History on display

Local history librarian Kate Davis prepares for the heritage festival. 331851_03 Photo: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Shelby Brooks

Wander through time with new exhibits on Casey and Cardinia’s past at this weekend’s heritage festival.

The Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival will celebrate the district’s history with talks by historians and local enthusiasts and a notable display about Lord and Lady Casey and James Gibb and the Berwick Mechanics Institute.

Talk topics include Casey-Cardinia and the Great War, Women at Home, and Convicts Exiles and Criminals.

Local history librarian Kate Davis said the theme of this year’s heritage festival was shared stories.

“We couldn’t think of a better way for us to commemorate the history of this region than by telling the shared history of Casey and Cardinia,” she said.

“The Casey Cardinia Heritage Festival has celebrated the work of the local historical societies across both Casey and Cardinia regions, with great success in the past. After the last few years, the festival can finally be held in person again.

“The library is excited to help share the wonderful history of the area with the community, once again, next Sunday.”

The festival is being organised by Myli My Community Library, Casey Cardinia Library Corporation, National Trust Casey Cardinia Branch, Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, Berwick Mechanics Institute, Edrington Research Group, Emerald Museum and Nobelius Heritage Park, Narre Warren District Family History Group and Dandenong High School Ex-Students Association.

A free raffle will be held on the day for the chance to win two free tickets to the Garfield Picture Theatre’s upcoming show starring the Strzelecki Stringbusters on May 13 valued at over $130.

The event will be held at Pakenham Hall (across from the library) between 10am and 3pm on 7 May.

Suitable for all ages, free entry, and no bookings required.