50 years to 1976
The clock was turned back more than 100 years at the Police Paddocks in Rowville when, as a salute to the state’s pioneer police, a Memorial Pageant was presented on the site of Victoria’s first native police force. Special guests included the State Governor Sir Henry Winneke and Lady Winneke and high-ranking officers. On arrival official guests were welcomed by mayors of the City of Dandenong (Cr M. Jarvis) and Berwick (Cr R. Irwin) and the president of the Shire of Sherbrooke (Cr Gay). Television newsreader Eric Pearce acted as master of ceremonies. Mr Allan Lind MLA introduced proceedings and Sergeant Stuart Bliss extended a welcome to official guests.
40 years to 1986
A notice in the Government Gazette has officially cut Pakenham Shire free from the apron strings of “Aunty Melbourne”. The notice formalises the lifting of dual planning controls that form part of the shire west of Toomuc Creek. Applications for planning permits in the Beacon Hills Riding and a small section of Toomuc Riding no longer have to be made to the Ministry of Planning. Previously, people had to apply to both the Ministry (and before that the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works) and Pakenham Council. Now the one application to council will be sufficient. It will speed up the approval process. The Ministry usually takes about six weeks to grand a permit, but most applications to council are approved in about three weeks.
30 years to 1996
A local, 22-year-old Vicki Locke, was crowned Berwick Showgirl for 1996, ahead of runner-up Adele Winzar. It was hailed one of the best shows in its 147-year history by secretary Iris Tuckett, thanks to drawcards Humphrey B Bear and Chinese entertainers, along with the usual fireworks and sideshows. The 1995 Royal Melbourne Show Garryowen winner Kylie James of Mooroolbark led the grand parade on Sunday, which also included the Gazette’s own Wally Wombat. City of Casey Chief Commissioner Bill Boyle officially opened the show.
20 years to 2006
Harkaway Primary School has become the newest old school in the state of Victoria. The school has been almost completely rebuilt and the heritage section retained and refurbished. It was opened by Education Minister Jacinta Allan, who said the official opening was an important occasion, but pointed out the school community would celebrate its 130-year history the following day. The honour of cutting the ceremonial cake went to the school’s oldest past pupil Jack Curtis, helped by teacher Bronwyn Vary dressed in period costume.
10 years to 2016
Emotions ran high as over 1000 people gathered on Toomuc Reserve for the Relay For Life, which for the Cancer Busting Fairies team had a pretty special meaning. Their captain, Kerry Holland, was recently diagnosed with leukaemia. Team members carried a ‘Mini Kerry’ doll attached to a backpack with them throughout the night as they paced around the oval and also sold raffle tickets and lollies to boost their fundraising. At the closing ceremony, chairperson John Henzen announced that the fairies had raised an astonishing $7414.55 to be donated to the Cancer Council, the third highest team fundraising total for the event.
