We wish to point out that plans for a new building were instigated by our Society a number of years ago and we approached Northern Grampians Shire more than once to assist us in getting a Government grant.

We were informed that the best chancewe had of getting a grant was to have as many users of the building as possible. With the support of the Council and the Stawell Lions Club we managed to get a substantial grant from the Government.

Stawell Historical Society contributed $100,000 towards the building which had been bequeathed to us by Mr Stewart Bradley.

Stawell Historical Society’s main purpose is to preserve the history of Stawell and display our collection of memorabilia in the Old Court House. This has been very difficult in the past due to the lack of room for displays etc.

The conditions in the 155 year building have been poor, becoming very hot in the summer and very cold in the winter and requires a lot of cooling or heating. This type of climate has a very deteriorating effect on the old newspapers and photographs housed in the building. Our work areas have become very cramped by the ever increasing donation of historical information, photos, books and museum items.

We have a very large collection of historical records which includes 660 museum objects, 2,500 photographs, 400 books, 150 costumes, 250 historical maps, 130 years of newspapers, and over 30,000 index research cards relating to people who have resided in Stawell over the past, and businesses and organisations that have operated in Stawell from the early years.

Our Society is kept busy by answering the many enquiries we get for family research which come from Victoria, Interstate and some from Overseas. Other volunteers catalogue our collection of museum items and photos etc, and ensure they are stored in the proper manner wherever possible.

Our new building is fitted with a temperature controlled room which will ensure a much longer life of historical items and records. Other members are kept busy researching and compiling a variety of Stawell history books.

Our information is available to schools, other organisations and some Government departments. We occasionally conduct town tours for Coach Tour Companies.

Stawell Historical Society is staffed completely by volunteers. At any one time there can eight to ten volunteers working two or three days a week. If you are interested in helping us as a volunteer, please contact us at the Old Court House, at 44-46 Longfield Street, Stawell. Membership is $12 for singles and $20 for families.

Stawell Historical Society is a fully Accredited Organisation, is a Not-for-Profit Organisation and is approved by Centre Link for voluntary workers. We encourage out-of-work people to be become volunteers at our Society and welcome people of any age to volunteer some of their time with us.

We are endeavouring to attract more volunteers and feel that the new building could see an increase in interest by people from Stawell and district. The Society does not have any income outside of what it raises itself to operate, and mainly comes from research fees, member’s subscriptions, raffles and the sale of calendars and books.

This letter comes from members of Stawell Historical Society only, and we have not sought any input from the Northern Grampians Shire staff nor have we spoken to any councillors regarding the above matters.

We appreciate their help in getting this new building, and with our new headquarters, the Lions Club headquarters and the ‘Community Use’ gallery, we feel that the building will be an excellent asset to Stawell and not just wasted council ratepayers’ money. It will very helpful in preserving Stawell’s long and interesting history.

We welcome visitors, particularly the residents of Stawell, to visit our Society and see how we operate. Our open days are Tuesdays and Wednesdays 11 am to 4 pm.

Yours sincerely, Jim Melbourne on behalf of the committee members of Stawell Historical Society Inc.

Gravo, lets not just stop at removing the 1800 era councils, why not look at the rate system?

When taxes and then rates were put on houses, they decided not to tax churches and one house for the Pastor, but now because they left a loophole, everyone that belongs to a so called church group does not pay rates.

The first step of council is to count how many households do not pay rates. I think this on its own restrict how rates are even;y placed on all households. So if government bodies started looking into this and correcting this unfair rating system, we would all be doing our bit.

Allan Cooper, Stawell

Dear Sir,

I arrived in Stawell by ambulance early 2014 via one of the most ghastly sights one could ever wish to see – a dilapidated rusty tin shed, one of the entrances to Eventide.

I was distressed as I was and my eyes could scarcely believe what I saw. The local Mayor spoke to residents recently and he said as it was privately owned, that nothing could be done about it, which of course is a load of nonsense.

Councils everywhere have the power to remove abominable objects. I hope the citizens of Stawell will have their say and support me on this.

Jennifer McIntosh, Eventide Homes.