A piece of Bairnsdale’s history will be unearthed this month when the town’s main street time capsule is reopened for the first time in 25 years.
The Apex Club of Bairnsdale will host the opening and resealing of the Bairnsdale Time Capsule on Saturday, 23 May, inviting the community to revisit memories from the past while contributing new items for future generations.
Originally sealed in 1975, the capsule was first reopened and updated in 2001. It will now be opened again before being resealed for another 25 years, with the next scheduled opening set for 2051.
The capsule will be opened at 10.30 AM, followed by a resealing ceremony at 11.30 AM.
Organisers say the event is expected to attract strong community interest, particularly from residents and groups who contributed items during the 2001 opening.
The Apex Club has released a long list of individuals, families, schools, churches, sporting clubs and community organisations believed to have placed items in the capsule 25 years ago, including the Bairnsdale Fire Brigade, Bairnsdale Primary School, Rotary Club of Bairnsdale, East Gippsland Historical Society, Lakes Entrance CWA and BRHS.
Community members who contributed in 2001 will have the opportunity to view their items and choose whether to reseal them for another generation.
Residents are also being encouraged to add new memories, letters, photographs and keepsakes to the capsule as part of the 2026 ceremony.
Specially prepared time capsule envelopes are available for purchase from Schoolworks Supplies in Macleod Street, Bairnsdale, with proceeds supporting the BRHS maternity ward. Cash donations will also be accepted on the day.
The Apex Club said the event would celebrate both Bairnsdale’s history and its future, providing a rare chance for the community to reflect on how the region has changed across five decades.
A free barbecue lunch will be provided during the event, with attendees encouraged to RSVP via the Apex Club of Bairnsdale Facebook page.
Preparations are already underway at the capsule site in the town centre, with organisers recently cleaning and repainting the area ahead of the ceremony.
The club is encouraging anyone who recognises names from the 2001 contributor list — or believes they may have placed an item in the capsule — to attend the event and be part of the next chapter in Bairnsdale’s history.
