A new book released by Werribee District Historical Society tells the story of the Wyndham region through photographs.
Snippets of Wyndham features more than 60 photographs and 13 maps and illustrations to explore topics including the region’s geographical history, Aboriginal occupation and development of what is now Wyndham.
Historical society secretary Lance Pritchard said the book was different to other historical books released previously.
“Many things are explored through the pages that aren’t well known,” he said.
“For example, in 1836 the Werribee township was actually five kilometres upstream from where it is today.”
The region’s rich Aboriginal history and occupation is another topic.
“Down at Chirnside Park, between the football ground and tennis courts, there’s a track,” Mr Pritchard said. “If you follow it around it reaches a dead end where there’s a big water hole that was used for their corroborees.
“Werribee River is also the meeting point for three Aboriginal tribes. The Watthurong occupied the Werribee River through to the Otways; the Woiworung occupied land between the river around to the north and to the east; and the Boonwurrung were from the river along a strip following the coast around to where Melbourne is now.”
The book also features photographs of historically significant buildings around the region.
Snippets of Wyndham will have a double launch: at Werribee Museum on Saturday, October 10, from 10am-1pm, and Tuesday, October 13, from 10am-3pm. It will cost $10.
