List of Events

Ramblings – Jan Bailey Book Launch 2025

Sunday 15th June 1:30pm
Ellis Cottage
Ellis Cottage Reserve, Main Hurstbridge Road, Diamond Creek.

Local identity Jan Bailey, archeologist, educator and traveller, is a supporter of the Society and we are pleased to make available the facilities at Ellis Cottage for the launch of her latest book.

“After a lifetime of fun, laughter and amazing adventures, I began writing my memoir nearly a decade ago, collating essays written from long before, some of which began life in the form of emails home from China (where I taught for a total of five months), or from Turkey (where I have been engaged in archaeological escapades for more than 25 years). Imagine my joy when, a couple of weeks ago, the result of all that writing was delivered in the form of my long-awaited book, immaculately printed by a local champion, Andrew Cook, of AJC Printing, Eltham. I am proud to say it looks wonderful, with cover artwork painted by my now 13-year-old granddaughter, Iris, who lives in London. She selected a photo from a selection which I sent to her, and proceeded to create an amazi

ng watercolour/pen and ink interpretation which shows a maturity belying her young age.

For the past five years I have been involved with the Nillumbik Historical Society, giving an annual lecture at their beautiful facility in Diamond Creek where the history of this glorious region is celebrated in a barn full of artefacts, along with the timeless Ellis Cottage, pioneer bluestone cottage built in 1865 by William Ellis. The hard-working group of volunteers who manage the upkeep of the property invited me to use the Barn as a venue to launch my book, and the date has now been set. 

If you are free on Sunday, June 15 at 1.30 pm, please let us know if you would like to come.

My book will be for sale for $35, and I will be happy to sign your copy on the day.
Don’t worry about the cold – the barn is warmed by a beautiful wood-fired burner! “

Plenty Historical Society Open Day 2025

Saturday 3rd May 10am-2pm
Plenty Historic Church
2-6 Memorial Drive, Plenty.

Cast your vote at the historic Plenty Hall on election day and then drop in next door to the Historic Church to learn something about the place you live in.
Plenty Historical tea towels will be on sale for $12.

Homeland Stories 2025

In 2024, YPRL collected a series of oral histories from residents – each recounting their unique experience of migration to Australia. View these fascinating films and learn about these individual stories. Visitors also have an opportunity to record their own migration story.

Exhibition Dates: 17 March-6 April 2025
Location: Loft 275 (second level)
Ivanhoe Library & Cultural Hub
275 Upper Heidelberg Road, Ivanhoe.

Plenty Historical Society Family History Workshop 2024

Sunday 25th August 2-4pm
Plenty Historic Church
2-6 Memorial Drive, Plenty.

Our presenter Julie Nankervis is a member of the Arthur’s Creek Mechanics Institute and volunteers at the Diamond Valley branch of YPRL to assist residents with researching and writing family histories. Julie will share her journey of researching and recording her family history whilst sharing her family history gathering strategies. She will share ideas on writing up and presenting your research.

The Historical Society will have some of our local family histories on display.

This is a free workshop with afternoon tea provided.

All are welcome.

Any enquiries: Helen – bobbyzull@gmail.com