NWDFHG - The Dutch Connection: From Putten to New Amsterdam and Beyond!
2025-09-20 14:00 - 16:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
You are invited to the Narre Warren & District Family History Group meeting where guest speaker Jan Whitaker will be sharing the story of her earliest ancestor in the Americas, Cosyn Gerritsen van Putten, a very early Dutch settler in New Amsterdam, known today as New York City.
Jan’s presentation will begin at 2.00 pm, followed by a short break with coffee/tea and then the business part of the meeting will commence. $5 entry.
Visitors are always welcome.
When: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 2.00pm. Venue: 110 High Street, Berwick. More information: secretary@nwfhg.org.au

Tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Dandenong
2025-10-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
City of Greater Dandenong Heritage invite you to take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with expert heritage staff, on the first Thursday of the month during 2025, from June to December.
Heritage Hill is of local historical and cultural significance, reflecting the course of the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural history. Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga House (1936) and St James’ Anglican Church (1864) offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of a group of prominent locals who lived in the region during the late nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth centuries.
Tours encompass two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Attendees will have an insight not only into the families who lived at Heritage Hill but also into Dandenong’s rich cultural history. Tea and coffee is provided following completion of the tour. Meet at Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong.
Numbers are limited, bookings required https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1388901
For assistance with any questions, contact us on 8571 1000.

Berwick Mechanics' Institute AGM
2025-10-08 10:30 - 11:30 | Berwick Mechanics’ Institute, 15 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
You are invited to the Berwick Mechanics’ Institute & Free Library 162nd Annual General Meeting.
Where: The Library, the Library, 15 High Street, Berwick. When: Wednesday October 8, 2025 at 10.30am. Light Refreshments will be served after the meeting.
RSVP – Friday 3rd October 2025 by phone 9707 3519.

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Hastings Western Port Historical Society Morning Coffee
2025-10-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Hastings Museum, Cr Marine Parade and Skinner Street, Hastings, Victoria, 3915, Australia
Hastings-Western Port Historical Society invite you to their Coffee Morning. Guest Speaker is Samuel McLennan speaking about Heart, the rubbish boat. The boat is constructed from rubbish found on the Tasmanian coast line; Samuel is raising awareness of the amount of rubbish found in the environment.

When: Thursday, October 9, 2025 – 10.00am to 12 noon. Morning tea at 10.00am, talk starts at 10.30am. Where: Hastings Museum, Cnr Marine Pde and Skinner Street, Hastings.

Entrance Fee Members $5; Non-Members $7. Bookings: Di on 0490 132 011 or email info@hastingsmuseum.org.au

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Talk - You can learn a lot in a Cemetery ... and be misled
2025-10-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Pakenham Library, cr Henry and John Streets, Pakenham, Victoria, 3810, Australia
Join Jane Rivett-Carnac, President of the Narre Warren and District Family History Group, at her talk – You can learn a lot in a Cemetery … and be misled. Learn about the ways that cemeteries can help (and hinder) your family history research.
When: Friday, October 10, 2025 at 10.00am. Where: Pakenham Library, cr Henry and John Streets, Pakenham.
Free but bookings preferred https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/you-can-learn-a-lot-in-a-cemetery-and-be-misled-pakenham-library-tickets-1599172952349?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Book Launch - When the Army came to Pakenham: Salvation Army Home Pakenham 1892-1919
2025-10-11 14:00 - 15:30 | Railway Hotel, 153 Main Street, Pakenham, Victoria, 3810, Australia
When the Army came to Pakenham: Salvation Army Home Pakenham 1892-1919 by Penny Harris-Jennings. Penny acknowledges the history, officers and residents of the Salvation Army at Pakenham with over 250 pages of biographies and photographs.
When: Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 2.00pm. Where: Railway Hotel, 153 Main Street, Pakenham. All welcome, but please RSVP by October 1.
Enquiries / Orders pennyharrisjennings@gmail.com

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Mornington Cemetery Walk
2025-10-12 13:15 - 15:30 | Mornington Cemetery, 40 Craigie Road, Mt Martha, Victoria, 3934, Australia
Join the Mornington & District Historical Society for a tour of the Mornington Cemetery, Craigie Road, Mount Martha.
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 1.15pm. Cost $10.00. Afternoon tea follows. No need to book.

