that the Latrobe City team was very keen to have a good outcome for the grant. Darren Chester was also pleased with the outcome. She concluded by thanking the Society members for their work for the local community and visitors.

Melissa supported Kellie’s comments by saying she believed in preserving our history.

A piece of bale twine was pulled loose from the new shed door to officially open the facility to a round of applause.

An invitation to inspect the shed and partake of afternoon tea was given and taken up enthusiastically. The contents were much admired and the afternoon tea was delicious.

New play equipment with an olden day’s theme was installed nearby to keep in context with the adjacent housed history.