By NATALIE GALLENTI
MELTON residents are being encouraged to visit Woodgrove Shopping Centre and discover the city’s rich history.
Over two centuries of Melton’s heritage is on display in an 80-metre colourful timeline depicting the shire’s very first inhabitants through to the present day.
‘Walk Through Time’ traces the story of Melton’s growth through its days of sheep grazing, the changes brought about by the Gold Rush and the years of hardship that followed, the impact of horse and greyhound racing, the shire’s first hospital and its current rapid growth.
Woodgrove centre manager John Pearce said the display would offer new families living in the area a chance to learn about Melton’s great heritage.
At the opening last week, Melton City mayor Kathy Majdlik was presented with a digital copy of the display which will be stationed at the new Melton Library and Learning Hub and available to students, families and history buffs.
Cr Majdlik said the exhibition would enrich residents’ sense of belonging.
“We need to capitalise on the benefits growth brings, but in the wake of all this growth, it’s important to celebrate our past,” she said.
Wendy Barrie, daughter of the revered local historian Edna (Meyers) Barrie, worked with Woodgrove management to create the display and offered many of her mother’s treasured photographs and documents.
At the opening, Ms Barrie said her mother would have been thrilled to see such an informative and educational display.
“My mother understood the importance of history,” she said.
“She knew that where we come from forms the basis of our modern community, and so she collected images, documents and accounts not just of our family, but of the people, buildings, organisations and events of old Melton, so they would not be lost in the rapid growth of the shire.”
‘Walk Through Time’ will remain on display over the coming months as part of the $150 million expansion program at Woodgrove Shopping Centre.
