The first jetty was built at Nungurner in 1910 and Merilyn Hickson, and many other members of the Nungurner and Coast Action Group, have thought for some time recognition should be given to this.
The culmination of this thought was the erection of a new plaque near the site.
The plaque was unveiled last Friday, in front of the gathering of committee members, Nungurner Primary School children and members of the local community, by the Bury family.
It was funded by the Public Records Office of Victoria through their Community Grants Program, with Parks Victoria also contributing.
Nungurner Primary School students had been doing research on the history of the jetty. Ray Kleinitz and Gaye Holstead went to the school to talk about those days and answer the children’s questions.
“We were honoured to be involved in this project,” school principal, Emma Steele said. “The students were fascinated to learn how the area had changed over the years.” Students, Amber Kleinitz and Ully Linford, presented an oral history from their reports at the unveiling. Peter and Bill Bury, along with their sister, Gaye Holstead, all in their 90s, spoke of their early memories of the jetty and were given the honour of unveiling the plaque.
They each spoke of their love of living in the area and pointed out the waterways were the way to get all their produce out from the market garden and dairy. Timber was also milled and loaded at the jetty. Some of the large logs were transported to be used in the entrance to the Gippsland Lakes.
After the celebration, they all enjoyed a barbecue lunch and a get together.
IMAGE: The first jetty built at Nungurner in 1910 was recognised with a new plaque unveiled last Thursday. PICTURED: Unveiling the plaque were Bill Bury, Gaye Halstead and Peter Bury. LP9-3911
