Past Lectures

Our Monthly Speaker Reports

August 2024 Meeting Report
Lecture Report

August 2024 Meeting Report

Geelong Heritage Centre. Our last meeting was more than just a visit, it was a homecoming. It took place at the Kim barne thaliyu / Geelong Heritage Centre on the third floor of the Geelong Regional Library. Look carefully on the shelves and in the files of Geelong Heritage Centre and you will find evidence that the Geelong Historical Society is still there. Books Investigators magazine, photographs, maps and books, that were once part of …
Read More
July 2024 Lecture Report
Lecture Report

July 2024 Lecture Report

Phoebe Wilkens – Geelong Stories. Our July meeting was well-attended with over forty members and visitors being the lucky recipients of an engaging presentation by Phoebe Wilkens, a local Geelong historian and genealogist. Phoebe Wilkens – our July speaker Phoebe began with a short account of her professional journey beginning first with volunteer and then full-time positions at the Royal Historical Society and Geelong’s Heritage Centre before working at PROV (Victoria’s Public Records Office). Ten …
Read More
June 2024 Lecture Report
Lecture Report

June 2024 Lecture Report

June Meeting Our Future : Thriving by Looking Outward to the Future A Shared Vision for the Future A new era has begun in the Geelong Historical Society. After 17 years at the helm, David Bunton has decided it’s time to pass over the presidency of the Society. At this handover Harry Roberts, the incoming President, outlined exciting plans for the Society. At its heart are steps designed to build on our strengths and to …
Read More
May 2024 Lecture Report
Lecture Report

May 2024 Lecture Report

May Lecture – Dr Roslyn Otzen The Bengalat of the Wadawurrung Dr Roslyn Otzen spoke about the impacts of the collision that occurred on the Bellarine Peninsula after the European settlers landed at Indented Head in 1835. Her work on the Wadawurrung arose after a request by the Baptist Church to research that institution’s engagement with Victoria’s indigenous population. This photograph from 1852 shows the impact of this event. In 1841 a census was conducted …
Read More
April 2024 Lecture Report
Lecture Report

April 2024 Lecture Report

April Lecture – Rob & Deb Robinson a sad local landmark that’s seeking a new vision OLD GEELONG GAOL – FASCINATING AND SPOOKY! The old prison chapel with evidence of an old mural Yes, that describes our April Meeting as our members toured the Old Geelong Gaol under the direction of Rob and Deb Robinson. Lights flickered, and hidden stairs and doorways were revealed as we made our way through the building that was established …
Read More
March 2024 Lecture Report
Lecture Report

March 2024 Lecture Report

March Lecture – Harry Roberts DIMINUTIVE but significant Geelong’s First Custom House Geelong’s First Customs House was the topic presented by Harry Roberts. His presentation began with the establishment of the Port Phillip District and the settlement of Melbourne in 1836 when the area was controlled by the colony of New South Wales. The large influx of settlers required a customs presence which led to Melbourne’s Customs House being established and then one at Geelong …
Read More
February 2024 Lecture Report
Lecture Report

February 2024 Lecture Report

February Lecture – Alan McLean the 1891 disaster off Moonlight Heads The Wreck of the Fiji Alan McLean spoke to us about the wreck of the cargo ship Fiji off Moonlight Heads in 1891. His interesting and informative presentation discussed the cause of the wreck and rescue of the passengers and crew. He presented the facts from the view of a survivor who had a connection with Geelong.Alan also spoke at length about the ship’s …
Read More

Our Past Lecture Schedule

2023 LECTURES

1st February Daryl Wight – The Timms family of Pine Villa and Mount Hesse
1st March Slides of Old Geelong
3rd May Cheryl Scott – History of Osborne House
5th April Annual General Meeting – Dr Peter Mansfield OAM – Geelong Vietnam Veterans’ Association
7th June  Roger Southern – From Bakery to Cinema
5th July Lana Capon – Old Geelong Movies
2nd August Daryl Wight – Eastern Cemetery Ramble (illustrated)
6th September Bruce Gooley – Geelong Steam Ferries and their Owners
4th October Harry Roberts – Latest Research
1st November Harry Roberts – The Austin Clock
6th December Christmas ‘Show and Tell’

2022 LECTURES

2nd February Dr Peter Mansfield OAM – Research undertaken during lock-down
2nd March Daryl Wight – Geelong and Western Hunt Club
6 April   Annual General Meeting  Dr Peter Mansfield OAM – Geelong’s popularly-elected Mayors (Fagg and Lyons)
4th May Daryl Wight – Corio Chronicle and Western District Advertiser
1st June Roger Southern – The Embroidered Silk Scarves from Cairo
6th July Dr Justin Corfield – the Malayan Campaign and Fall of Singapore (with several Geelong references)
3rd August  Daryl Wight – Two very early Geelong schools: Mrs Garrow’s Seminary for Girls and Mr Grove’s Academy for Boys
7th September  Members’ night
5th October  Dr Peter Mansfield OAM – Latest research
2nd November  Cheryl Scott – WWI Nurses at Osborne House
7th December  Christmas ‘Show and Tell’