| Author |
Topic |
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
 Posted - 20/05/2008 : 2:14:09 PM
|
Stringybark Creek News (Concept Plans now on display)
Mansfield Courier Tuesday, May 20th 2008
Upgrade for site where policemen were shot dead.
Initial concept plans for the upgrade of the infamous site near Benalla of the 1878 shoot-out between members of the Kelly Gang and police will go on public exhibition for comment this month.
Department of Sustainability and Environment project manager, Catherine Spencer, said work at Stringybark Creek Recreation Area which is the home of the Kelly Tree and monument honoring fallen officers, would provide better access and facilities for the growing number of visitors to the site.
“Whilst initial works will concentrate on improving vehicular access and car parking facilities, the plan also outlines other opportunities,” Ms Spencer said. These include a Kelly Tree viewing boardwalk, Ned Kelly interpretative walk, new visitor toilets and shelter facilities and an improved lay-out for the campground and day picnic area.
Plans are on display at the Mansfield DSE and Benalla Rural City Council from tomorrow until Tuesday, June 3.
```````````````````````````````````
N.B. This site actually has more to do with Mansfield than Benalla, however some of the initial funding is coming from Benalla.
The DSE offices in Mansfield are in Highett Street, just opposite the Mansfield Cemetery, where the three troopers were laid to rest. Bye for now. Sheila
|
|
|
antmc
Advanced Member
Australia
162 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2008 : 12:39:36 PM
|
it's interesting how only a few years ago hardly anyone either knewn about or visited the reserve.
Now its become quite a tourist spot, so much so it now warrants facility upgrades. |
 |
|
|
robert mcgarrigle
Advanced Member
Australia
77 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2008 : 6:55:30 PM
|
| Sharon when the plaque on the memorial stone at SBC was stolen ,Mansfield council said it came under Benalla juristiction & not theirs.I hope what is projected in this article does not go ahead,as I believe it will bring out further discontent amongst rival groups as it did in the old forum.I can see both sides point of view like Bill giving details only to people he believes he can trust & I personally agree with him as I dont want SBC to become a rubbish tip and a cicus.I would much rather see the site remain in its natural condition & not ruined forever.However I can also see why all Australians are entitled to find out where this very important site is,so I really believe it is going to touch some raw nerves& will be very hard to please everybody.(a tough one) |
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2008 : 8:36:22 PM
|
Hi Robert and all others,
Although the Stringybark area has close links with Mansfield, it must be remembered that it is in the Shire of Benalla.
Management of specific sections of the Toombullup State Forest is carried out by DSE teams both from Benalla and Mansfield.
Members of the SRG working on this project have been very mindful of the need to preserve the sites and the uniqueness of the area.
The Kelly Story is a great Australian story and Stringybark Creek is part of that story. To me it a special place to respect and reflect on both sides of the story.
The proposed walking tracks are not planned to go to specific sites, such as the Police Camp site. Information boards will simply state that ‘the camp was in this vicinity’ or something similar. Keen researchers will no doubt still wander off the tracks and go for a ramble in the bush but ‘visitors in general’ will be advised to use the tracks.
Please take the opportunity to view the concept plans if you can.
Bye for now
Sheila
|
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2008 : 8:37:30 PM
|
Hi Robert and all others,
Although the Stringybark area has close links with Mansfield, it must be remembered that it is in the Shire of Benalla.
Management of specific sections of the Toombullup State Forest is carried out by DSE teams both from Benalla and Mansfield.
Members of the SRG working on this project have been very mindful of the need to preserve the sites and the uniqueness of the area.
The Kelly Story is a great Australian story and Stringybark Creek is part of that story. To me it a special place to respect and reflect on both sides of the story.
The proposed walking tracks are not planned to go to specific sites, such as the Police Camp site. Information boards will simply state that ‘the camp was in this vicinity’ or something similar. Keen researchers will no doubt still wander off the tracks and go for a ramble in the bush but ‘visitors in general’ will be advised to use the tracks.
Please take the opportunity to view the concept plans if you can.
Bye for now
Sheila
|
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 21/05/2008 : 8:46:42 PM
|
Whoops! Don't know why my last message posted twice.
