By Jim Mynard
WESTERNPORT Ward councillor Doug Hamilton has highlighted the work of Lang Lang Historical Society members which resulted in a dedicated museum for the society.
Cr Hamilton said members persevered and worked hard to retain the building in Whitstable Street near Main Street for the society.
“History must be preserved so that we can learn from past mistakes and successes,” he said.
“There are those who say that we ignore history at our peril.
“When initial discussions were taking place, the council’s preferred position was to demolish this building.
“As a councillor I could see the officers’ point of view that a wide open parkland would be a feature in this area.
“However, I assured the society that if push came to shove and there was no other home for the society I would back the members 100 per cent in efforts to obtain the building.
Long-time Lang Lang residents Margaret Powell and Mary Matthews officially opened the building for its new purpose when they cut a ribbon to allow entrance.
President Gordon Sampson noted extracts from two old Victorian Municipal Directories held in the Display Centre.
Mr Sampson quoted from an 1887 entry: “Lang Lang is described as ‘A postal township, 76 miles south east of Melbourne, with hotel, church, general store and State School; and is situated about 20 miles east of Cranbourne, on the road leading to Bass. It is the stopping place to the rapidly increasing settlement on McDonald’s track, Poowong, Jeetho and Yannathan; the land being of the finest agricultural description.”
Then, from 1903: “Township lies south east of Melbourne and about 20 miles east of Cranbourne on road leading to Bass, with post and telegraph office, two hotels, coffee palace, two churches, two general stores, butter factory, State school and mechanic’s institute. Monthly market for sale of cattle, horses and sheep. Excellent agricultural land. Station on Dandenong, Korumburra and Port Albert Line, 47 1/4 miles; fares, eight shillings and two pence and five shillings and six pence. Henry Noy, postmaster at railway station.”
Mr Sampson said the society began after a public meeting in the Lang Lang Community Centre, the former Water Trust Offices, in 1998 to determine if there was sufficient interest to establish a body to collect historical information.
The Lang Lang and District Historical Society was formed two weeks later at a meeting in the Community Centre on 18 April 1998.
Mr Sampson was elected president, Joy Adderley secretary and Kevin Findlay treasurer.
Members decided the society would meet at the centre on the second Monday of each month.
The balance of the committee was elected and it was recorded that the body had 13 financial members.
Mr Sampson said a key factor was a growing awareness that Lang Lang was more than 100 years old and much of its history was gradually disappearing as the older settlers passed on and others moved out of the area.
“We became affiliated with the South East Historical Association in July 1998 to enable sharing of ideas with similar bodies in the region.
“Our application for incorporation was approved on 7 April 1999.
“Over time we have gathered a considerable amount of information and memorabilia.
“With the completion of the new community centre and relocation of Maternal Health Services into that complex, we approached the Cardinia Shire Council for permission to use the old building.
“The council agreed and has leased the facility to us for the next three years. It will be used to store and display our collection of historical information. We now have 46 members and have regular monthly meetings, often with a guest speaker.”
Mr Sampson said there were exciting times ahead for the society.
The display at the centre is open for public viewing from 1pm to 4pm each Wednesday and Sunday afternoon.
