The Oldest Town in Victoria Is 60 Years Older Australia Itself

Kilmore, a small Victorian town with a population of around 8,000, isn’t just the oldest town in the state, it also predates Australia as a nation by 60 years. When Australia’s colonies came together in 1901 to form the Commonwealth, Kilmore had already spent six decades shaping the country’s future. In this article, we explore the rich history of Kilmore and Victoria, examine their growth, and look toward their future in the face of climate change. How does a historic town like Kilmore gear up for rising temperatures, unpredictable weather, and scarce resources? We delve into Victoria’s climate challenges, focusing on how Kilmore is adapting, and what lesson we might be able to glean from this small but mighty town.

Kilmore’s Historical Beginnings Cemented by New Research

Established in 1841, Kilmore’s status as Victoria’s oldest inland town was recently confirmed through the rigorous research of Martin Williams, a seasoned scientist and former local. Williams scoured primary sources, historical documents, and 19th-century articles to validate the town’s early prominence. Between 1841 and 1851, Kilmore stood out for offering small, farmable plots of land for lease or purchase, drawing settlers like a magnet. By 1851, the town was flourishing, its population surpassing that of any other nearby inland community.

The True Grit of Charles Bonney, the Forgotten Pioneer

Charles Bonney was not just an explorer; he was a visionary. In 1837, with a tomahawk in hand, he did more than sketch Sydney Road on paper; he physically built it. The word “manifest” aptly describes his feat. Its Latin roots are in “manifestus,” meaning “obvious” or “caught in the act.” This Latin word is a blend of “manus,” meaning “hand,” and “-festus,” related to the verb “fendere,” or “to strike.” Together, these parts suggest something so clear you could almost touch or metaphorically “strike it with your hand.” Bonney lived this concept, making his vision tangible through hard work.

For those not acquainted with the era’s tools, wielding a tomahawk was a test of endurance. Bonney had to navigate through dense underbrush. He carved his way through it, crafting a pathway that would connect Kilmore to the broader world. Yet, his ambitions reached beyond deep bush infrastructure. In Kilmore’s fertile plains, Bonney went beyond road-building; he founded a sheep station, sinking roots into a land ripe with potential.

Williams contends that Bonney’s influence on the town is too significant to go unacknowledged. To honor this pioneer, Williams has urged town officials to name Bonney as Kilmore’s founder. A memorial or landmark bearing his name would be a fitting salute. Similarly deserving of recognition is Dr. Richard Julian Hamlyn, Bonney’s successor and the second holder of the Kilmore Plains. According to our Williams, he, too, merits acknowledgment for continuing this vital foundational work.

Living Heritage: The Taungurung of Kilmore and Beyond

Before Kilmore’s landscape was crisscrossed by highways and covered in asphalt, the Taungurung people were its original caretakers. As members of the larger Kulin nation, they had a unique bond with this central Victorian land. This connection extended to neighboring tribes through shared language, ceremonies, and kinship ties.

Trade routes came alive as the Taungurung utilized the King and Howqua River valleys for commerce and intertribal relations. Greenstone, a prized and sturdy material, was their key trade item, sourced from local quarries. Fashioned into axes, spears, and cutting tools, this sought-after stone crossed tribal boundaries, solidifying the Taungurung’s central role in regional trade.

In 1837, the story takes a dark turn. While researchers like Martin Williams hail Charles Bonney as a pioneer and visionary, for the Taungurung he represents upheaval and displacement. Bonney, armed with a colonial tomahawk, ventured into Taungurung lands to build what would later become Sydney Road, connecting Kilmore to Melbourne. This move disrupted the Taungurung’s longstanding harmony with their environment, relegating them to the outskirts of their ancestral home. Thus, while Bonney’s legacy is often associated with growth and opportunity, it’s vital to acknowledge that such progress frequently exacted a heavy toll on others.

The Taungurung, however, refuse to be mere footnotes in history. Today, they are dynamic contributors to the region’s increasingly diverse cultural makeup.

Interwoven Histories: Indigenous Melbourne and the Taungurung

But the Taungurung are not an isolated chapter. Zooming out to greater Melbourne, the region is a cradle of Indigenous cultures, each with its own tale of survival and revival. The Wurundjeri and Boonwurrung communities, for instance, share a common lineage with the Taungurung through the Kulin nation. Their languages, although different, echo each other, and their struggles mirror the Taungurung’s fight for recognition and restitution.

