Black Saturday survivor, Melanie Harris-Brady’s story of her personal journey of recovery over the past 10 years is due to be released in her book ‘Ten Years On’. Having lost her home and raising a young daughter alone, Melanie found that what came out of the garden - making jams and chutneys - became her therapy. Each year, around 7 February, her family and friends would gather to turn the kitchen into a food production effort. Her stalwart friend became her husband, a new

In November 2018, it will be 120 years since the school at Kinglake Central was opened. At that time, its official name was 'Kinglake Township State School No. 3315'. The 'township' part was used because the school was located on one of several small blocks set aside as a 'township reserve' in an early survey. However, the name was to cause confusion when mail and parcels meant for the Kinglake State School, established on the Glenburn Road in 1879, were delivered to the Ki

Often, it is the seemingly small things that get us riled. In this case, it’s a carved wooden wombat that has sat on the Kinglake roundabout for years after his creator quietly placed him there. From time to time he gets moved around, but he never leaves the roundabout. When someone recently decided it would be a good idea to remove ‘Wally’ entirely they did more than have a laugh. He may not be the most refined piece of installation public art, but he is one of the community

A vote of thanks from the community for the efforts of our CFA volunteer firefighters and other fire authorities for the rapid response to fire outbreaks in the district in mid-March. For the Kinglake Ranges and other nearby communities, it was a strong reminder that while autumn was beginning to appear, the fire danger hadn’t lessened. While our thoughts were very much with the people and towns affected by the major fires in Western Victoria, that resulted in considerable pr

Living Memories April 2018 Wartime Memories April brings Anzac Day each year and a time to remember those who left from the Kinglake district, in both World War 1 and World War 2, to serve their country in places far from home and family. The following newspaper articles tell us of their willingness to sign up and the efforts made by the local community to bid them farewell. World War 1: 1915 "It's a Long Way to the Town Hall": One very proud recruit slept at the Victoria

The Kinglake Country Fair returned from its hiatus with stunning success, delivering a fun-filled day for families at the Kinglake Memorial Reserve on March 17th. The Fair enjoyed fine conditions with plenty of sun and mild temperatures, seeing crowds in excess of 1,500 pass the gates. 53% of attendees came from within the Kinglake Ranges, while a whopping 46% visited from all throughout Victoria, with some even coming from New South Wales, Tasmania, Western Australia, and a