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Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery Tour - Convicts
2025-10-12 13:30 - 15:00 | Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery, Charman Road, Cheltenham, Victoria, 3192, Australia
The Friends of Cheltenham & Regional Cemeteries invite you to their tour where they will be exploring the stories of some of the convicts buried at the Pioneer Cemetery, people who began their lives in chains and hardship but became part of the foundations of Victoria’s early history.
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 1.30pm. Members: $12 – Non members: $15, refreshments provided. The tour will go ahead come rain, hail or shine, so come prepared with suitable clothing and footwear.
Please meet just inside the Gate at Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery
Bookings required: info@focrc.org or call 9497 1318

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Talk: History of the drainage and settlement of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp
2025-10-12 13:30 - 15:00 | Mallow House Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, cr Henry Street, Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, 3981, Australia
Discover the history of the drainage of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, the largest Swamp reclamation project in Victoria; hear about the life of the settlers on the newly drained swamp, the many floods and Carlo Catani, the Public Works Department engineer who oversaw much of the work. Talk presented by Heather Arnold, President of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.
The same talk is presented on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 1.30pm AND Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11.00am.
Venue: Mallow House, Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup. Free, but please book, light refreshments provided. More information and bookings – Heather Arnold kooweerupswamphistsoc@gmail.com
These events are part of the 2025 Victorian Seniors Festival.

Brighton General Cemetery tour - Early Colonists of Victoria
2025-10-12 14:00 - 15:30 | Brighton General Cemetery, Cr North and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield South, Victoria, 3162, Australia
Join the Brighton Cemetorians on their tour of the Brighton General Cemetery – Early Colonists of Victoria.
On this walk you will meet John Andrews who with his brother purchased land for market gardens at Brighton in 1839; Peter Hurlestone who in 1840 was one of the first of two millers to establish a flour mill in Melbourne; Caroline Dexter/Lynch arrived in Sydney in 1855 before coming to Victoria, her Institute of Hygiene advised women to discard their corsets and wear divided skirts. These are but a few of those that you will be getting know on this walk.
When: Sunday, October 12 2025 at 2.00pm. Meet near the office. Bookings essential – ring Lois on 9558 4248 Cost: $15.00

Talk: History of the drainage and settlement of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp
2025-10-15 11:00 - 12:30 | Mallow House Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, cr Henry Street, Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, 3981, Australia
Discover the history of the drainage of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp, the largest Swamp reclamation project in Victoria; hear about the life of the settlers on the newly drained swamp, the many floods and Carlo Catani, the Public Works Department engineer who oversaw much of the work. Talk presented by Heather Arnold, President of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.
The same talk is presented on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at 1.30pm AND Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at 11.00am.
Venue: Mallow House, Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup. Free, but please book, light refreshments provided. More information and bookings – Heather Arnold kooweerupswamphistsoc@gmail.com
This event is part of the 2025 Victorian Seniors Festival.

Talk - Ancestry.com: an eclectic look at some of the interesting databases
2025-10-16 11:00 - 12:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
Narre Warren & District Family History Group invite you to a talk – Ancestry.com: an eclectic look at some of the interesting databases presented by Heather Arnold, President of the Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society.
When: Thursday, October 16, 2025 at 11.00am. Venue: 110 High Street, Berwick. Cost: Free for members – Gold coin donation for visitors. All welcome.
More information – secretary@nwfhg.org.au

Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival
2025-10-18 10:00 - 14:00 | Nar Nar Goon Hall, Spencer Street, Nar Nar Goon, Victoria, 3812, Australia
Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival – Join local history groups and enthusiasts in celebrating the shared past of the Casey and Cardinia regions.
When: Saturday, October 18, 2025 from 10.00am to 2.00pm. Where: Nar Nar Goon Hall, Spencer Street, Nar Nar Goon. It’s free, no bookings required.
Sponsored by MYLI Community Library and Connected Libraries.