Innovative programs are emerging in these Indigenous communities. Organizations like the Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation and Cultural Heritage Council, along with the Boonwurrung Land & Sea Council, are advocating for sustainable development. They blend age-old wisdom with contemporary necessities, offering a balanced approach to growth.

The Lessons of Yesteryears and Hopes for Tomorrow

As we grapple with mounting climate challenges and widening social disparities, Indigenous wisdom from communities like the Taungurung, Wurundjeri, and Boonwurrung in Victoria serves as a vital compass. These narratives aren’t mere historical footnotes; they point toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Indeed, the collective knowledge of these Indigenous communities provides a resonant counterpoint to modern dilemmas. Their time-tested practices offer invaluable insights into sustainable living and harmonious coexistence with nature—lessons increasingly crucial in a world marred by environmental degradation and social conflict.

In short, the legacies of these communities offer more than just historical context. They infuse today’s urgent dialogues with age-old wisdom, affirming that the path to a better future is most effectively navigated together, as part of a unified, interdependent community.

Bridging Heritage and Progress in Victoria

Victoria’s tale is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, natural landscapes and expanding cityscapes. This complex wave of history and progress highlights how each era enriches and informs the next, shaping a pathway for a future that’s both sustainable and (hopefully) inclusive. Let’s take a look at the sweep of these macroshifts.

The Gold Rush and Economic Evolution

Turn the calendar back to the 1850s, and Victoria’s hills were alive with the glitter of gold. This wasn’t just a frenzied treasure hunt; it was a societal metamorphosis. The Gold Rush catapulted Melbourne from a fledgling town into a burgeoning city, planting the seeds for Victoria’s modern economic muscle.

Fast-forward to the present, and Victoria flexes its financial might with a staggering Gross State Product of $515 billion for the 2021-22 fiscal year. Melbourne, the state’s shining jewel, emerges as a global tech hub, home to giants like IBM and Google. Yet, Victoria’s economic prowess isn’t just rooted in bytes and pixels. The state’s innovative agricultural strategies embody the same ethos of sustainability cherished by its Indigenous peoples, making it a model for both ecological responsibility and economic vitality.

Synergies and Futures: Ecology, Economy, and Heritage

Victoria thrives on its ability to blend the wisdom of the past with the possibilities of the present. Far from isolated chapters, the state’s tech-centric economy and commitment to sustainable agriculture are modern expressions of a longstanding pact with the land.

Government strategies don’t just focus on economic growth; they strive for a trifecta of financial, environmental, and social progress. Instruments like the Traditional Owner Settlement Act lend a voice to Indigenous communities in shaping Victoria’s trajectory, ensuring their heritage remains integral to the state’s unfolding narrative.

In this union of past and present, Victoria unearths its most viable blueprint for the future. As the state navigates the precarious balance between environmental stewardship and social justice, it can find guidance in the wisdom of its Indigenous cultures, the vigor of its contemporary economy, and the lessons etched in its rich history.

True Grit of Indigenous Resilience Amidst Adversity

The impact of European colonization deeply affected Victoria’s Indigenous communities, disrupting their traditional lifestyles. But their resilience stands out. Through grit and resolve, they’ve managed to preserve facets of their native languages, social systems, and traditions. This lasting heritage adds depth and richness to Victoria’s diverse cultural tapestry.

Territories and Governance: Victoria’s Unique Path

In Australia, “territory” commonly refers to an area governed federally but without full statehood. Victoria, however, diverges from this definition, growing from a fledgling settlement to a bustling state. This trajectory offers valuable perspectives on governance and identity within Australia’s federation.

Indigenous Rights: A Global Echo from Victoria

Victoria’s efforts to uplift its Aboriginal communities don’t merely resonate locally but also on a global stage. Instruments like the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples mirror Victoria’s policies designed to improve Indigenous quality of life. They highlight universal values like self-determination, cultural preservation, and land rights—equally relevant from the Yarra River to distant indigenous communities worldwide.

