Learn about the Gannawarra's squatter history

Published on 18 April 2023

Residents wanting to learn about the Gannawarra’s agricultural history are encouraged to visit Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library between now and Thursday, 18 May and explore a new exhibition.

As part of the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival, the Kerang and District Family History Group has compiled the Squatters and the Kerang Big Stations exhibition.

“Council is pleased to support the National Trust’s Australian Heritage Festival for a second consecutive year, following on from the success of the Lester Smith Lookout Tower open day,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

"Visitors to the exhibition will discover stories of the squatters, or those who occupied large tracts to Crown land to graze livestock, who went on to establish the big pastoral stations that dominated the Kerang region in the 1840s.

“This period was before the town of Kerang that we know now was proclaimed, meaning this exhibition focuses on some of the pioneers who established the area we now call home.”

Squatters and the Kerang Big Stations exhibition will be open 10am-5pm weekdays and 10am-12 noon Saturdays until 18 May. Admission is free.