March 19, 2016

Harrick's Open Day – 'Bridges of Keilor Region' & 'We saw the Queen'

We had two exhibitions on show and they were on display in 4 of the rooms with the cottage.

Outside we had the marquee for the afternoon tea and visitors to sit in comfort. The next tent had our books for sale in. Then there was George Smithwick the only Cooper working in Australia.

World 4 Kids and the Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust were also there to talk to people who came along. We were entertained by two students of music, from Overnewton Anglican Community School. So there was plenty to take part in.

Jane Nathan, Administrator Brimbank City Council, opened the exhibitions and had many kind words to say about our work and valuing our strong interest in heritage matters.

The bridges that were focussed on were The Old Iron Bridge, Arundel Road Bridge, Samuel Brees Bridge, Calder Freeway Bridge, the E.J.Whitten Bridge and the Railway Trestle Bridge. Each are of interest in respect to engineering qualities, community use and social significance. Some were built in the 19th Century and some in the 20th Century. They are all part of the rich fabric of our history in this Keilor region.

Susan Jennison OAM
President of Keilor Historical Society Inc.