Tall tales on the street

Published on 04 March 2014

For Honie Tweddle and Jennie Weaver, Friday 4 April just can’t come quickly enough.

That’s the day when the result of two years of painstaking work will be unveiled, with the official recognition of seven historical towers newly erected along the main street of Boort.

The pair, both dedicated members of the Boort Historical Society, have been the driving force behind the project, which represents the first time the history of the town has been displayed and celebrated in such a public way.

The 1.8m metal towers showcase photographs and text capturing relevant aspects of community life in the town since its founding in 1871.

The idea sprang from a visit made by Mrs Weaver to South Australia’s Barossa Valley, where she saw similar pillars already established.

“I was in Tanunda to visit my daughter and was greatly impressed by seeing these historical towers,” she said.

“I certainly haven’t seen anything like this in Victoria.

“We’ve invited Sharman Stone to lead the launch ceremony on 4 April and to present a new Australian flag to the courthouse at the same time.”

Mrs Tweddle said federal funding had been pivotal in seeing the project through to this stage.

“The historical society received $24,555 in funding from the federal government’s Your Community Heritage program and $10,000 through a community grant from Council,” she said.

“That money has enabled us to have seven towers made, but we have two more in mind to finish the set when we can.

“One of those next two will be dedicated to the rich indigenous history of the Boort district.”

CAPTION FOR PICTURE:

Boort’s new historical towers have arrived in the town after being despatched from their creator in South Australia.