Williamstown & surrounds

Williamstown was one of the first settlements in Melbourne and has a fascinating history. In recent years Hobsons Bay City Council has been undertaking works to preserve this legacy.

Of particular interest for us is the restoration work carried out in the Botanic Gardens and the waterfront along The Esplanade. In the Botanic Gardens we will learn about its history, follow the 2000 Master Plan actions and hear about the new Master Plan which will take the Gardens forward for the next 10 years. Our BYO sandwich lunch will be enjoyed in the southern section of the Gardens, Parker Reserve Pinetum.

After lunch we will take a short walk across the road to the foreshore where our very own Jill Burness will share with us some of her memories from an earlier life when she worked in the Western Region Commission, and was a part of the team that prepared a Master Plan for the Williamstown foreshore. She will point out to us the location of the former sea baths (both a formal and an informal version). She will talk about the upgrading of the foreshore reserves and the upgrading of the beach pavilion. For example, the original architect designed these former change rooms to look like a ship.

Car pooling is highly recommended, so when booking please advise of your willingness to either take passengers or be a passenger with someone else.

Morning tea, hot water, mugs and tea and coffee makings will be provided. BYO sandwich and thermos lunch, picnic chair and wear walking shoes.

When:
Tuesday 4 June
10.30am – 3.00pm

Where:
Meet at the Williamstown Botanic Gardens
Melway 56 C10

Cost:
$15 members $20 non-members

Bookings/enquiries:
Further information: Helen Page 9817 2003 or 0418 546 97 or email <helenpage@bigpond.com>. Bookings open Monday 4 March.