By Jed Lanyon
While the Mail News Group office has changed a few times over the 40 years, the newspaper has always been based in Healesville’s main street.
Former Healesville resident and regular ‘letters to the editor’ contributor Ray Donkin shared how the town has changed over the years.
“One big change is that the population has absolutely exploded,” he said.
“I can’t believe how many people visit Healesville these days.
“We’ve always had day trippers, but nothing to the extent of what we have today.
“I think it’s the people who are buying units in the Melbourne suburbs and are stuck there for five days a week and they’re bursting to get out of the joint.”
Mr Donkin said he was disappointed with the amalgamation of the Healesville and Upper Yarra Shires into the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
“One of the biggest changes to the shire was when (former premier, Jeff) Kennett amalgamated us with Lillydale and Mooroolbark.
“Perhaps we should have amalgamated with Upper Yarra Shire from the Healesville Shire.”
The Shire of Healesville was abolished in December 1994 along with the Shires of Lillydale and Upper Yarra and parts of the Shire of Sherbrooke, merging to become the Shire of Yarra Ranges.
“In the Melbourne suburbs of Coburg and Fitzroy it was a good thing. But out here they become too remote,” Mr Donkin said.
“Another big change was the demise of the timber industry.
“When I was a kid I counted over 20 saw mills in the area.”
Mr Donkin recalled hitching a ride on timber trucks on the way to Healesville from Box Hill to get home earlier.
He owned the Healesville timber yard where an ALDI supermarket is now under construction.
“It will be interesting to see how ALDI goes…Everyone is looking forward to it,” he said.
Mr Donkin’s current passion is to see the preservation of the Healesville Green for the use of weekend markets and public space for a music rotunda.