A Wider Context: Victoria in the Global Narrative of Colonization

Victoria’s history can’t be divorced from the larger story of colonization—a powerful force that has molded societies globally. It’s a narrative that interlinks with modern movements for social justice, from the Black Lives Matter movement in the US to Indigenous rights campaigns in Australia.

An Ongoing Journey: Victoria’s Evolving Story

The practice of recording history helps us integrate lessons from the past while leaving the door open for future hopes. Victoria’s history isn’t a closed book. It continues to unfold, particularly in the realm of Indigenous rights and global social justice. The onus lies on us all to be responsible caretakers of this evolving narrative.

Reality Check: the Referendum Setback (or Is It a Rain Check?)

Victoria, like the rest of Australia, faced a setback with the recent referendum on October 14, 2023, which decisively rejected constitutional recognition of Indigenous people. This outcome presents a grim reminder of the societal divisions still present in Australia on the topic of reconciliation and throws a spotlight on the long road ahead.

Grassroots Wisdom: The Key to Progress

To move forward, the voices of grassroots Aboriginal communities in Victoria must not only be heard but also acted upon. Success should be gauged by the lived experiences of these individuals, spanning areas from healthcare to employment opportunities. The referendum result indicates a critical need for further action.

At the Crossroads: Victoria’s Tumultuous Journey

Victoria stands at a crucial turning point. From its colonial history to its ongoing relationship with Indigenous communities, the state encapsulates broader, global challenges. Yet, it also shows the potential for transformation, however arduous the journey may be.

Climate Change’s Complex Web: Victoria and the Town of Kilmore at a Crossroads

Speaking of global challenges, let’s talk about climate change. The state of Victoria, with its idyllic landscapes and robust economy, faces numerous challenges from this global crisis. Changing weather patterns, extreme events, and rising temperatures paint a worrying picture.

Rainfall and Drought

Victoria is drying out. Data underscores a disconcerting trend: reduced rainfall over the last few decades. This arid spell is most pronounced in southeastern Australia, marking the region’s driest period since records started in 1900. The shortage raises an existential question: where will future water come from?.

Agriculture and Ecosystems

As rainfall patterns becomes more a roll of an n+1 sided die, agriculture bears the brunt. The land has recently absorbed nearly half of the economic damage inflicted by heatwaves. Reduced winter rainfall serves as kindling for wildfires. Wildlife, too, faces unforeseen challenges. Foxes, once strangers to elevated terrains, now venture into alpine areas, disrupting local ecosystems.

Victoria is also feeling the heat. The past decade has ushered in record-breaking heatwaves, events that are becoming ominously routine.

Kilmore’s Response to Climate Change

Of course, Kilmore shares in Victoria’s heatwaves, flash floods, storms, and bushfires. By the 2030s, temperatures are projected to rise by up to 1.8 degrees Celsius compared to the 1990s. In response, localized strategies, such as the Hume Regional Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, are being tailored to brace Kilmore for an increasingly volatile climate.

The Path Forward

Victoria isn’t simply rolling over in the face of climate adversity. The state has etched ambitious targets into its climate roadmap, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and significant greenhouse gas reductions by 2030. Adaptation strategies are also being drafted to fortify seven key systems most vulnerable to climate change. The initiatives even reach into the Mitchell Shire Council, where Kilmore-specific solutions are taking shape.

Conclusion: Boomerang to the Future By Way of the Past

Kilmore, Victoria’s venerable town, stands at a precipice. On one side is its rich heritage, and on the other, an uncertain future darkened by climate change’s looming shadow. With challenges ranging from scorching heatwaves to calamitous bushfires, Kilmore finds itself in a crucible of environmental adversity. Yet, it’s not standing still. Far from stagnant, both Kilmore and the broader Victoria region are springing into action. Government bodies at multiple levels are crafting strategies for both short-term and long-term resilience. Alongside this modern, data-driven approach, Indigenous wisdom is gaining prominence, offering alternative frameworks for understanding and preserving the lands and waters of Victoria—and beyond.

In Kilmore’s resilience and complicated history, we glimpse a larger truth. Like this small but mighty town, our future as a relatively small but mighty species is not just an extension of our past, but its reaction and adaptation to it. Kilmore serves as a powerful parable, reminding us that although we can’t undo the past, we’re far from helpless in the face of the future.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Ardani Saputro