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Brighton Cemetery turns 170!
2025-10-19 10:00 - 16:00 | Brighton General Cemetery, Cr North and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield South, Victoria, 3162, Australia
You are invited to the 170th anniversary of Brighton General Cemetery.
Activities: Horse drawn hearse with walking tour at 11.00am, Historical Displays, Self-guided walks around the cemetery. Formal proceedings will take place at 1.00pm with light refreshments to follow.
When: Sunday, October 19, 2025 from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Location: Brighton General Cemetery, cnr of North Rd & Hawthorn Rd, Caulfield South. Proceed to the Lodge near the North Rd entrance on arrival. No on-site parking is available for this event. Street parking is available surrounding the Cemetery.
Please RSVP by October 5 info@brightoncemetorians.org

Dandenong and District Historical Society Annual General Meeting
2025-10-19 14:00 - 16:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
Dandenong and District Historical Society Annual General Meeting.
Guest Speaker: Ross Dawson – Old Sale Road: our Gippsland history. Ross has written a book on the Old Sale Road and Dandenong Historical Society helped with his research. The stage coach travelled from Melbourne through to Sale from 1850 until about 1879.
When: Sunday, October 19, 2025 at 2.00pm. Where: Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong. All welcome.

Lang Lang Cemetery Walk
2025-10-26 10:00 - 22:30 | Lang Lang Cemetery, McDonalds Track, Lang Lang, Australia
Narre Warren & District Family History Group invite you to their Lang Lang Cemetery Walk, McDonald’s Track, Lang Lang on Sunday, October 26 2025 at 10.00am. Join the group for a walk around this historic cemetery and listen to stories of people and families in times past.

Bookings essential: cemetery.tours@nwfhg.org.au or call Jane on 0412 084 671. Cost $10.00 per person, which includes a light morning tea served at the conclusion of the tour. Tour expected to last 90 minutes.

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Tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Dandenong
2025-11-06 10:00 - 2026-01-08 12:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
City of Greater Dandenong Heritage invite you to take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with expert heritage staff, on the first Thursday of the month during 2025, from June to December.
Heritage Hill is of local historical and cultural significance, reflecting the course of the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural history. Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga House (1936) and St James’ Anglican Church (1864) offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of a group of prominent locals who lived in the region during the late nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth centuries.
Tours encompass two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Attendees will have an insight not only into the families who lived at Heritage Hill but also into Dandenong’s rich cultural history. Tea and coffee is provided following completion of the tour. Meet at Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong
Numbers are limited, bookings required https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1388901
For assistance with any questions, contact us on 8571 1000.

Friends of Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries Annual General Meeting
2025-11-08 13:30 - 15:00 | Mallow House Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, cr Henry Street, Koo-Wee-Rup, Victoria, 3981, Australia
Friends of Cheltenham and Regional Cemeteries Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 1.30pm.
Venue: Mallow House, Koo Wee Rup Swamp Historical Society Museum, 325 Rossiter Road, Koo Wee Rup.
More details to follow.

SEHA General Meeting
2025-11-16 14:00 - 16:00 | Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove, Springvale, Victoria, 3171, Australia
The final SEHA meeting for 2025 is on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2.00 pm, hosted by the Springvale & District Historical Society. Venue: Springvale Community Hub, 5 Hillcrest Grove. More details to follow.

Talk at NWDFHG - Ellis Rowan, flower hunter
2025-11-19 19:30 - 21:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
The guest speaker at the Narre Warren & District Family History Group meeting is Paula Taylor. Paula, from the Friends of Wilson Botanic Park at Berwick, will talk about Ellis Rowan, the prolific Australian botanical illustrator who also painted birds, butterflies and insects. She was an intrepid traveller who ventured into extreme environments to capture the subjects of her work. Ellis Rowan was the sister of Sir Charles Ryan, and thus the aunt of Lady Casey. Lady Casey lived at Edrington in Berwick; her husband Lord Casey was the Governor General of Australia and the namesake of the City of Casey.
When: Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 7.30pm. Where: NWDFHG, 110 High Street, Berwick. Cost: $5.00. The November general meeting will follow the talk.

