Hotham History Project celebrates 30 years

Hotham History Project will reach its 30th anniversary in March of this year.

The group’s main focus has been on researching and writing about the local history of the area and has so far published 14 books on its people and places and written regularly for the two free local newspapers.  

Several years ago, members of the project woke up to the realisation that most of the focus had been on North Melbourne and that there was almost nothing written about its western neighbour. It therefore set out to rectify this. 

COVID slowed down the work but for the past 12 months or so there has been a concerted effort to bring the work to the stage where it could be published.  

The result is the forthcoming publication West Melbourne: A Sense of Place. It comprises 26 chapters written by 23 contributors. More details will be available in the next edition of North West City News. 

Incidentally, Hotham was the name given to North Melbourne during the period 1855-87. 

In April 1855, the Melbourne City Council rearranged its wards, creating a separate ward for the developing township north and west of the city. The ward was named after Sir Charles Hotham, Governor of Victoria (1854-56). 

On August 26, 1887, the Borough was renamed North Melbourne. This was because local businesses were keen to attract overseas investment. The name Hotham was unknown overseas whereas Melbourne attracted attention and was more likely to secure investors’ money.

 In the meantime, anyone wishing to join the Hotham History Project may do so for the cost of $15 (individual membership, $20 for families) through its website:  hothamhistory.org.au. •