350 attendees were intrigued and entertained as they were told the historical tale of Millgrove in the moonlight last month.
Organised by the Millgrove Resident’s Action Group (MRAG), entry free due to funding from Yarra Ranges Council and the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise and spectacularly performed with the talents of The Dreaming Space and The Misfit Project Theatre Group, the Millgrove Light Trail was a resounding success.
“I was so thrilled to have Millgrove so lit up on Saturday night 20 April and to see so many locals and others from further afield connecting and learning so much of Millgrove’s history,” MRAG President Maureen Halit said.
“This support gives us the courage and motivation to present more of Millgrove in lights in the future.”
Welcomed with music from local harpist Amy Shafer, seven groups were taken on a 45-minute guided walk between dusk and 9pm.
Stories were told of the first Millgrove settlers in modern history, to the last train coming through Millgrove. Re-enactment by local artists contributed to understanding the hardships endured in those earlier days. This was followed by a moment of reflection at the Avenue of Honour, where a solemn silhouette of the ANZAC soldier reminded us of sacrifices given.
Near the shopping precinct pictures told the story of yesteryear. The walk followed along the sawmill, which represents a rich history of local timber milling. Along the boardwalks memories came back about the Millgrove Lake that once was used for Sunday afternoon boating.
The audience were surprised there once was a saloon in Millgrove on the corner of Gillis Street and Warburton Hwy and that the first primary school was opposite Dee Road.
Following the flow of the Birrarung, a moment of silence was all that was needed to imagine how our First Nation’s people once lived along the banks of the Yarra River.
Further on the Dee Road walking trail members of The Misfit Project theatre group presented a scene from the goldmining days and it was not always fool’s gold that was found.
While the group moved on there was music in the distance performed by the Wandering Arc band, which set the scene for a glimpse into the Kennedy’s household.
While singing the group arrived at Nadire’s walk, where the last station presented future plans for Millgrove. The walk finished at the Millgrove Shops.
To add to the experience everyone was invited to dress in period costume, with a prize awarded in each of the seven tour groups for the best costume.
Attendees shared that they ‘hope this becomes an annual event’, that the Light Trail was a ‘terrific community event’ and made for a ‘fantastic evening’ with ‘wonderful performances’ which the made the experience ‘really engaging’.
