Hobsons Bay's heritage in the spotlight
Published on 29 March 2022
Did you know Williamstown was Melbourne’s original port? Have you visited the Truganina Explosives Reserve, on the edge of Port Phillip Bay? Or Logan Reserve when the Altona Homestead is in full Victorian swing, Devonshire teas included?
All this and more can be discovered at the annual Heritage Hobsons Bay Festival, which runs from 18 April to 2 May. The festival is part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival with this year’s theme being ‘curiosity’.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill said the festival was always a great opportunity for locals to discover historic gems in their backyard.
“Following the past two years of the pandemic, it will be wonderful this year to welcome visitors from near and far to our shores to ‘get curious’ and take in some of the program. Council is supporting more than 20 events, mostly in person and a couple online,” said Cr Hemphill.
“There will be performances, exhibitions, tours, discussion panels, a Devonshire tea and a film screening – all organised in partnership between Council and many dedicated community groups, producers, volunteers and historians. Spark your curiosity for the past and explore Hobsons Bay’s indigenous, cultural and natural heritage.”
Cr Hemphill, who has long held a keen interest in heritage and maritime preservation, has chosen to highlight local history as part of his Mayoral Program. He has been a staunch advocate for the preservation of the Newport Railyards and has shone a light on Hobsons Bay’s past through his heritage street sign roll-out.
“Hobsons Bay is such an extraordinary part of Melbourne, boasting both physical heritage assets along with a rich history of stories steeped in courage, perseverance, innovation, industry and of course many, many secrets still to be uncovered,” said Cr Hemphill.
“Now is a great time to travel and visit us here in the west, in Hobsons Bay with a number of events happening and activities available. One of the real charms of getting to Hobsons Bay is just that, getting there! Travel by ferry, get on your bike and ride, take the train or bus or come by car.”
Highlights of Heritage Hobsons Bay include:
Williamstown Heritage Projection Tour - Join us for a night-time tour discovering stories of Williamstown’s past, follow the little projector bike for a stroll back in time. This tour uses original collection material, sound and creative interpretation to give a sense of how the area felt in past through projections against some of Williamstown’s much loved, admired and occasionally overlooked built environments. There are two one-hour tours on Friday 22 April at 6pm and 7.30pm, leaving from the Ada Cambridge Forecourt, Williamstown Town Hall, 104 Ferguson Street, Williamstown. Bookings essential.
Secrets of the Pinetum - Follow the historic, winding pathways of Williamstown Botanic Gardens through the recently rejuvenated Pinetum to discover the origins of the tree collection and the fascinating stories behind how they came to be here. Join us on this walking tour as we discover lost garden structures, the elegance of Edward La Trobe Bateman’s garden design and how the garden is preparing for the future while honouring the past. It is on Wednesday 20 April, 10.30am to 11.30am, leaving from the Williamstown Botanic Gardens gates on the corner of Giffard and Osborne Streets, Williamstown. Bookings essential.
Caring for Country - Indigenous Design Principles - What are Indigenous design principles? How will they be used in the proposed Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre? Heritage Hobsons Bay presents an online panel discussion which explores indigenous cultural heritage landscapes featuring the Chair of the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre Dr Marilyn Olliff, Indigenous architect Jefa Greenaway, and landscape architect Nick Griffin. The online event is on Thursday 28 April, 7pm to 8pm. Bookings required.
For full event details, and to book, visit www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/heritagehobsonsbay
Image credit: Lithograph of 'Hobson's Bay 1853' by E. Thomas from the Williamstown Historical Society Collection