All invited to head back to Steiglitz

THIS Sunday 26 October, the Back to Steiglitz Reunion will be held for the first time since 2023.

A range of attractions and activities will take place across the town from 10am until 3pm including a performance by The Inklings from the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club, a public art performance, and an art exhibition in the historic St John’s Catholic Church.

The day will also see a most like owner dog competition, poetry recitals, spinning and weaving demonstrations, a quilt display, stalls, a children’s art display, a sausage sizzle and more.

Home cooked food and tea and coffee will be available at Sugg’s Blacksmith’s Cottage.

“It’s a great fun day, a family fun day,” Steiglitz resident and volunteer organiser Lindy Allinson said.

Entry to the event is a gold coin donation and money raised on the day will support their upkeep.

Ms Allison said the heritage buildings provide connections to her neighbours and a sense of community.

“If you’ve ever been to Sovereign Hill… Steiglitz is the real thing,” she said.

“It’s got mega government protection papers over it so even the empty spaces are protected.

“They consider it Victoria’s most important educational tool on life in the early goldrush.”

The reunion has been running nearly every year since it was held for the first time to celebrate the township’s centenary in 1951.

“Community is important to everyone and the fact that this has been going for so long, for white Australia anyway… in Victoria Steiglitz is one of the oldest family trees,” Ms Allison said.

“We have direct descendants who walk these streets and lived in those existing buildings who still come to the reunion every year from all over Australia.

“For them it’s vitally important, it’s a connection to their family.”

The event is organised for volunteers and is cash only. For more information, visit backtosteiglitz.org.au.