|
DONALD the
Heart of Victoria ......... a great place to Stop!
Jeffcott
Self-Drive Sight Seeing Tour
1.
Georgie's Hut
On this site, "Georgie"
Ah Ling lived for more than fifty-five years, supplying Donald people
with fresh fruit and vegetables. He was born in China in about 1885
as Lau San and came to Australia with his parents in 1903. He
returned to Canton 14 years later, where he married and had four
children.
In 1926, "Georgie" came
back to Australia to help his cousin operate a market garden in
Donald, leaving his wife and family in China. When his cousin left in
1930, "Georgie" continued to work alone, living in a simple
shack cultivating vegetables and herbs with hand tools. He watered
his garden with cans attached to a board across his shoulders,
getting his water from the dam, as his home had no water or power. He
delivered his produce around Donald using a horse and cart, and was
often followed by a train of children to whom he gave free samples.
When his horse "Dolly" became too old for the job, the
Donald community provided "Georgie" with another horse,
also called "Dolly".
"Georgie" had very
modest needs as long as he could afford tobacco for his pipe, and
sent most of his earnings back to China to support his wife and
children. His two sons and two daughters later moved to the USA where
they prospered academically and professionally.
His sons and granddaughter later
visited "Georgie" in Donald, but could not persuade him to
return to the USA with them. "Donald is my town," he said.
He continued to work in his garden until he was injured in 1983, when
his cart was hit in a minor traffic accident. "Georgie"
died in 1987, aged about 102.
"Few men, whatever their
station, have written themselves so indelibly and affectionately into
the life of any community as this gentle market-gardener has
done." (Robin Letts, Wimmera-Mallee Bulletin, 1/8/1977)
A permanent display of
"Georgie's" artefacts, including the trunk he brought with
him from China, can be seen at the Donald Court House. Contact the
History Group's Archives at 56 Woods St. Phone: 5497 2287.
The site is on private property,
and is not accessible to the public. Please respect the owner's
rights, and do not attempt to negotiate the electric fence. Note the
plaque placed on the roadside by the Donald History Group.
2.
Lake Gil Gil
Lake Gil Gil Is one of a series of
lakes and swamps in the area, and is the most reliable water source
in the district. It fills with run-off from the natural water courses
coming from Mt. Jeffcott, and in normal years, seepage from the
channel helps keep it full. However, a fence running across the
middle of the lake suggests it was dry for an extended period of time
in the past, as it is during the present drought. In the early 1900s
a pump on the lake was used to fill water carts for drought-stricken
farmers.
When full, the lake is home to
many long-necked tortoises, and is a haven for ducks and other birds,
providing excellent fishing for birds and fishermen.
For the best vantage point to view
the lake, turn onto the left fork of the track, towards the boat ramp.
3.
Mt. Jeffcott Flora Reserve and 4. Jeffcott Range
Mt. Jeffcott is only 265 metres
above sea level, but its summit commands a view in all directions
across the surrounding flat plains. In its early days, it was the
site for one of the trigonometric stations of the Geodetic Survey
by which the features of Victoria
were mapped. The Mount was originally set aside as a timber reserve
in the 1870s, but activities such as gold mining (not very
successful), removal of gravel for road-making, and regular grazing
meant that few plants survived. The Reserve was gazetted in 1972, in
two parts, that of the Mount itself (160 acres) and The Range (460
acres) controlled by a Committee of Management with local input.
The fencing of the Reserve put an
end to grazing on the Mount. As a result, a wide variety of native
flora has reappeared. In the springtime, the slopes of the Mount
become a carpet of gold from the dense stands of hoary sunray
(Helipterum albicans). A closer look will reveal many other native
flowers, including orchids. Where once there was only one remaining
native pine (Callitris gracillis) now hundreds are rapidly growing.
The area also supports other trees and shrubs which are rare this far
north in Victoria. Drooping she-oke (Allocasuarina verticillata) are
plentiful on the southern slope, and some cherry ballart (Exocarpus
cupressiformis) can be found. A new species, Eucalyptus filiformis
was found on the Mount and officially recognised in 2005.
Both the Reserve and the Range are
now under the control of Parks Victoria, and a local group, Friends
of Jeffcott, was formed in 2005.
Cars should be parked at the base
of the Mount, though the track is usable by four - wheel drive. The
strenuous walk to the summit over rough terrain is well worth it for
the outstanding views. Allow 30 minutes for the round trip.
Please enjoy the Reserve, but
protect the small plants by keeping to the main track. (And remember:
what you take in, you take out.)
5.
Remnant Forest
This district was densely timbered
in native pine (Callitris gracillis), which is resistant to white
ants and was used for early houses, sheds and fencing. This 15
hectare area has never been cultivated and is a unique example of the
forests that were here. Other large trees found in the forest include
yellow gum (Eucalyptus leucoxylon), buloke, (Allocasuarina
leuhmannii), black box (Eucaluptus largiflorens), and grey box
(Eucalyptus microcarpa).
Sheep-grazing caused the
understorey to be eaten out, but a reduction in grazing has allowed
regenerating of several species.
