Flavoured milk and cream, cancer research, tractor testing and IVF study are just some of the few research breakthroughs that took place at the State Research Farm in Werribee.
For many decades, the farm was a home and a workplace to scientists, farming experts, workers and their families.
In an attempt to document the stories and memories of past residents Doctor Monika Schott undertook a research project, to capture, preserve and celebrate the scientific and industrial heritage, which she says might have been forgotten and lost forever if not for this project.
“This is one of the great unsung stories of a remarkable but modest Australian community that really changed the world,” Dr Schott said.
“The farm has more than a century of intriguing goings-on that people don’t know about – medical projects, special efforts to help depression era farmers such as the Better Farming Train, experiments that resonated around the world.
“In World War Two, the farm produced vegetable seeds for local and international needs, and ergotine for shell shock and opium poppies to overcome the morphine shortage of the time.“
Cheesemakers from around the world were taught how to make cheese in Werribee, and the cereal research conducted at the farm means people today can enjoy a different variety of breakfast cereal.
“Without these people and their families, we may not have things like powdered milk and flavoured yoghurt and a whole myriad of things in our supermarkets today,“ Dr Schott said.
On Saturday, February 4 the Wyndham Cultural Centre will host the private launch of The State Research Farm (Werribee) project with a film screening and a book collection of personal memoirs, Out on The Farm and public purchase will be available from Monday, February 6.
The project is a collaboration between Dr Monika Schott and Arts Assist, with support from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Region.
Details: artsassist.org.au/