I have been having a bit of trouble with dial-up internet connection 'dropping' out, but I think this is gremlins !! |
|
|
|
robert mcgarrigle
Advanced Member
Australia
77 Posts |
Posted - 22/05/2008 : 10:02:54 AM
|
| Well put Dave & apologies to both Sheila & Sharon for the mix up of names.I agree with you that debate is generally helpful but I would not like to see things revert to nastiness as it did before.Every person has the right to their beliefs without offending others.As I have only been a member this year I would like to say that everyone has contributed famously over the past 6 months.I only knew of the previous problems after reading your website Dave & it would be a shame if things reverted back to the bad old days. |
|
|
|
bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
96 Posts |
Posted - 07/06/2008 : 7:20:44 PM
|
Hello Sheila and all,
I just want to ask Sheila to clarify her posting below
quote:
Posted - 21/05/2008 : 8:36:22 PM
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Robert and all others,
Although the Stringybark area has close links with Mansfield, it must be remembered that it is in the Shire of Benalla. Management of specific sections of the Toombullup State Forest is carried out by DSE teams both from Benalla and Mansfield.Members of the SRG working on this project have been very mindful of the need to preserve the sites and the uniqueness of the area. The Kelly Story is a great Australian story and Stringybark Creek is part of that story. To me it a special place to respect and reflect on both sides of the story.
The proposed walking tracks
are not planned to go to specific sites, such as the Police Camp site.
Information boards will simply state that ‘the camp was in this vicinity’ or something similar. Keen researchers will no doubt still wander off the tracks and go for a ramble in the bush but ‘visitors in general’ will be advised to use the tracks.
Please take the opportunity to view the concept plans if you can.
Bye for now
Sheila
In the other thread SBC Upgrade Plans On Display Thru June 3 http://kellycountry2000.forumco.com/topic~TOPIC_ID~360.asp
you ask me quote:
Posted - 04/06/2008 : 8:37:15 PM
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi All,
Firstly Bill I’m sorry to hear that you feel disgruntled because the MHS didn’t invite you to represent them on the SRG project.
2 huts fireplaces: I guess there will be debates over the authenticity of the two huts until the proposed theories are verified or proven to be incorrect.
Heritage Listing: I believe Jeremy Smith is keen to keep people away from the ‘chimney’ sites until they can be investigated further.
Yes of course the fireplaces are to be kept out of bounds from the general public untill archaelogical investigations are completed.
Is there an issue here - if visitors are not going to be directed to the police camp as you indicate in your posting.
Can you please give the forum readers / members the names or organisations 'invited to be part of the Stringybark Reference Group SRG?
|
Edited by - bill denheld on 10/06/2008 09:41:20 AM |
|
|
|
bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
96 Posts |
Posted - 07/07/2008 : 11:07:36 AM
|
No one is answering my queries regarding Stringybark Creek.
I had been asked by Catherine Spencer of DSE Mansfield to make a submission, and after speaking to her by phone and email, it is now confirmed that the Police camp WILL be opened to the public visiting Stringybark Creek - via the story board and a short walk.
However, there will be no identification of the two huts fireplaces for reasons they are still to have an archaeological investigation by Heritage Victoria.
Bill |
|
|
|
antmc
Advanced Member
Australia
162 Posts |
Posted - 12/07/2008 : 2:56:19 PM
|
| Great work Bill!! |
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 14/07/2008 : 4:56:37 PM
|
14th July
Hi all,
Sorry, I've been absent for awhile.
Bill as far as I'm aware the Storyboard won't be placed 'at the Police Camp Site', so this site should remain relatively undisturbed.
Re SRG representatives - see Thread SBC News 22-3-2008
Bye for now. Sheila. |
|
|
|
bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
96 Posts |
Posted - 15/07/2008 : 10:12:09 AM
|
Thank you Anthony and Sheila,
On the plans #item (S3) located at the police camp 'entry point' - the S3 referees to 'Interpretive Media' meaning a story board.
When I submitted my 'two bobs worth' I emphasized the need keep the entry point as the (now) narrow single file corridor that we created through that tea tree scrub. This line is in accordance with where we believe Burman had taken the photo of the site in Oct 1878. It is at this entry point where the interpretive signage described as 'Shooting storyline' appears to be placed.
Also 'Sheila and my' original proposal to DSE in 2004 for a triangular walking trail from - Kelly tree to Police Camp to Germans Ck and back to Kelly tree will be taken up in future, but is not part of this stage of the development project.
So, what had been greatly opposed by the 'forces that be', Sheila and I can say we are the unrecognised architects of the development at Stringybark Ck that others will be credited with.
I say this because officially I have been told by DSE that our research regarding the Two Huts at Stringybark Ck, Germans Ck where Sgnt Kennedy died and Kellys Ck sites - webpages at www.ironicon.com.au WON'T be made mention of on the main story board as in appropriate information for visitors, but it will promote other historian's Ned Kelly Books.
Now that's a real compliment don't you think?
Bill
|
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 16/07/2008 : 6:57:31 PM
|
Hi Bill and all,
Stringybark Creek – German Creek – Kelly Creek: The possibility of linking these sites thru walking tracks was discussed at one of our early SRG meetings. The decision was made to concentrate on the Stringybark Creek area at this stage.
Credit for my interest in making the history of the Stringybark Creek/ Kelly Creek area accessible to all; I don’t think so !!
