Chelsea and District Historical Society present their latest display – Coast : Aspendale to Carrum Looking Back.

Where: Chelsea Courthouse, 6 The Strand, Chelsea.
When:
Friday, November 22, 2024 – 12 noon to 3.00pm
Saturday, November 23, 2024 – 10.00am – 3.00pm
Sunday, November 24, 2024 – 10.00am -3.00pm.

The exhibition will feature old photographs and stories about the local area and how its development has been shaped by our magnificent beaches. Our books will be on sale and you are welcome to become a member of the Society. Free entry and everyone is welcome!

The following snapshot of history is paraphrased from “Chelsea: a Beachside Community” by Frank McGuire.
Before white settlers arrived, first nations people, The Bunurong, knew the area as Karrum Karrum. Kangaroos and emu were to be found along the lightly wooded coast, colonies of koalas were in the Manna Gums along the Isles of Wannak Laddin (modern day Chelsea Heights) and the swamp was teeming with birdlife. From the top of Olivers Hill the Bunurong would have seen the ribbon of sand running from present day Aspendale to Carrum. The swamp stretched about fifteen kilometres north/south from the Mordialloc Creek and ran about five kilometres inland. Development began with fishing and cattle farming and as people discovered the beautiful beaches, the area became a popular seaside resort. By the turn of the twentieth century there was camping on the foreshore and guest houses were established, and the draining of the swamp commenced in 1879 with the Patterson Cut. Land sales began in 1865 and the swamp was thrown open for selection in 1871.

Click on flyer to enlarge.