Previous events

November 2024

History presentation - 'C Blunt, Boatbuilders Pty Ltd', hosted by Greg Blunt in his historic boatbuilders workshop.

Our final gathering for 2024 unfolded on a balmy November evening on Nelson Place, where over 30 members came together. Entering through the small wooden door of this historic boatshed feels like stepping into a bygone era, with tools of the trade tucked away in every corner and the aroma of freshly cut timber filling the air. Greg Blunt regaled us with tales from his family's legacy as fifth-generation boatbuilders, and members were fortunate to wander through and discover the boatyard. It's remarkable to consider that C. Blunt Boatbuilders in Williamstown and Geelong have been crafting wooden boats in Port Phillip Bay for an impressive 150 years—a true testament to their craftsmanship and the timeless trade being passed down to future generations. 



Following the visit to Blunt's, we indulged in a delicious supper, graciously hosted by Maurice Boyd at the Pirates Tavern. A lovely evening and a wonderful way to conclude a successful year.

Thanks to Greg Blunt for graciously hosting this event and Maurice Boyd @ Pirates Tavern for providing supper.

September 2024

History presentation - 'The story of Newport Lakes', presented by Dr Dominique Hes and Dr Lorraine Harrison

There was a great community turnout for this presentation. Thanks to our guest speakers, Dr Dominique Hes and Dr Lorriane Harrison, for an insight into the history and development of the old Newport Quarries. The Friends of Newport Lakes Inc. community group, in cooperation with Hobsons Bay City Council, has worked tirelessly over many years to transform a 'hole in the ground'  into the lush green parklands and thriving native bushland that the community enjoys today at Newport Lakes. Dr Hes's book on the Story of Newport Lakes will be published shortly. Thanks for sharing your passion for 'the lakes' with our members and guests.

June 2024

History walk - 'South Williamstown', presented by Brian Haynes

Members and a few additional guests were treated to a tour of South Williamstown with Brian Haynes on a chilly Saturday morning in early June. Brian entertained the group with stories of the area's first residents and early buildings.

Brian, thanks once again for sharing your passion for our local history.

May 2024

History presentation - 'The Geology of Williamstown & its surrounds', presented by Ross Cayley

On Thursday evening, Ross Cayley, (Senior Geologist with DEECA), delivered a fascinating presentation on the Geology of Williamstown and its surrounding areas. The event attracted a diverse and engaged audience, including members and curious visitors, who gathered at the Williamstown Town Hall to uncover the region’s ancient history. Ross masterfully told how the area's landscape was shaped by tectonic plate movement, a mini Ice Age and ancient volcanic eruptions, with the resulting lava flows sculpting the peninsula and altering the original course of rivers. He explained the different types of rock formations that serve as historical markers of geological events, focusing on the distinctive basalt present in the area. With recent earthquakes in Victoria drawing increased public interest, he also discussed seismic activity, how and why earthquakes occur, pinpointing the fault lines and how they are measured and mapped. 

Armed with a deeper understanding of the landscape and what may lie beneath their feet, many in the audience agreed that when on their next walk or venturing further afield, they would be inclined to pause and take a closer look at their natural surroundings with a new appreciation of how it came to be.

Ross - thank you for your time, and for sharing your knowledge and passion for geology with everyone who attended this community event.

April 2024

Event - Signatures from the Front, presented by Jenni Moloney.

This showcase event at the Williamstown Town Hall, held during Heritage Month, was the first time our World War One Signature Quilt was displayed in six years. Jenni Moloney presented her extensive research into one of the treasures in our collection and the individual stories behind the signatures. The quilt pays tribute to the memories of many courageous individuals who fought overseas during World War I, including those who lost their lives while fighting for their country and never returned home.

Thanks, Jennie, for your investigative research in finally finding the true story of the quilts' creation and sharing it with everyone.

March 2024

Event - Steamrail Victoria - Open Weekend at the Newport Railway Workshops

We were thrilled to have a display at this highly anticipated and well-attended event. Once every two years, rail enthusiasts from far and wide converge on the historic Newport Workshops for one of the largest and most impressive displays of rail history in the country. The Newport Railway Workshops have been in operation continuously since 1870 and are typically not open to the public. The historic railway sheds have seen it all, from the construction of the early steam engines to the steady evolution of transportation technology and the diesel locomotives of today. Despite the extremely hot weather conditions across all three days, crowds of all ages arrived early to make the most of this rare opportunity to explore the extensive workshops, collection of engines, carriages, and models on display, as well as to watch demonstrations that brought the history of rail transportation to life. Volunteers manned our stand and promoted the local area heritage and tourism to visitors with much interest taken in our display including historic photographs. Thanks to everyone who helped out.

History Walk - ' Williamstown Cemetery' presented by Brian Haynes

Brian Haynes shared his expertise as a local historian with our group on a beautiful Sunday morning, with a walking tour of the historic Williamstown Cemetery. Members learnt about its' colourful characters' and tales of early life in the colony.

History Presentation - 'The Buckingham Car' presented by Scott Garnett

Did you know that there was a locally produced car, manufactured in Footscray in the 1930's? Scott entertained the audience with the pioneering vision and achievements of John Thomas Buckingham & Alfred Thomas Ward. They successfully manufactured a locally built motor car from the engine block up, at a time when the major players in the automotive market (Ford & Holden) were importing car components and only assembling cars in Australia.

Scott, thanks for sharing your passion and research with us.

January 2024

History Walk - 'On the Beach' presented by Brian Haynes

Our members had the pleasure of a fascinating Sunday morning history walk, guided by Brian Haynes, a WHS life member and well-known local identity. Brian has a deep passion for sharing his amazing knowledge of the area’s history with others, including his almost 10,000 members on the Williamstown Past and Present Facebook Group.

Our group gathered near the Morris St football ground and under Brian's guidance, embarked on a stroll along the foreshore, befriending a lost dog along the way. Brian shared some surprising facts about the area's past. He revealed that living along the Esplanade in the early days was not a pleasant experience, as the now expansive grassed area was once a rubbish heap, filled with rats and emitting an unpleasant stench in the air.

As the group meandered along the undulating path near the water, Brian pointed out the remnants of the bluestone quarries that were excavated by convicts. Some of the cuts and drill holes are still visible today, half hidden by the creeping vegetation. The basalt extracted was used in the construction of our early buildings and infrastructure.

We learnt about ‘The Bunbury swimming hole’, old Sea Baths that graced the shore and the carnival ground with a carousel. These treasures were from a time when thousands of visitors arrived by steam train to enjoy a stroll along the promenade, a paddle in the ocean or perhaps a picnic in the Botanic Gardens. 

Brian, thanks for sharing your passion for history and bringing it to life. 

November 2023

History presentation - St John's Ambulance Museum visit

Our last gathering of the year was a trip to the St John's Ambulance Museum on the Esplanade in Williamstown.

We had a presentation on their collections and some time to look at the exhibits before we caught up over refreshments. This museum is a small but hidden treasure, and visiting it is worth it if you're interested in the services that St John's Ambulance has provided over the years.

Thanks to the St John's Ambulance Museum for opening their doors to us and sharing their wonderful collection.

September 2023

History presentation -' Newport Railway Workshops Clocktower Restoration' presented by Ralph & Virginia Coghill

At our September presentation, guest speakers Ralph and Virginia Coghill entertained the group with their team's heritage restoration work of the Newport Railway Workshops Clocktower and Gardens. After overcoming hurdles and getting Hobsons Bay Council and Victrack onside with their restoration skills and ideas their team has done a wonderful job.

Thanks to Virginia and Ralph for sharing the story of your team's hard work.