These include the gold dust wattle
(Acacia acinacea), golden wattle (Acacia pycnantha), senna (Senna
artemisioides), grey mulga (Acacia brachybotrya) and hop bush (Dodonea).
The forest supports a wide range
of wildlife, including many different birds, and the occasional
kangaroo. The land is privately owned, but the public is welcome. The
entrance is over a stile on the Jeffcott Hall Rd., 150 metres from
the intersection with Pit Rd.
As you drive away from the forest,
note the replanting being undertaken by Landcare members on private
and public land.
6.
The Gravel Pits
Decomposed granite was mined on
this privately-owned property for 25 years for use as road pavement
throughout Buloke Shire. This created two pits and when mining was no
longer viable the landowners, Ian and Alison McEwen, decided to fill
the front pit with water from the nearby channel (though during
drought this is only part-filled.) The back pit is filled from a
natural spring but the brackish water is not suitable for irrigation
or stock.
From the late seventies onwards
the mullock heaps were planted with native flora. The McEwen family
and the Australian Trust for Conservation Volunteers had to hand dig
each hole to plant into very inhospitable conditions.
The result is an outstanding
flora reserve with prolific bird life. The deep water in the front
pit is ideal for swimming and fishing, as well as for farming
purposes. "The Quarry" as it is affectionately called is on
private property but the public is welcome to enjoy it. Climb the
fence on Pit Rd. and enjoy clambouring around. The walking is heavy
going but well worth it.
7.
Granite Rocks Reserve
These 4 hectares of Crown land
feature an outcrop of large granite rocks overlooking a spectacular
360 degree view of the surrounding farmlands. Granite is formed by
intrusion of magma through the earth's crust. Over millions of years,
erosion of soil and rocks has exposed the granite tors. The excellent
interpretation board gives an explanation of the geology of the area,
as well as details of local flora and fauna.
The original main street of Donald
was gravelled with granite dug by pick and shovel in this reserve.
Historically the Granite Rocks was a picnic area for the community.
This is also encouraged today, with picnic tables and of course a
playground of granite rocks for children to enjoy climbing over.
There are no toilets or fresh
water and open fires are banned, but gas barbecues are allowed.
As you leave via Pinks Rd., note
the significant roadside vegetation.
8. Seaweed Project
In 2003, a marine biologist and a
hydro-geologist approached the Buloke Shire with a proposal to
conduct field trials for seaweed cultivation at Donald, using the
region's saline groundwater.
The Donald region was selected because
The project was enthusiastically
adopted by the Donald and District Landcare Group, who obtained an
innovation grant from the National Landcare Programme. Bores were
dug, ponds filled and seaweed planted, with the assistance of the
Buloke Shire, Landcarers, the Donald community and landholders.
The project is still in its trial
stage. The seaweed, Gracillis chilensis, will grow in experimental
tubs, but is having problems in the ponds. The Landcare group is keen
to pursue the project because of the many benefits success can bring.
Commercialisation will provide farmers on salt-affected land with an
income, as the seaweed has wide application. Seaweed gels are used in
ice cream, toothpaste and pet food, as well as in cosmetics and as a
medium for medical experiments. It has great potential as an
additional crop for the Donald district.
For more information, visit the
scientists' website at www.phildyson.com.au.
9.
Cairn to William Donald
The town of Donald takes its name
from William Donald, the first pastoralist in the district. He came
here in 1844 from Glasgow and took up a run at "Banyenong".
Other pastoralists soon arrived in the area, and William married
Mary-Anne McLachlan who had come with her family to the Richavon district.
The Donalds built their home near
the present-day "Glengar" homestead and entertained other
pastoralists in grand style, even holding the first race meetings in
the district at "Banyenong". They left the district in 1867
for Cheltenham, England, so that their children could receive a good education.
The cairn commemorates the
sesqui-centenary of Donald's arrival to the district and was
dedicated in 1994 by William's great-great-grandson, Colin Dunlop
Donald V. Colin was so pleased to be given this honour that he
presented a silver tobacco jar engraved with the Donald Family Crest
and motto, "Toujours Prêt" ("Always Ready").
This can be seen at the Donald Court House. Phone 5497 2287.
10.
Mary McLachlan's Grave
"Glengar" is part of
William Donald's original settlement, and is the site of Mary
McLachlan's grave, the first white person known to be buried in the district.
In 1853, Mary Robertson married
John McLachlan, a nephew of William Donald's. Although Mary lived
with John at "Springbank" on the Avoca River, she spent
long hours reading under a buloke tree on a hill overlooking the
river at "Banyenong East". She was in delicate health, and
died just a year after her marriage, at the age of 25. Because no
records were kept at the time, the cause of her death is unknown.
At her request, Mary is
buried on the site where she sat. The original tree has long died,
but a peppercorn tree (Schinus molle) was planted over the grave
during the 1936 Back-to-Donald celebrations, to commemorate the royal
visit in 1934 of the Duke of Gloucester. That tree remains today,
shading the grave looking over the river and the floodplain of Lake
Buloke. The grave, which is on private property, is maintained by the
CWA to commemorate early women pioneers. |