Greensborough Historical Society

The European settlement of Greensborough was from 1839 onward and has an abundance of untold history. The Society’s aim is to collect, catalogue, preserve and share the history and heritage of Greensborough and its environs from the earliest records to the present time. Whilst called Greensborough Historical Society, its coverage is not limited to that area alone and includes Greensborough, Watsonia, Macleod, Montmorency, Briar Hill, St Helena, Lower Plenty and Bundoora. Greensborough Historical Society acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as traditional custodians of the land and we pay respect to all Elders, past, present and emerging, who have resided in the area and been an integral part of the region’s history.

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Recent Articles

  • May 2023 Meeting

    By Sue Ballantyne, May 2023

    Join us for our May meeting on Friday 26 May 2023

    The Green Room, Greenhills Neigbourhood House
    Reid's quarries, near Greensborough

    The Green Room Community Pantry This year, instead of a “Biggest Morning Tea” the GHS Committee has decided to support our local “food bank”. The Green Room Community Pantry is run by Greenhills Neighbourhood House, and the house co-ordinator Janelle will explain just what they do in this important service. If you would like to support the “Pantry”, you could bring along a non-perishable donation (for example, a bag of pasta or a can of soup). Voluntary donations can be made at the May and June GHS meetings. There will be a box in the foyer. Presentation: ‘Local Sand Pits, Quarries and Mines’ The first brick church in Greensborough was opened in 1872 with the bricks made and fired from a clay hole opposite, on the current site of the shopping plaza entrance. Join us in investigating local sand pits, quarries and mines at our May meeting. Lewis Tulk will tell a great story of his early career working at a local quarry, and Peter Van Eeken will share research on sand pits and mines. Our ‘digging up’ of the past will reveal some interesting stories. Venue: Greenhills Neighbourhood House Start at 1.15pm Followed by afternoon tea All members and friends are welcome.

  • Book Launch - 25 February 2023 Meeting

    By Sue Ballantyne, February 2023

    Our latest book "Memories of the Shire of Diamond Valley" was launched at our February meeting, Saturday 25 February 2023 at Greenhills Neighbourhood House.

    Our first meeting for 2023 will be held on Saturday 25th February 2023 at Greenhills Neighbourhood House, Community Drive, Greensborough. “Memories of the Shire of Diamond Valley” was compiled by GHS life member Rosie Bray OAM and launched by Colin Brooks MP for Bundoora. We were joined by several contributors to the book and many members. After the book launch, we enjoyed a long afternoon tea. The Shire of Diamond Valley was created in 1964 from the North Ward of the City of Heidelberg. Over the Shire’s 30-year existence (1964-1994) it was considered one of the most progressive municipalities in the state with a mixture of urban and rural areas. Our book contains memories written by Councillors, Shire officers and community members. Cost $20 for GHS members; $25 for non-members plus postage. All GHS books are available for purchase - click on the Items for Sale button above..

  • Social Morning Tea

    By Sue Ballantyne, June 2022

    Social Morning Tea is back!

    From the Collection of Greensborough Historical Society; donated by Faye Fort

    Join us for our next social morning tea/coffee on Tuesday 11th April 2023. Details below. SOCIAL MORNING TEAS 2023: We have changed our social morning tea/coffee gatherings to monthly (previously every second month). All on the 2nd Tuesday of each month and we meet on the top floor of Greensborough Plaza behind Donut King. Dates for your diary: April 11; May 9; June 13; July 11, August 8, September 11, October 10, November 14 and December 12. Held on Tuesday morning at 10am, this is a social occasion, not a formal meeting. All members and friends are welcome. Please do not visit if you are feeling unwell. Check this website for updates. Sue Brenkovich and Dawn Bennetts

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Meeting Dates

Dates for 2023: The Society meets once per month February to November. General Meetings are held on alternate Fridays ('odd' months) and the informal forums are held on the alternate Saturday ('even' months, starting February) at Greenhills Neighbourhood House: Community Drive, off St Helena Road. Meetings begin at 1.15pm. Any changes to the venue, dates or times will posted on this site so please check regularly before the meeting date. All members and visitors are most welcome to attend these informative and friendly meetings. (We follow any current COVID restrictions) The History Resource Centre is open on Thursdays between 10:00am and 3:00pm., and on selected weekends at corner of Glenauburn and Para Road, Lower Plenty 3093. Committee meetings for 2023: CHANGE TO COMMITTEE MEETING TIMES FOR 2023: Committee meeting are now scheduled on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1.30pm. In 2023 there are 2 vacancies on Committee. If you’d like to join us, please speak to a Committee member. 17/01; 21/02; 21/03; 18/04; 16/05; 20/06; 18/07; 15/08; 19/09; 17/10; 21/11. Contact Norm (0409 815 246) or other Committee members with your suggestions for activities or projects. Or contact the Society via email: Meeting dates for 2023: All held at Greenhills Neighbourhood House, Community Drive, Greensborough, commencing at 1.15pm. Saturday 25/02/2023; Friday 31/03/2023; Saturday 29/04/2023; Friday 26/05/2023; Saturday 24/06/2023; Friday 28/07/2023; Saturday 26/08/2023; Friday 29/09/2023; Saturday 28/10/2023; Friday 24/11/2023. Check on home page for updates on speakers and activities. Note that GHS follows current COVID restrictions. SOCIAL MORNING TEAS 2023: We have changed our social morning tea/coffee gatherings to monthly (previously every second month). All on a Tuesday and we meet on the top floor of Greensborough Plaza behind the Donut shop. February 14; March 14; April 11; May 9; June 13; July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14 and December 12. Held on Tuesday morning, this is a social occasion, not a formal meeting. All members and friends are welcome. Check homepage for details prior to event. OPEN DAYS AT THE RESOURCE CENTRE 2023: Saturday 11/02/2023 (planned but relies on renovation work being completed); Sunday 16/04/2023; Saturday 10/06/2023; Sunday 13/08/2023; Saturday 14/10/2023. Hours are 1.00pm to 4.00pm. The Resource Centre at 34A Glenauburn Road Lower Plenty (corner Para Road) is normally open every Thursday (10am - 3pm). We hope to resume this early in 2023 as soon as renovations are complete and the site is safe for visitors. Please check the home page for updates.

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Membership Information

The Greensborough Historical Society always welcomes new members and visitors to its meetings and functions. If your interests are historical, heritage or family history, you are welcome to join us. Membership is another valued contribution to help the Society record the district's history and heritage and we hope you will join with us to contribute your time, knowledge and skills in the many activities and projects the Society undertakes and promotes.

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Request For Help

  • Local Information and Photos

    Main Street Greensborough

    Here at Greensborough Historical Society we are always looking for information and photos of the area in days gone by. If you or your family lived in Greensborough, Watsonia, Macleod, Montmorency, Lower Plenty or Bundoora, we'd love to hear from you! We can scan photos and return the originals to you, or you could email digital photos to info@greensboroughhistorical.org.au If you are interested in sharing your story through an oral history interview, please contact the Society. info@greensboroughhistorical.org.au We look forward to hearing from you.

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