The Australian Natives Association has a long history dating back to the fourteen men who met at Grimwood's 'Rose, Thistle and Shamrock' Hotel in Elizabeth Street Melbourne, where they and agreed to form the 'Victorian Natives Society'.

This organisation became dedicated to "promoting Australia's welfare and advancement and providing mutual aid for members in times of illness and distress" with a branch established in Stawell.

To mark the sesquicentennial of the association, three Yellow Gums (Eucalytus leucoxylon) were donated to the Northern Grampians Shire Council and have been planted in Maud Street next to one of the ponds and opposite the home where Mrs Jean Chatfield who was secretary for 33 years.

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Australian Natives Association Fraternal Group president Kevin Brown, who has been involved with the group for 50 years, said the Stawell branch (Number 10) was formed on February 5 1880, with Mr H.H. Wettenhall of Carrs Plains as President and Mr R.H. Hart, Vice-President.

In its first two years, membership rose to 132 benefit members and 19 honorary members, making it the second largest branch of the association in its early days.

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In August 1971 the Chief President A.J. Brisbane attended the official opening of the Stawell Sports Stadium at North Park and presented native trees to the Council for planting in the grounds of the Stadium to mark the centenary of the association.

A suitable plaque acknowledging the anniversary and the work of Mrs Chatfield as secretary and Mr Reg Brown (president 1964 - 1979) has been placed near the trees.

Australian Natives Association and Manchester Unity merged in September 1993 to form the, now insurance company Australian Unity.

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