Final Hayes Family reunion a success

DESPITE high temperatures, more than 100 descendants of Mark and Maria Hayes attended the final Hayes Family Reunion last weekend.

The family has been holding reunions every four years for more than 60 years.

“My great-great-grandparents arrived in Tooborac in the early 1850s,” John Freesmith said.

“Mark initially worked as a groomsman at the McIvor Inn and Maria was employed as a cook.

“Later, they purchased 213 acres on the McIvor Creek and built Leister House from quarried stone.

“It still stands today although is no longer in the family.”

Descendants began gathering at 10am in the Tooborac Hall where they viewed displays of photos and video presentations.

“It was a wonderful surprise to have such a great turnout considering the heat warnings,” Mr Freesmith said, “particularly as many are over 75.

“Sadly, we think this will be our final reunion as it has been mostly older family members organising them with younger ones not keen to continue.

“But now we are here, there is talk of smaller line reunions continuing and perhaps holding them in spring when it isn’t as hot.

“This date was picked as it coincided with Mark and Maria’s arrival in Tooborac.

“It is 173 years since they arrived.

“It will be wonderful if something can continue. As well as family, there are some great friendships being made today.”

The visitors travelled from Northern Territory, NSW, Canberra, Kangaroo Island and all over Victoria.

Ninety-five-year-old Alan Hayes, who was the oldest former student to attend the Tooborac Primary School reunion last year, drove from Mornington.

“It is wonderful to catch up with so many family members,” he said.