Moonee Valley Family & Local History Blog

Back in November we introduced you to a new podcast by the Keilor Historical Society- the Keilor Historical Podcast. Episode 1 featured President of the society Susan Jennison chatting with host Richard Whybrow about the bridges of the Keilor region. But wait, there’s more! One episode wasn’t enough to cover everything there is to know about Keilor’s historical bridges, so Episode 2 is online and ready to go! Listen in as Susan and Richard continue their conversation, and uncover some more fascinating facts about significant bridges in the area. Click here to find all the ways you can access the podcast. Keilor Iron or Basket Bridge, Old Calder Highway-c.1910-1930. Photograph courtesy of State Library Victoria.

Our friends at the Keilor Historical Society have been putting together a podcast- have a listen and learn something new about the history of the area! The Keilor region has an ongoing rich and fascinating history- from its naming in 1840s, through the gold rush era, to significant archaeological discoveries of some of the  earliest sites of human habitation in Australia.  We look forward to hearing all about various aspects of the history of the area, explored in depth in this new podcast. The inaugural episode is online and ready to go! In this episode, Susan Jennison- president of the Keilor Historical Society, discusses the many bridges of the Keilor region with host Richard Whybrow. You can access the podcast on various platforms- click here to visit the KHS Anchor site, to find out how to get your ears around this great new podcast. And keep an ear out for more episodes in the future! Bridge at Keilor c.1920-1930 (from State Library Victoria)

“Davey the Basket-Man” was the nickname given to an early market-gardener from Keilor; his real name was David Milburn, but he became known as the basket-man because he sold his fruit, vegies and butter by the roadside to diggers on their way to the goldfields. “Davey” invented an irrigation system, and was in fact the first person to use irrigation in Victoria. He arrived in Victoria, from Yorkshire in England, in 1853, lured by the goldrush. Not having made his fortune on the goldfields he came to Keilor in 1857, initially employed by William Taylor at Overnewton. That same year, 1857, he developed a hand pump to draw water from the Salt Water River (now the Maribyrnong). By 1860 Milburn had 165 acres of market gardens and fruit orchards! The family market gardening business, G.S.Milburn and Sons, continued in Keilor for 146 years, until the December 1999 retirement of two of Davey the Basket-Man’s great-grandsons. Learn more about Davey from the Keilor Historical...

Keilor has a new library , and a new community hub, and they are having a grand opening on Saturday 29th April, 11am-2pm. Congratulations Brimbank Libraries! We always like a new library for the community to enjoy.

This Saturday, 21 March, the book Keilor's ANZAC Memory will be launched by the Keilor Historical Society at Harrick's Cottage, Keilor Park. This book records the history of recruits from the Shire of Keilor who served on active duty during the First World War. The day will also feature an exhibition on the making of the book and the supporting DVD, other exhibits, afternoon tea and local history discussions. Entry is by good coin donation. Open 12noon to 4pm. Harrick's Cottage is on Harrick Road, Keilor Park. Find out more from the Brimbank Leader .