“Ellen Bank.” That’s the name that echoes through Ellinbank’s history. It all started with a settler’s wife and a post office. Now, standing here in Ellinbank, we’re surrounded by a rich tapestry of farming history.
Ellinbank is nestled in the foothills of the Strzelecki Ranges. It is about 11 km south of Warragul. It is also about 113 km east of Melbourne. This farming district has a fascinating story to tell.
Let’s journey back to 1874. Settlers bravely traversed densely forested hills. They reached their blocks via a bridle track from Drouin. The district was originally called Warragul South. Later, it became known as Ellinbank. This was because the first post office was at a property named Ellen Bank. The property was named after the settler’s first wife.
From the 1880s to the early 1900s, sawmills thrived here. Timber was sent by tramline to Darnum railway station. As the land was cleared and drained, settlers turned to dairying. A butter factory and creamery briefly operated in the area. Eventually, farmers sent cream and milk to factories at Warragul.
In 1879, a school opened its doors. In 1881, a non-denominational church was constructed. The community continued to grow. Cricket, football, and tennis clubs formed in the 1920s. In 1930, a public hall was built.
Churches played a vital role in Ellinbank’s social fabric. An Anglican church opened in 1915. A fire destroyed it in 1968. A new brick church was constructed in 1971. Sadly, it burned down months later. But the resilient community quickly rebuilt it.
In 1950, the State Government purchased about 350 acres of land. Initially intended as a dairy college, it became a dairy research station. It featured three dairies, a laboratory, and workshops. There were also staff residences. A new research complex was built in 2005.
Today, Ellinbank is home to more than just dairying. Bulb and flower farms add color to the landscape. The first of these farms arrived in 1946. The community retains its school, church, hall, and recreation reserve.
Ellinbank also boasts strong sporting traditions. The Ellinbank and District football and netball leagues thrive since 1937 and 1954. The Ellinbank football club has won the most premierships.
Did you know that the Ellinbank & District Football League amalgamated with the Ellinbank & District Netball Association in 2023? Together, they formed the Ellinbank & District Football Netball League.
Notably, the Ellinbank SmartFarm is leading the way in dairy innovation. It aims to be the world’s first carbon-neutral dairy farm. Research projects like Pasture 365 explore year-round forage solutions.
From its humble beginnings as Warragul South to its current status as a hub for dairy research and community activity, Ellinbank embodies the spirit of rural Victoria. Its story is one of resilience, innovation, and community. As we leave Ellinbank, remember the name “Ellen Bank”. It is a reminder of the people who shaped this remarkable place.