SPEECHES, presentations, songs, dancing, laughter and tears were the order of the day when hundreds of people flocked to Annuello for a weekend of centenary celebrations.
An estimated 350 people from across Australia took part in the festivities commemorating 100 years since the railway was extended from Manangatang to Bryden’s Tank, which was renamed Annuello in 1921.
The story of how the reunion came about featured on an episode of the ABC program Landline in April, and a follow up will air on Sunday, September 4.
Highlights of the weekend included the unveiling of a plaque to recognise the hardships endured by the district’s pioneers, and a photograph taken at the heritage-listed hall of dozens of descendants of some of the men who made a five-day trek on horseback from Annuello to Melbourne for the opening of The Shrine of Remembrance in 1934.
Organising committee co-chairs Greg Plant and Andrew Zanker kicked off the official opening ceremony, followed by former residents Patrick Gallagher and Terry Murphy, and Landline reporter Tim Lee.
Geoffrey Daniel also spoke about his chance discovery of an old photo album in a Melbourne op shop, which he sent to Mr Zanker’s mother, Marlene, in 2005.
The album contained photos and notes from Keith McLean, who had documented his life in the area after taking up a soldier settlement block in 1919. It was the impetus for planning the event, which was delayed for a year because of COVID-19.
Speeches and some presentations were livestreamed for those who were unable to attend.
“There was a wonderful sense of community and friendship, of people coming home to join family and friends, of stories, memories and opportunities to reminisce,” Lisa Zanker said.
“We’re grateful to everyone who travelled to Annuello for the weekend. We provided the opportunities, but it was the people who made it a special event.
“For some it was the start of a journey to find out about family heritage and for others, it was the final piece in the puzzle.”
The hall, a CFA shed and grain silos are the only buildings still standing in the once bustling town.
Pegs and information were placed at the sites of the former post office and store, grocer, butcher shop, barber, blacksmith and the bush nursing clinic.
