Reunion for historic township

THE annual Back to Steiglitz reunion is almost here and everyone is invited to take a walk through the historic township.

Running on Sunday, 30 October from 10am to 3pm, the event is a regular initiative run by the Back to Steiglitz Association, and secretary Lindy Allinson said it will reconnect the town’s past residents.

“It’s about the people that once lived in Steiglitz reuniting, coming together and talking about their lives and sharing their memories and stories,” she said.

“We have at times had a billy-kart race. We have stalls, kite flying, competitions. It’s very old-fashioned and can be really quirky.”

All of the town’s buildings will be open for attendees and returning fixtures include the oldest and youngest attendee competition.

Funds raised from the event will go towards developing a function space between the church and schoolhouse, as well as restoring an outdoor bench and the Sugg’s blacksmith cottage.

The event will coincide with the launch of Steiglitz – Thru the Lens, a photobook collated by local descendent Tony Scott for the Meredith History Interest Group.

Ms Allinson said it’s a great opportunity to take visitors through one of Australia’s last living ghost towns.

“Steiglitz is the last town in Australia without electricity. No water or sewerage either, so everything is as if you’ve stepped back in time, so the event is great for families,” she said.

“The games we have are the old ones that people grew up with like the potato sack, the egg and spoon, and wheelbarrow races.

“When everyone’s home, we have 11 residents, and pre-COVID we would have 200,000 people [visit] each year.”