By Cam Lucadou-Wells
For many, there’s mystery behind Noble Park’s well-known street and monument names.
Buckley, O’Donoghue, Kirby, Wachter, James and Kerslake – they were great people with great stories, says local historian Gaye Guest.
She is hosting a history walking tour, a 2-kilometre stroll that recreates the tour by the late Lyall Hayhow for Noble Park’s centenary in 2009.
“It’s another way of respecting our history and keeping it alive,” Ms Guest said.
“When you have a lot of new residents, they probably don’t know that history.”
She herself, having not grown up in Noble Park, discovered the fascinating heritage during that centenary.
Ms Guest’s walk delves the heritage of Ross Reserve and Douglas and Buckley streets. She harks back to times when Noble Park was a village among market gardens and farms.
“People packed up their lives at (Gippsland mining town) Walhalla when the gold ran out. They put their lives on horses and drays and rebuilt their church and homes here.”
Among the talking points will be the former locations of Noble Park Primary and St Anthony’s schools as well as the original 1962 pool.
“Back in the day, we would not have had a railway station, school or swimming pool unless the residents got together and raised the funds for them.”
A written handout of Noble Park’s history will be provided to walkers.
The Don’t Keep Noble Park’s History a Mystery walk starts at NPAC on Sunday 20 October, 10am-noon. Cost: free. Bookings essential on 9547 5801 or artshow@nobleparkcommunitycentre.org.au.
