Community day to celebrate historical book launch

WINCHELSEA and its surrounding community members are invited to attend tomorrow’s open day at the historic Barwon Park Mansion to celebrate the launch of a new book, Barwon Park: People and Place.

Edited by prestigious author/scholar duo Ursula De Jong and Jacqueline Healy, Barwon Park: People and Place, documents the history of Barwon Park through diverse perspectives, acknowledging Traditional Owners of the land, the pioneering mansion families and the local community.

The Barwon Park Mansion is a regional property bequeathed to the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), the leading heritage and conservation organisation in the state.

Pioneering pastoralist Thomas Austin and his wife Elizabeth built the lavish 42-room mansion in the late 1860s and soon later, it became the most celebrated mansion house in western Victoria.

Today, it provides visitors with an authentic experience of Australia’s past, and with the opportunity to meaningfully engage with multiple histories.

Alongside the book launch, local artist Deanne Gibson will be unveiling her artwork Barre Warre, Parrwang Karrung (The Barwon – Magpie Camp) which was commissioned for the book publication and Barwon Park Mansion facility.

Locals will also be able to enjoy guided tours of the mansion and take part in a series of historic lawn games.

The Lion’s Club and Country Women’s Association (CWA) will be serving food and refreshments available for purchase.

National Trust of Australia (Victoria) chief executive officer, Simon Ambrose said he was looking forward to the community event.

“We’re immensely proud of the work that has gone into Barwon Park: People and Place. It’s been a labour of love, but also an amazing example of collaboration and rigorous scholarly research.

“Sharing our stories with local communities is a core part of what we do at the National Trust.

“What’s even more important is the privilege of listening to the local connections and memories generously shared with us on days like this.

“We look forward to meeting many at Barwon Park.”

The event will kick off at 2pm.

The Barwon Park Mansion is located at 105 Inverleigh Road, Winchelsea.