TV show chronicles Shire stories

PUTTING local historical sites, heritage, and stories in the spotlight, a new TV show is being produced in the Golden Plains Shire.

Mystical Guides Studios director Stelios Kokotos said he decided to base his production Chronicles X in the Shire, as it can be considered an “invisible” area between Ballarat and Geelong although it has so much to offer.

“It was like this mysterious, hidden place you drive through, but once I started looking into it, I realised how rich in history it was with lots of amazing locations off the main road,” he said.

“I thought it was an opportunity to reveal these locations, their Indigenous and colonial history, and meet the people of the area.”

Presented by Elysia Janssen, Chronicles X features locations including Lethbridge Winery, Turtle Bend, Nimmons Bridge, the Moorabool Viaduct, the Meredith Hall, Steiglitz, Naringal Station, and plan to head to shoot at the Rokewood Wind Farm.

Just out of the Shire’s boundary, they’ve even visited the Fairy Park at Anakie.

“I’m trying to cover, within reason, as many of the landmarks and historically significant places in the Golden Plains Shire as possible.” Kokotos said.

“Residents will be able to see locations that they might not normally be able to access… and find out more about the origin of the towns of the Golden Plains Shire.

“It’s a community-driven volunteer project, and we’re respectful of the needs of the locals, working with them to create the show. Margaret from the Meredith History Interest Group has especially been a huge help.”

Chronicles X has been produced with funds from the Community Bank Buninyong, the Golden Plains Shire, and the Australian Cultural Fund.

The show has also been made with the support of community partners including the Meredith History Interest Group, Turtle Bend Teesdale, and the Meredith Music Festival.

With just weeks of filming left to complete the project, Mystical Guides Studios expect it will be screened on Channel 31, and hope to get it picked up by a digital channel in the new year.