By XAVIER SMERDON
WHEN Barry Hopkins’ father Louis lived in Truganina the factories that stand there today were nothing more than farms.
Mr Hopkins is a fifth generation Truganina farmer, with fond memories of the way things were.
As a committee member of the Truganina Progress Association he will be taking part in an upcoming reunion to mark the 90th birthday of the group.
Back To Truganina will see “old” residents of the now booming suburb reminiscing about what it used to be like.
Mr Hopkin’s great-grandfather moved to Truganina after his brother, who was already living there, wrote to him and told him it was flat and rocky “just like home”.
He has since travelled back to his family’s Scottish home and said he agrees with his great-grand uncles verdict.
Mr Hopkins said if his father was to visit Truganina today, he would not recognise it.
“It’s amazing how much it’s changed. My father wouldn’t believe what they’ve got now,” Mr Hopkins said.
“I think he would just be dumbfounded.
“When I was young all we had was a hall where everyone would meet up for dances every second Saturday night.”
Mr Hopkins said while Truganina is one of the fastest growing suburbs in the fastest growing municipality today, when he was younger people who did not live there were not even aware it existed.
His auntie, Maisey Griffiths, travelling from Geelong to attend the reunion.
At 101-years-old she is thought to be the oldest living person from Truganina.
Back To Truganina will be held on Sunday 20 October at 1pm to 5pmat the ARP hall on the corner of Dohertys and Woods Roads.
For more information call Wendy Bitans on 9394 1107.
