Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has joined State MPs Martin Cameron and Melina Bath for the official opening of the Morwell Historical Society’s new Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition.
The exhibition tells the story of William and Mary Northway and three generations of their family, who were among the early pioneers of Hazelwood.
The Northway family arrived in Hazelwood in 1877, and descendants continued farming in the district until 1962, when their land was compulsorily acquired by the Housing Commission of Victoria for the planned town of Hazelwood.
Mr Chester said the exhibition was an impressive record of a family whose story was closely connected with the development of the local district.
“Local history gives us a better understanding of the people, families and industries that shaped the communities we know today,” Mr Chester said.
“The Northway family’s story spans generations and captures an important period in the history of Hazelwood and the broader Morwell district.
“It is terrific to see that history being carefully researched, preserved and shared with the community.”
Curated by Morwell Historical Society member Rob de Souza-Daw, the exhibition features around 130 posters with photographs, documents and maps tracing the Northway family from William and Mary’s immigration from England in 1848 through to their life and descendants in Hazelwood.
Mr Chester congratulated the Morwell Historical Society and its volunteers for their work preserving the district’s history.
“Historical societies across Gippsland do an enormous amount of work, often behind the scenes, collecting photographs, documents and stories that could otherwise be lost,” Mr Chester said.
“The volunteers at Morwell Historical Society have created an exhibition that will give locals and visitors an opportunity to learn more about one of the pioneering families of this district.
“Congratulations to Rob and everyone involved in researching, curating and presenting the exhibition.”
The Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition is being held at the Morwell Historical Society, 12 Hazelwood Road, Morwell, and will be open to the public on selected dates through to November 29.
Pictured: Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with state colleagues Member for Morwell Martin Cameron, Member for Eastern Victoria Region Melina Bath and Morwell Historical Society member and Pioneering Northway Family Exhibition curator Rob de Souza-Daw.
