The 2023 Australian Heritage Festival in Benalla will be held from Wednesday, May 3, to Sunday, May 7, with the theme ‘Shared Stories’.
With a bigger and more varied program than in previous years, the festival has something for everyone who loves a good story.
The festival features 25 heritage events including weekend and evening events for the first time.
A Benalla Family Research Group spokesperson said this meant there were lots of opportunities to catch an event at a time that suited people.
“In addition to guided tours, open days, author and historian talks, there will be a dusk cemetery tour featuring the victims of bushranging, murders, bigamy and tragic accidents — we recommend you bring a torch,” the spokesperson saud.,
A historic walk along Carrier St (see the photo) should be a highlight of the festival.
The walk is guided by Maree Hanlon of the Benalla Historical Society, and should delight people interested in the history of the town centre.
Historic buildings that are not normally open to the public share their stories too:
- Visit historic Moira House;
- Go inside Marangan Masonic Lodge; and
- Listen to visiting author and Greta (NSW) Migrant Camp storyteller Alek Schulha talk about the interesting links between Benalla and Greta Camps inside the old Benalla Migrant Camp Hut 65, the former camp chapel.
Benalla’s County Women’s Association is sharing members’ famous heritage baking skills with the community during its ‘CWA Scones and Craft’ open day in the little hall next to Hide’s Bakery.
FCJ College is offering guided tours and is keen to collect and display written memories from past students.
FCJ archivist Lyn Tanner said first-hand accounts created an authentic picture of what school life was like in the past.
“(Those stories) include some from students then living in the former Benalla Migrant Camp,” Ms Tanner said.
“It was a very interesting time in Benalla’s history, and it will be fascinating to collect and share these stories in collaboration with the Benalla Migrant Camp Exhibition.”
During the festival why not also take the short drive to the Winton Wetlands for the self-guided Sculpture Walk which offers insights into local Indigenous history and living stories.
The works on display are from 15 talented Yorta Yorta artists along an easy walking track accessed via the Mokoan Hub and Cafe complex.
The 2023 Australian Heritage Festival in Benalla is part of the annual national celebration of Australian heritage.
For full details on any of the events, visit www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/vic/
Free printed programs are available from Benalla’s Visitor Information Centre and events can now be previewed at www.nationaltrust.org.au/ahf/vic/