Millewa Community Pioneer Park in Meringur

A brief history of the Millewa Pioneer Park

Established in 1986, the Millewa Pioneer Park was established to recognise the efforts of early settlers creating a livelihood from humble beginnings, which is run by a voluntary committee, committed to creating a visual hands-on-display of early Millewa district history and lifestyle. The emphasis of the displays is to preserve the heritage, environment and the history of the wider Millewa community.

Originally, the Millewa area was an experiment in close settlement dryland farming in the Mallee region, previously sparsely occupied by Latje Latje Aboriginal peoples. It nearly failed due to the limited earthen channels for domestic and stock water supply. At its peak, the settlement comprised 700 farms in 1928, declining to 200 in 1945. After reallocation in 1948 farms became larger and decreased in numbers again and this trend has continued until present through natural economic pressures.

The Millewa is now a very successful grain growing area, producing some of the country's highest quality hard grain.

Take a stroll to discover the 500 memorial trees have been planted, each with a plaque documenting family histories of community and pioneering families.

The Millewa Pioneer Park belongs to the community. It is open daily, with guides and light catering available by appointment. Come and learn about our history and share our enjoyment of this wonderful region. Entry is Gold Coin donation.

Visitors are always welcome

Shadows of the past

This National Monument of 7 life size steel structures commemorates the efforts of the thousands of Pioneers who took up the challenge of Dry Land Farming.

Men and women from all walks of life, young and enthusiastic set about clearing the semi-arid scrub with nothing more than an axe, no houses, no water and only survey pegs to guide them to their allotments.

Site Attractions

There are many attractions here to enjoy. Wander among the 350 native trees planted in 1986, our bicentennial year, to commemorate the Millewa pioneering families of this dry land farming district.

To the East and West of the park, native shrubs have been planted. Sit and enjoy the area at the tables provided, or bring some meat for a wood fired barbecue.

Discover, the peace and the beauty...!

Open Day on 1st Sunday in October each year
You can find more information at www.millewapioneerpark.org.au

Contacts

• President: Heather Yates, phone (03) 5028 1202
• Vice President: Bill Duncan, phone (03) 5028 3295
• Secretary: Margaret Turvey, phone (03) 5023 1607
• or Meringur Post Office during business hours, phone (03) 5028 3300

For more information or availability of tours, please contact one of the above people for appropriate information about the park. Group bookings can be catered for.