An all-encompassing history book titled Glenelg Shire — 150 years in the Making was officially launched on Friday.  

While the respective pasts of many of the towns, districts and former municipalities throughout the shire have been recorded, this coffee table publication captures the history of Glenelg Shire, following the municipal amalgamations 20 years ago.

Glenelg Shire Council’s heritage advisory committee conceived the idea for the book several years ago, when the 150th anniversaries of the former shires were approaching.

The historic photographs in the book have mostly been drawn from the shire’s cultural collection, supplemented with images from other public and private collections in the shire.

The book will be used as a tool to celebrate the shire’s rich history and create a sense of modern identity, but will also be a method to further promote the shire’s economic and tourism potential.

The book will be available from the council’s customer service centres in Casterton, Heywood and Portland, visitor information centres at Casterton, Nelson and Portland and from the Portland Library.

A copy will also be lodged with the libraries at Casterton, Heywood and Portland and be available for borrowing.