History of Bushy |
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Learn how use of the land has changed over time and under the influence of European settlement. |
Pre European History. |
Originally, the land was timbered with Yarra Gum - Eucalyptus yarraensis and about 65 other species of native trees, shrubs and grasses. The Woiworung aboriginal tribe roamed through the area in search of food for thousands of years before European settlement. |
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1st Europeans visit. |
In 1839 Thomas Napier obtained a lease to run cattle, but just a year later he transferred the lease to Alexander Scott, whose wife Madeline gave her home on the east of Dandenong Creek the name 'Bushy Park'. By a succession of owners, the timber was cleared. Acacia bark was used in the production of tannin to tan hides. The land was later used to run cattle and as an orchard. |
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Acquisition as a Park. |
By 1981 the land was acquired by the former MMBW for use as a park and wetland. |
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The Friends of Dandenong Valley Park became involved. |
In early 1993 some members of The Friends of Dandenong Valley Park had a vision to establish a sub-group of Friends to take an interest in an area known as "Turana Park". The area was situated north of High Street Road, west of Dandenong Creek, south of Highbury Road and east of the houses along King Arthur Drive and Knights Drive in Glen Waverley. Douglas Kater, a resident of King Arthur Drive and the then Treasurer of The Friends of Dandenong Valley Park, wrote an article titled 'Your Extended Garden' which was circulated to homes near the park. Some quotes from Doug's article include - "Over your back fence or across the road there is an unspoilt piece of rural parkland." "You may see cattle grazing in the paddocks, ponds of wild ducks, herons and a variety of water birds." "Your help is urgently needed to assist in the upkeep and management of your piece of park to ensure its future development and preservation." "Your attendance at the meeting on Sunday the 21st March is essential if you are concerned about the local environment and the future of your park views." |
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The Friends of Bushy Park Wetlands group formed. |
Margaret Boyd, president of The Friends of Dandenong Valley Park conducted the meeting held at Camelot Rise Primary School on Sunday 21st March 1993. Over a dozen householders attended and expressed their desire to form a Bushy Park/Turana sub-group of The Friends of Dandenong Valley Park. Among the topics discussed were; - a tree planting program, the condition of the trail path, access to the creek and the future use, development and maintenance of the park. A second meeting was called for Wednesday evening 5th May at Camelot Rise Primary School. Margaret Boyd and 7 other people attended the meeting and 3 residents had given apologies. Margaret explained the function of a Friends group and the need for such a group. Jack Dinkgreve representing Melbourne Parks and Waterways gave more details of practical aspects. There was general agreement that a group should be formed to look after the park, but the residents were not happy with the name Turana. The positions of Chairman and Secretary went to Garth Junor and Peter Campbell respectively. A community tree planting day along the new bike/walking trail behind Knights Drive was announced for Sunday 23rd May 1993. |
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Updated 28 Dec.2001 |
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