By Jessica Micallef
Plaques outlining historical information about Riddells Creek and its surrounds have been installed at Riddells Creek Lions Park.
Installed throughout the park’s sensory and indigenous gardens, the plaques were a joint project of the Riddells Creek Social History Group and the park’s upgrade committee.
History group president Mary Henry said the plaques incorporated important history of the town.
“The social history group researched early history of Riddell to be depicted on 10 plaques,” Ms Henry said.
“We tried to choose the most significant that would incorporate the development of the community from a farming district, the social life of the community and the impact of the railways on the district.”
Ms Henry said the plaques showcased the history of the Wurundjeri Tribe and John Carre Riddell, an early pioneer which Riddells Creek was named in hounour of.
“We also did plaques on the Mechanics Hall … Samuel Amess, a farmer and building contractor who was elected mayor of Melbourne in 1869, the Campbell family who were early pioneers.”
An information booklet about the history of the park is available to purchase for $5 at the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House. Sale proceeds will go to further park upgrades and history projects.
