Willaura & Moyston, Victoria: Episode 2
Dr Checchi’s big needle; general store auction and the town quiz
We begin by diving into the history of Grampians towns, Willaura and Moyston... from the early days of wheat cropping to the wool boom of the 1950s and 60s when the towns reached their peak population.
Damian gets a tour of the Willaura Historical Society building, and discovers the beloved Dr Cyril Checci, a WWI doctor, who went on to deliver about 2000 babies in the region.
We uncover a hilarious account of the 1977 account of the rabbit skinning-competition and look back at some of the outlandish newspaper advertisements of the early 1900s.
That's all before we auction off the Moyston-General store to a live crowd and find a winner in the Town Quiz. Wich town knows their home better?
Hear from:
John Walter - President of the Willaura Historical Society
Julie-Ann Rose - Owner, Moyston General Store
Heather Fleming - President, Willaura Health Care Auxiliary and Willaura community advocate
Max McLean - President, Moyston Sheep Dog Club
Kevin Butler - Founder, BlazeAid
Much of this episode was recorded in front of a live audience, at the Willaura Town Hall, as a fundraiser for Blaze Aid. Thank you to the Moyston and Willaura communities for their support.
This is the second episode of a two-part series. So if you haven't already - go back and listen to the first one!
Would you like the Town Criers to come to your town? Our website tells you how!
Thank you to The Committee for Portland for sponsoring this episode (and special mention for Portland Women in Business).
This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production.
