Melbourne’s Mystery Man George McKillop

In Melbourne’s early days there were two McKillops, one named Alexander, the other George. Both were from Edinburgh, Scotland but were not related. Alexander was a Roman Catholic and in his earlier days had studied at the Vatican for the priesthood. However he...

Mountain Cattlemen

The Bogong High Plains are in north-east Victoria. They occupy an area of 3,800 square kilometres and form part of the Great Dividing Range. There are 10 peaks rising above 1830 metres, with the highest areas being very bleak and inhospitable. In those areas above...

John Ham: Melbourne’s First Baptist Minister

John Ham was born about 1797 in England to parents who were members of the Church of England. At an early age he was sent to live with relatives in Launceston, Cornwall where he attended school and worshipped with the Wesleyans and Congregationalists. He was...

Women of Port Phillip

International Women’s Day occurs on the 8 March each year and celebrates the vital role women play in society where difference is valued and celebrated, and diversity, equality and inclusiveness are promoted. It celebrates the achievements of women, those who came...

The Tricky Business of Fact and fiction

by Moira McAlister (nee Barry-Cotter) Dr Barry Cotter was the first doctor in Melbourne, arriving on the Norval with John Batman in November 1835. His was an interesting life and well documented through the Historical Records of Victoria, newspaper reports,...

William Overton – an Enterprising Baker

William Overton, the son of Thomas Overton and his wife Mary, nee Lawrence, was baptised at the Wrangle Parish Church, Lincolnshire, England on 15 December 1812. He arrived at Hobart, Van Diemen’s Land in 1832 as an ordinary seaman. Five years later he crossed...