150 years of Broadford commemorated

By Billie Davern

Jan 30, 2025

Active member of Broadford Historical Society Allan Stute standing in front of the Shire of Broadford banner. Photo by Contributed

150 years ago, the first Broadford Shire Council meeting was held on January 25.

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On Sunday, January 26, the Broadford and District Historical Society celebrated this monumental event, along with the 150th anniversary of Broadford being first proclaimed a shire, which occurred in 1874.

Historical displays at the celebration on January 26. Photo by Contributed

Buildings such as the original Broadford Courier newspaper office, which is now home to a museum of local history, as well as the two drop slab cottages on site, were open to the public for viewing.

Inside the historical society, many photos were on display outlining Broadford’s history.

A display of previous Broadford Shire councillors. Photo by Contributed

During October last year, the historical society’s Facebook page, Broadford Historical.vic, made daily posts to celebrate Victoria’s History Month.

The photos on display followed on from these posts, featuring historical events such as the Scottish festivals, Tidy Towns and the Broadford Gift, along with images of previous shire councillors and presidents dating back to the 1800s.

The Shire of Broadford banner was also on display.

Broadford and District Historical Society’s Russell Searle at the printing press located in the original *Courier* building. Photo by Contributed

Marg Innes of the Broadford and District Historical Society said the celebrations on January 26 were a success.

“The Australia Day celebrations went extremely well at the Broadford and District Historical Society,” Marg said.

“We once again had several hundred people through our precinct.

“Many people, including ex locals, return year after year, to see our display, catch up with friends and family while relaxing and having a chat at the Devonshire tea area.”

Most of the display, organised by a small group of core volunteers, will remain up at the historical society for anyone to take a look, during its opening hours from 10am to 2pm each Wednesday.