Yarragon’s past, present and future
The Yarragon ‘Past, Present, Future Expo’ will be coming to Yarragon Hall next month.
On June 4 and 5 the expo will examine Yarragon’s past, all the way back to its time as one of the busiest timber towns in the region and its years as a self-supporting dairy town.
An extensive display of photos and information will be on show, as well as costumes through the decades, and some old movies playing continuously throughout the day. Additionally, there will be old artifacts on display such as cross-saws and milk cans.
Event organisers said the heavily forested hills around the town were cleared using just axes and saws. The flat land was also impenetrable and swampland was drained using picks and shovels.
At the time, the areas parliamentary member, Francis Conway Mason said “there has been a tragedy enacted on almost every selection round here. A forest is the cruellest thing on earth.”
The expo will also explore what Yarragon has to offer in the present day, including its many
shops and renowned cafes.
Different businesses and organisations will host displays and demonstrations. Local line dancers and tango dancers will also be putting on performances.
Finally, the plans for Yarragon’s future will be featured.
Expo committee member Tini Cook said Baw Baw Shire representatives are expected to attend for a few hours on Saturday morning.
She said the event would be an opportunity for all the new residents that have recently moved to the area to learn a bit about their new home.
“It really is amazing how it all was then, and how it is now.”
“This is an opportunity for people to find out about it because I don’t think many people would have any idea.”
The committee is hoping the expo will attract many locals from Yarragon and surrounding areas, as much of the town’s history is shared with other parts of the region.
“We would love all of the new Yarragon residents to come, but anyone who is interested in the history…perhaps some of the regular visitors here would love to learn more about the town,” Ms Cook said.
“It’s just a one-off opportunity for people to see all of this.”
Entry is free for all attendees, and refreshments such as tea, coffee, and sandwiches will be available.
The expo will run from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday.