West Melbourne, a Sense of Place is launched

It seemed like a cast of hundreds as we all lined up for our group photograph. There were the writers, (those who could not be there and were represented by a family member), the editor and the layout/designer and the members of the subcommittee of the Hotham History Project who had overseen the publication.

West Melbourne, a Sense of Place, was launched on Monday, March 24 at the City of Melbourne Bowls Club. This was the culmination of work that had taken place over many years – the first chapter to have been written was in 1996.

Twenty-three authors have been busy at work since then, contributing in all to 26 chapters. It was a great event and provided an opportunity for community members to get together for a chat while enjoying a drink and refreshments.

The book was launched by local historian Janet McCalman who talked about the early Indigenous people who lived in the local area. It was a meeting place for tribes from a large area of Victoria who met for corroborees and to negotiate business deals and family issues.

The Blue Lake, located in the area now covered by Melbourne’s industrial west, features prominently in the book. This was both a larder and a gathering place for many Indigenous tribes. Sadly, colonisation degraded the lake into a filthy swamp, and the Indigenous people were decimated by disease and by dispossessed of their lands.

The book includes some beautiful watercolour images of many of the local houses whose history, and their inhabitants, have been written about. These were generously donated by local artist Angela Williams.

The book can be ordered through the Hotham History Project website. The cost is $39.95. The book can be delivered for no charge to addresses in North and West Melbourne (post codes 3003 and 3051) but for all other Australian postcodes a flat rate delivery fee of $11.30 is charged.

If you are interested in knowing more about the history of North and West Melbourne you are encouraged to join and receive our newsletters and notification of forthcoming events.

hothamhistory.org.au. •