Independent Visiting

Shepparton’s oldest building, constructed as the first public hall by William Fraser in 1873. Used for many different purposes, e.g. Foresters’ Lodge (1933). Many absorbing exhibits: see the Post Office clock! Various publications for sale.

Both tangible and intangible heritage! The 1908 ‘amphitheatre–style’ church, with accomplished local musician Graeme Brewer at the historic 1951 Fincham pipe organ, will host a grand session of hymn-singing. All welcome! Join with other choristers and enjoy singing beloved Hymns. Please pre-book your personal favourite Hymns by texting the name or first line to 0400 947 547. Organist extraordinaire Graeme Brewer will be playing the St Mel’s instrument and singing led by Shirley Ferguson.

Louis Williams, a renowned church architect, designed this 1926 church with his particular twentieth century adaptation of Gothic and his usual emphasis on quality and craftsmanship. Note the beautiful features of the interior.

Originally the Shepparton Free Library and Workingmen’s Club (1884); the Public Library replaced the billiard room in the 1950s. The cream brick Moderne façade dates to the 1940s, with extensive later remodelling completed by 2005. Cath Gale to conduct tour.

Learn about this fascinating and picturesque cemetery, dating from 1874, with expert Jeanette Doherty, author of the recent history of the cemetery. The range of burial options reflects our multicultural society.

(with your assistant) Some rough terrain.

The Philippine House, portraying a typical (if idealised) Philippine home, was constructed in 1988 as part of the International Village. Restored in 2015, it houses Philippine history and artefacts, and hosts community activities.

Designed by renowned local architect JAK Clarke in 1900, St Brendan’s was renovated and enlarged to the design of high profile and prolific Catholic architect AA Fritsch in 1923-24, with later alterations and additions.

The 1889 brick tower, no longer needed and minus its tall wrought iron tank, is an iconic local landmark being preserved by GV Water for its regionally significant heritage value.

Shepparton’s second Catholic parish erected this distinctive futuristic church, by Trieste-born architect Ermin Smrekar, in 1970. It catered to the influx of Italian migrants as Shepparton expanded. The spaciousness of the interior is striking.

This proud little 1924 Memorial hall, topped by its trophy WW1 German trench mortar, retains many interesting artefacts. At £2500, it cost the small community £1000 more than Shepparton’s famous statue. See the RSL ‘dugout’.

Situated on the western slopes of Mt Major, with panoramic views providing a striking backdrop to the graves. It is one of two cemeteries in the Dookie area, with burials dating from the 1870’s.

(no made paths)

A huge and varied collection relating to Mooroopna’s history is attractively displayed throughout the former Grutzner House. The sometimes gruesome medical collection, the largest in country Victoria, relates particularly to the Mooroopna Hospital.

This fine cemetery, with its stately avenue of cotton palms, includes 19th century graves of ethnic Chinese and the unmarked graves of 937 persons of many nationalities who died between 1881 and 1944 in the Mooroopna Base Hospital.

(few made paths)

The award-winning Heritage Centre collects and preserves Murchison’s history. Informative displays cover the Aboriginal Protectorate, Day’s Mill, Camp 13 and much more. See sporting memorabilia, and part of the famous Murchison meteorite!

This charming red brick Gothic country church of 1884 contains high quality memorial windows by two well-known Melbourne firms of glass manufacturers, Brooks Robinson and W Montgomery.

The Ossario was built 1961. It is an open sanctuary built of stone, roofed with Roman tiles and is the final resting place of 131 Italian POW’s and Internees who died in Australia during WW 2.

(no made paths)

The fascinating WW2 internment and POW camps collection is of State heritage significance. Irrigation is the other focus: from the original four-roomed building (c.1888) the irrigation scheme for the western Goulburn Valley was developed. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.

Open: Fri & Sat 1pm – 3pm

Explore the twin halls, reinvigorated and restored by concerted local effort, which now enrich the Tatura streetscape and again provide a social and cultural focal point. Hear about their history from those who saved them.

This imposing group of church, convent, and the former St Mary’s school, on a prominent site in the town, reflects Tatura’s strong Catholic allegiances. The detailed Romanesque (round-arched) exterior is complemented by the beautiful interior.

Situated on the northern section of Tatura General Cemetery. Created in 1958, it contains the remains of 250 Germans who died in Australia during WW1 and WW2, 11 of whom were POW. Their remains were brought from other cemeteries throughout Australia and reinterred here.

One of the most extensive collections in the municipality; includes agricultural machinery and household items. The Judd family conducted their general store here for 66 years. A rare original early 20th century shop front.

The centre of Presbyterianism in Shepparton until denominational union in 1977, Scots’ Church was built in stages from 1888, with the signature bell tower by prominent Melbourne architects John and Phyllis Murphy added in 1964-65.

Prolific ecclesiastical architect Alec Eggleston designed this substantial church for Tatura’s Presbyterians in 1912, Rodney Shire engineer A Knee (snr) locally supervising some of the construction details. The earlier 1883 church adjoins the Mance.

Designed by prominent Australian architect Frederick Romberg and opened in 1982 as part of the International Village, the Centre houses an important collection of Indigenous cultural items from the local area and beyond. Listed on the Victorian Heritage Register

Wondered about your family’s history? Curious about that family rumour? Come and see how the SFHG and its wide range of resources can help you with genealogical research, and how some of the unknowns in your family’s past might become clear. You may even have information to contribute on your ancestors!

Very popular for weddings due to its picturesque rural setting outside Dookie, on land donated by vineyard owner John Curtain, this impressive cruciform (cross-shaped) 1898 church is a prominent local landmark. The presbytery is the municipality’s only Catholic monastery.

Visit the People’s Gallery on level 2 and hear from the Gallery Curator, the history of early gallery acquisitions. Of these, two magnificent portraits by Sir John Longstaff are featured. When the collection was commenced in 1936 Sir John, a former resident of Shepparton was invited to advise on proposed gallery purchases.

A collection of 14 windmills from the surrounding district as far as Jerilderie, Conargo and Nathalia. Set up by the late Mr. Theo Cook to retain a valuable record of the innovativeness of early settlers who relied on wind-power to meet their water needs.

The original cenotaph was dedicated on April 25th 1928 and has now been refurbished to include the Digi Glass pictorials which recognises the various conflicts since WW 1, These were constructed in 2021.

The current building was constructed in 1941, the home of the Sisters of Mercy who operated the St Mary’s College. The adjoining St Mary’s Hall was built in 1901 and housed boarders until 1952. The Sisters of Mercy Nuns vacated the Convent in the mid 1980’s and in 2019 this building was transformed into the Sandhurst Catholic Education offices. Join Alex who will lead you through the convent’s 83 years of history and change.