Local History Month gives us the opportunity to connect with communities and learn about our past. The Lalor Living History Walk gave an insight into the origins of our suburb. Artist Bern Emmerichs was commissioned to design and produce a mural that celebrates the rich cultural history and development of the suburb of Lalor. The first panel of artwork pays respect to the original inhabitants – the Wurundjeri Willum Clan. Subsequent panels represent the German immigrants who settled the land and established farms in Westgarthtown (the area now known as Lalor and Thomastown). Learn more.
A cultural heritage trail of artworks in Lalor was established in 2017. There are more than 45 of these artworks dotted through Lalor streets, parks and open spaces as well as the shopping precinct. Download the map to walk to all of the locations and see the entire collection of works. The walk will take approximately 1 hour.
Lalor is named after Peter Lalor, an activist who led the 1854 Eureka Stockade rebellion and then went on to become a Member of Parliament. Other artwork represents those who settled in the area through the assistance of the Peter Lalor Homebuilding Cooperative Society, whose mission was to build low-cost homes for ex-servicemen.
The many migrants who transformed the suburb and made a significant contribution to its development are also commemorated. The land on which the Lalor Library stands, was once a dairy farm, owned by the Mann family. David Mann and his wife May (nee Thomas of Thomastown) who purchased the land in 1920. These pioneers are remembered with streets named after them. Our library stands on May Rd which intersects with David Street.
During Local History Month, come down to our libraries and make some discoveries for yourself!
Visit the Local History Collection at Mill Park Library to learn more about the history of people and places in the City of Whittlesea.
Access these items from the collection:
Särka to Westgarthtown : the Wuchatsch family in Germany and Australia by Robert N. Wuchatsh
The Eureka Stockade ( Streaming film via Kanopy)
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