There’s no doubt plenty of tales will be told this weekend at the Back to Illowa event.
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Hundreds are expected to gather at the Illowa Hall and reflect and celebrate on the history of the town and its two schools, near Koroit.
Event organising committee member Wendy Lane said it was a reunion to celebrate the openings of the two schools.
The Illowa State School opened 160 years ago and St Columba’s School opened a century ago in 1918. Both schools co-existed until their closure in 1968 due to dwindling numbers.
Mrs Lane said past students and teachers and their families were invited to come along, as well as anyone who had an interest in history.
“We’ve collected a lot of photos and memorabilia,” she said. “People have been amazing at sharing what they have kept. We are hearing so many stories. It’s fantastic. People and excited and really thrilled to be apart of it. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have had.”
She said visitors were coming from across Australia for the event, which kicks off with registrations from 11am on Saturday.
“We are very lucky to have the record books for the state school from 1904 right through until the close,” she said. “It’s a great piece of history.”
She said there would be displays up in the hall, a marquee, powerpoint presentations with filmed interviews with past students including Port Fairy’s John McAlpine, a sausage sizzle by the Koroit Scouts and a cemetery walk at Tower Hill from 1.30pm on Saturday.
“The very first head teacher for the state school, George McKay, was buried there,” she said.
“We have received so many photos and stories, so we have produced a photo book. The official launch will be at 3pm, which will be followed by afternoon tea and interviews with former students and teachers. it will be a causal talk about what it was like. Then there will be music and a casual finger food dinner. We want it to be as inclusive as we can.”
She said there would be a group photo taken on both days.
“On Sunday there will be an ecumenical service at the hall at 12.30pm,” she said. “Then it’s a bring your own picnic lunch.” Funding support to run the event has come from the Port Fairy Folk Festival and Moyne Shire. For more information call 0428 328 881.
