Southern Sherbrook Historical Society

In 1989, a spark ignited the creation of the Southern Sherbrook Historical Society. It began at the Shire of Ferntree Gully’s centennial celebration. Local groups showcased their historical displays. Councillor Peter Marke noticed a gap. There were no historical societies in the south riding. Two years later, the Southern Sherbrook Historical Society was born. The Southern Sherbrook Historical Society’s mission is to gather and share the history of several areas. These include Belgrave, Belgrave Heights and South, Selby, Menzies Creek, Lysterfield, and Narre Warren East. This area comprises the South Riding of the former Shire of Sherbrooke. The Society boasts a rich collection. It includes photos, an extensive library, rate books, and other records. The society’s early days involved monthly talks from residents sharing their local history. These talks were meticulously recorded, creating a treasure trove of 170 tapes. One tape holds the memories of an elderly lady. She attended the local primary school during World War I. Her recollections helped the school write its centennial history. She spoke of sewing handkerchiefs for soldiers. The Southern Sherbrook Historical Society has been involved in various community projects. They played a role in the 125th-anniversary celebration of Menzies Creek Primary School. They also fought to save an old grammar school on Burwood Highway in Belgrave from being sold by the council. Although the building was sold, the new owners discovered its history as an infant welfare center. They found and preserved panels with Disney characters. The Southern Sherbrook Historical Society now houses these panels. The Southern Sherbrook Historical Society meets at the Original St Martin’s Church Hall in Belgrave Heights. Their digitized information is accessible through Victorian Collections. They also store information at their site at 127 Colby Drive in Belgrave Heights. The society continues to document local history. One ongoing project involves photographing Belgrave shops to track their changes over time. They invite anyone interested in local history to join them.