History unveiled

Stawell residents are celebrating the restoration and return of a historic photograph to the town’s council chambers.

The photograph of former Shire of Stawell councillor Thomas Hutchings was discovered in badly damaged condition in storage and was taken away for restoration work by cousins David and Tim Hutchings, great grandchildren of Thomas.

Thomas was a councillor from 1881 to 1896 and was shire president from 1886 to 1887.

He was contracted, along with Isaac Delbridge, to build the original council chambers in the town.

David said he was thrilled to have his great grandfather’s portrait hung in the chambers he helped build.

“It’s a tremendous thing to see him brought back to life in a way. The photo had gone a bit derelict and has now been restored and we are very happy to see that,” he said. “My great grandfather came to the area from Castlemaine after he came out from England to look for gold, as everyone did. He then moved to Stawell when gold was discovered here.

“He had a carting and contracting business, so it is reported he did a lot of work for the council building roads, bridges, and this building.

“He also carted quartz for crushing and timber pit props for the mining company.

“The Stawell Historical Society and the Northern Grampians Shire Council have been a wonderful help during all this research and I urge everyone to support their local historical society.”

Northern Grampians Shire councillor Kevin Erwin said it was great to have a piece of the shire’s history restored.

“Thomas will make a great addition to the council chambers,” he said.

“It’s great to have him back and looking his best.”