THE quiet rural hamlet of Kirkstall is in celebratory mood this week as residents mark the township's 150th anniversary.
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Kirkstall was declared a township on February 25, 1861, with the milestone inspiring a full calendar of social and cultural events in the area until Sunday.
Called Kirk-Fest, the festival was sparked by an initial meeting last year where about 50 people backed the idea of a commemoration celebration.
A committee was formed and a diverse range of activities has been organised, chairwoman Rochelle Hine said yesterday.
Kirk-Fest will be officially launched by Moyne Shire mayor Jim Doukas on Friday night. A DVD and book documenting the region's history will also be launched, from the area's rich indigenous origins through to white settlement and the present day. Created and compiled by the Moyne youth council, the DVD features interviews with long-time residents about their memories of the area.
Highlights of the program include historic displays, an Aboriginal cultural showcase, community dinner, guided heritage walks, games, local performers, a Kirkstall versus Koroit cricket match, kids' entertainment and vintage cars and motorbikes.
More information can be found at the Kirk-Fest website.
Most Kirk-Fest activities will take place at the Kirkstall Hall, hotel or recreation reserve.
