Locals and visitors can learn more about Torquay thanks to a community-driven project that features 28 historical markers spread across town.
Torquay and District Historical Society has officially launched the Torquay History Walking Trail. The project was the idea of society president David Marshall four years ago, initially gaining support from Surf Coast Shire Council, then-Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) and Torquay Community Enterprise.
“I attended a Royal Historical Society convention in Euroa and saw signs on all of their historical buildings. I came back and thought that Torquay has a very good history, but not many people know about it unless they come to the historical society.
“We did some research and proposed signs around old Torquay with good photographs and text that share information about the historic sites – some that are still there and some that are no longer standing.”
The Torquay History Walking Trail was officially launched today. It opened with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony by Wadawurrung traditional owner Corrina Eccles and her son Billy-Jay. The fifth sign on the trail is located at the mouth of Spring Creek, titled Gobata Wadawurrung Dja Ngubitj Warri: take care of Wadawurrung Country and Waters.
“As a Council we want to see broad recognition and respect for the Traditional Owners of the lands on which Surf Coast Shire is now situated,” Mayor Libby Stapleton said. “We’re pleased to see every sign along the trail include an acknowledgment to country.”
The Mayor congratulated the historical society on the trail – its biggest project since being founded in 2000.
“The trail is going to benefit so many people – both locals and visitors,” she said. “I encourage people to visit the trail and soak up all of the interesting snippets of information about this iconic town through these signs, most of which signify Torquay’s post-settler history.”
The Torquay History Walking Trail winds its way from Spring Creek and Point Danger, to The Esplanade, CBD and Taylor Park. Mr Marshall said hard copies of the trail brochure – which includes a map of all the marker locations – are available from the History House in Price Street, Council office in Merrijig Drive, Torquay Library and Torquay Visitor Information Centre. The brochure can also be downloaded from the Torquay and District Historical Society website: www.torquayhistoricalsociety.com.au.
“I’m looking forward to summertime when tourists are back and can see the signs,” Mr Marshall said. “I’m always wandering around, so it will be great to see people stopping to look at them.”
Council supported the Torquay History Walking Trail through sign development and placement, project management and its Small Grants program. The project also received financial contributions from Torquay Community Enterprise, Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (formerly GORCC), Rip Curl and Quiksilver. The latter two surfing giants’ respective founding sites in Torquay are highlighted on this trail.
Torquay and District Historical Society made a financial contribution to the project and provided countless in-kind hours through planning, research and delivery.
