“We received nominations for families that migrated to Australia from all over the world during the 1800s and 1900s and chose to settle in this area to farm the land or provide important services such as running the general store or post office,” Ms Tilley said.
The local individuals and families who are the successful recipients of a street named in their honour at Warralily in Armstrong Creek have been announced. Name a Street at Warralily, launched earlier in the year, put the call out to the Geelong and surrounding communities to nominate those who had played a significant role in the region.
What followed were stories of pioneers, community stalwarts and generations of families worthy of recognition thanks to the part they’ve played in the evolution of the Connewarre and Mount Duneed areas.
Warralily Marketing Manager Melissa Tilley said the exercise revealed a spirit of community and settlement stretching from modern day back through the history books.
“We received nominations for families that migrated to Australia from all over the world during the 1800s and 1900s and chose to settle in this area to farm the land or provide important services such as running the general store or post office,” Ms Tilley said.
“There have also been individuals including local teachers, doctors, pharmacists and planners who have been recognised for the important part they played in fostering the local community.”
Some of the area’s earliest settling families were also nominated, with one – Neville Spencer and his daughter Elizabeth - having a history stretching back 170 years. Neville is recognised as the oldest living original Connewarre resident while his daughter is a local Connewarre historian.
One of Warralily’s newest residents, Luke Beard, nominated his grandmother for the significant contribution she made to those living with disabilities. Mr Beard said having a street named after his grandmother in the community where he plans to raise his own family is extremely special.
“Having a street named after the family and in recognition of my Nanna and Pop is unbelievable and a great tribute,” he said.
Ms Tilley said that all nominations received had been put to council for approval with the successful names set for roll out throughout the Warralily estate. While there were some names that council were unable to approve, Ms Tilley said that Warralily was still very grateful for the effort made by those who put the nominations forward.
All those who made nominations will be celebrated at an upcoming morning tea held at the Warralily Sales Office to acknowledge their contribution to the awards.