Talk - Researching Military Ancestors with emphasis on World War 2
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 | 110 High Street, Berwick, Victoria, 3806, Australia
Narre Warren & District Family History Group invite you to a talk – Researching Military Ancestors with emphasis on the Second World War presented by Jane Rivett-Carnac, President of the NWDFHG.
When: Thursday, November 20 2025 at 11.00am. Venue: 110 High Street, Berwick. Cost: Free for members – Gold coin donation for visitors. All welcome.
More information – secretary@nwfhg.org.au

Wonthaggi & District Historical Society - Annual Memorial Dinner
2025-11-28 18:00 - 21:30 | Wonthaggi Workmens Club, 75 Graham Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi & District Historical Society invite you to their Annual Memorial Dinner. The Dinner celebrates Wonthaggi’s History in Music and Verse with guest speakers and performers.
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 6.00 pm. Venue: Wonthaggi Workmens Club, 75 Graham Street, Wonthaggi.
Two course set dinner, tea and coffee; Cost $45.00; drinks at bar prices (Please notify special dietary requirements when booking).
Admission by pre-purchased tickets only – book with the Wonthaggi Workmens Club, phone: 03 56721083. Bookings open on October 17th, 2025 and close November 14th, 2025.
Email enquiries: enquiries@wonthaggiworkmens.com.au

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Tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Dandenong
2025-12-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Benga House, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175, Australia
City of Greater Dandenong Heritage invite you to take a free tour of Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens with expert heritage staff, on the first Thursday of the month during 2025.
Heritage Hill is of local historical and cultural significance, reflecting the course of the City of Greater Dandenong’s cultural history. Laurel Lodge (1869), Benga House (1936) and St James’ Anglican Church (1864) offer a glimpse into the everyday lives of a group of prominent locals who lived in the region during the late nineteenth and early-to-mid twentieth centuries.
Tours encompass two historic houses, Laurel Lodge and Benga and the surrounding gardens. Attendees will have an insight not only into the families who lived at Heritage Hill but also into Dandenong’s rich cultural history. Tea and coffee is provided following completion of the tour. Meet at Benga, 66 McCrae Street, Dandenong
Numbers are limited, bookings required https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1388901
For assistance with any questions, contact us on 8571 1000.

Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - Wonthaggi Cordial Factories
2026-01-03 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Saturday, January 3rd – Wonthaggi Cordial Factories
Sunday, January 4th – Childhood memories of living in a shop in McBride Avenue
Monday, January 5th – Wonthaggi Ski Club
Tuesday, January 6th – Wonthaggi State Coal Mine: An overview of mines and mining operations
Wednesday, January 7th – The Amazon Shipwreck
Thursday, January 8th – Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands: A legacy of our mining history
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - McBride Avenue childhood memories
2026-01-04 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Sunday, January 4th – Childhood memories of living in a shop in McBride Avenue
Monday, January 5th – Wonthaggi Ski Club
Tuesday, January 6th – Wonthaggi State Coal Mine: An overview of mines and mining operations
Wednesday, January 7th – The Amazon Shipwreck
Thursday, January 8th – Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands: A legacy of our mining history
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - Wonthaggi Ski Club
2026-01-05 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Monday, January 5th – Wonthaggi Ski Club
Tuesday, January 6th – Wonthaggi State Coal Mine: An overview of mines and mining operations
Wednesday, January 7th – The Amazon Shipwreck
Thursday, January 8th – Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands: A legacy of our mining history
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - State Coal Mine: An overview
2026-01-06 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Tuesday, January 6th – Wonthaggi State Coal Mine: An overview of mines and mining operations
Wednesday, January 7th – The Amazon Shipwreck
Thursday, January 8th – Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands: A legacy of our mining history
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - The Amazon Shipwreck
2026-01-07 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Wednesday, January 7th – The Amazon Shipwreck
Thursday, January 8th – Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands: A legacy of our mining history
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands
2026-01-08 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Thursday, January 8th – Seed collecting, Wonthaggi Wetlands: A legacy of our mining history
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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Wonthaggi - 15 Minutes of History - Wonthaggi's First Fitness Club
2026-01-09 11:30 - 12:00 | Wonthaggi Museum, Railway Station, Murray Street, Wonthaggi, Victoria, 3995, Australia
Wonthaggi and District Historical Society presents – 15 Minutes of History. A series of talks held at the Railway Museum, Apex Park, Murray Street, Wonthaggi. Time: 11.30am to 12 noon, January 3rd to January 11th, 2026. Free, All welcome.
Friday, January 9th – Wonthaggi’s First Fitness Club – ”The Wonderful World of Weights”
Saturday, January 10th – Bunurong Coast: Our underwater world
Sunday, January 11th – Wonthaggi’s Internationally Famous Axeman

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