Beechworth

Christine Nixon, the head of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction & Recovery Authority, will deliver the Kerferd Oration this year in Beechworth. Ms Nixon’s oration, entitled “Revealing the hidden strengths and talents of communities”, will be delivered at the Kerferd Conference Centre at La Trobe Beechworth on Sunday July 25.

Indigo Mayor Cr Bernard Gaffney said Ms Nixon was the perfect choice for this year’s Orator. “As Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority she would have many insights into the hidden strengths and talents of the communities she has visited that have been devastated by the 2009 Black Saturday bushfire,” Cr Gaffney said.

“This is not her first visit to our shire – she came to Stanley last November to talk to people who had been affected by the February 7 bushfire and get their feedback on the recovery process. We are delighted she has agreed to be this year’s Orator and we look forward to her insights on the strengths of communities.”

Under Ms Nixon’s leadership, the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction & Recovery Authority is working with communities, businesses, charities, local councils and other government departments to help people rebuild after the Black Saturday bushfire that claimed the lives of 173 people and destroyed communities. Her focus is on helping communities recover and rebuild in a way that is safe, timely, efficient, cost effective and respectful of each community’s different needs.

Before joining the authority, Ms Nixon was the Chief Commissioner of Victoria Police leading 14,000 staff across more than 500 sites.

As in the past, this year’s Kerferd Oration is a free community event supported by WAW Credit Union, La Trobe Beechworth and Indigo Shire Council. It starts at 11am in the Kerferd Conference Centre at La Trobe Beechworth on Sunday 25 July. Tickets are not required.

Last year more than 500 people came to hear World Vision Australia CEO Rev Tim Costello AO talk about Community Values for a World in Need. Other past Orators include Professor Tim Flannery, then Deputy Premier John Thwaites, Cathy McGowan AO, Prof Henry Brodaty AO, Barbara Holborow OAM and the late John Harber Phillips AC. 

The annual Kerferd Oration is named after one of the founding fathers of Beechworth, George Briscoe Kerferd, whose illustrious career in public office culminated in his elevation to the office of Victorian Premier in 1874.

Those who have made their way towards North East Victoria and found themselves in the charming little town of Beechworth will know just what makes this place fantastic for buying real estate. No matter if you are a city dweller looking to make the switch to a more relaxed way of life, or an investor looking for somewhere to purchase a holiday house, this laid-back, pretty town has much to offer. Read on to discover some interesting facts to keep in mind when buying Beechworth real estate.

A wealth of history

Beechworth holds great historical significance. In the mid to late nineteenth century, it was the site of many gold mining expeditions. You can still find records today of the biggest finds. For information on ways that the Chinese added to the sensation that was the Australian gold rush, you can visit the Chinese museum. This is one of the towns popular attractions, with tourists often stopping by to peruse the artifacts displayed in the museum.

Ned Kelly also helped to make the area famous. He and his gang have various links to the township. Joe Byrne and Arron Sherrit actually came from a nearby gold field called Woolshed. Ned fought a renowned boxing match against Isaiah ‘Wild’ Wright in Beechworth. He also paid an extended visit to the town jail.

Historical buildings

You will find a great number of beautifully preserved historical buildings in Beechworth, dating all the way back from the 1850’s. Walking through the town gives a sense of stepping back in time. These days the buildings are used by various business, who have taken great care to preserve the original style of the buildings.

Shops

Tourists and locals alike love the great range of shops that bring life and vitality to the town of Beechworth. A local favourite is the lolly shop, featuring classic favourites and all kinds of new, inventive sweets in different colours and flavours. Wander down to one of the local cafes for a coffee and a bite to eat, or tuck into a meal at on of Beechworth’s fantastic restaurants.

Houses

As well as a wide range of vacant land just waiting to be built upon, Beechworth always has a number of its quaint cottages and houses on sale. Homes often come with beautifully kept, eye-catching cottage gardens. Property prices are low within the area, making it idyllic for retirees and those looking to escape the big smoke and find a new life in the country.

Other bits of info

Beechworth is situated just three hours drive from Melbourne, making it a convenient country escape. The total population is about 3500 people - small enough to make plenty of new friends with the locals and enjoy the peacefulness of country living, and large enough that you won’t feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere. There are always a number of jobs going in different areas of work, and La Trobe University has Beechworth campus for those wishing to study beyond high school.

Country living is not for everyone, but for those who are looking to make the change, Beechworth real estate offers a tantalising option. Get to know the locals, find your favourite cafe and settle into life at beautiful Beechworth.

January is always a bustling time in Beechworth and with the recent rainfalls the flows over Woolshed Falls are very impressive at the moment. There are also good flows along Spring Creek, both courtesy of the last weeks heavy downpours. It’s great to see all the green in the middle of summer. I also took a walk up the main street day and bumped into Lyn and Graham who have brought the always popular horse and cart rides back to Beechworth… more on this in a future post.

If you are thinking of a few days away then get online and check out all our great Beechworth accommodation listings. There is plenty on over the next few weeks and if you are thinking about the heat then the pool is open, Lake Sambell is full and the cascades are inviting.