My mission is to simply ‘keep the history of the area alive’ for future generations to enjoy as much as I do. Sheila.
|
|
|
|
bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
96 Posts |
Posted - 21/07/2008 : 6:51:02 PM
|
Hello Sheila, lets not be shy of your accomplishments.
You have co written the history of Mansfield. You have written a substancial book 'Heritage and History on my doorstep'.
With Fay Johnson you put together the web page " Valid Links with the Past", at http://www.ironicon.com.au/validlinks.htm which covers the history of struggling settlers who took up the 'land' on which the Kelly Gang evolved. Like me, you have put forward your theory of where the Police camp was actually located. You provide us with maps to support a contrary view of East bank verses West bank. There is great interest in all these issues.
There is an opportunity to bring this debate to wider audiences, - especially because Stringybark Creek is part of the Ned Kelly Touring Route. As I mentioned previously, my request to have the true history expressed is being denied to us.
You say your mission is simply to " keep the history of the area alive "
With no support from the authorities to allow 'LOCAL' knowledge to be available through internet links is paramount to cencorship.
Wouldn't it be beaut if the authorities 'who control what the public are allowed to read' were able to include our research including your Valid Links with the Past webpage at IronIcon? Instead they will only get a watered down version of events - according to Ian Jones whose books are promoted along with the internet address for the Ned Kelly Touring Route. The NKTR is geared to promote private enterprise TOURISM potential at the expense of the thousands and thousands of hours you and I and many many others have spent exploring the story.
It is about achnowledgments of research done - to be shared by all - and not denied.
Bill |
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 27/10/2008 : 8:42:27 PM
|
Remembrance Service, Mansfield, Sunday 26th October, 2008
A memorial service was held at the Police Monument in High Street Mansfield on the 26th October 2008 to mark the 130th Anniversary of the tragedy at Stringybark Creek when Sgt Kennedy and Mounted Constables Lonigan and Scanlan lost their lives and the Kelly Gang was created.
Towards the end of the service the Mansfield Colonial Re-enactment group laid a wreath in honour of the three policemen who lost their lives on this fateful day.
I attended this service with daughter, Pam, and two of my grandsons. Later in the day I drove to Stringybark Creek and spent a bit of time reflecting on the event that took place there 130 years ago. I can also report that work on the new carpark at Stringybark Creek is progressing well.
Sheila
|
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2009 : 1:30:47 PM
|
Hi All,
Update: Stringybark Creek Project
On Thursday 8th January I visited the Stringybark Creek area. I was happy to see that quite a bit of progress is being made in the upgrade of the area.
Part of the summer crew from Benalla DSE has been quite busy establishing the new track from the Kelly Tree Recreation Reserve to the Kelly Tree. This unfinished track is already being used and the old track is being covered with debris to encourage rehabilitation and to deter people from using it. The old track has been considered an unsafe path since the 2006/2007 bushfires exposed the ‘diggings of the miners’ near this track.
They are also re-orientating a section of the track to the Police Camp site and they have tidied up the rest of this track. The summer rains have assisted the growth of a range of wildflowers that can be found blooming along the sides of the tracks at present.
Work is also starting on the area where the main Information Board will be placed in the reserve, as well as on a new track, with wheel chair access, from the Carpark to the reserve. The site for the new toilets has also been prepared.
Contractors are also spraying the blackberries.
Hopefully more funds/grants will continue to become available to enable the DSE to keep working on this project until it’s completed.
May you all enjoy a happy and fulfilling 2009. Sheila.
DSE = Department Sustainability & Environment
|
|
|
|
bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
96 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2009 : 10:39:57 AM
|
The Stringybark Reference Group (SRG) must have included some great historians to advise the re routing of the track.
Didn't anyone know that track being covered over with debris was the 'original' horse track - that had been in existance since before the shootout!
They can spend many thousands cutting in a new track, where a few bits of $50 mesh would have covered over 'genuine' miners holes for all to see, and have visitors walking on the 'genuine' horse track as well ! Another opportunity lost, so much for all the experts. |
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 13/01/2009 : 8:16:06 PM
|
The old walking track from the Kelly Tree Reserve to the Kelly Tree
My view:- I don’t know about it being ever referred to as the ‘original’ horse track! First time I’ve heard that. I believe this track was part of the route of the old timber tramway track that ran up past the Kelly Tree. Prior to the establishment of the Kelly Tree Reserve a track ran from the Stringybark Creek road directly down to the Kelly Tree.
More than likely the Stringybark Creek road follows the path of the old bridle track that ran through the area.
Sheila
|
|
|
|
Sheila Hutchinson
Advanced Member
Australia
59 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2009 : 7:13:43 PM
|
Police Camp / Shootout site Stringybark Creek
Hi Bruce, Joe and All,
The ‘gravel/granite sand material’ that is being used on the walking tracks will also be used on the base of the viewing area at the Police Camp/Shootout site.
The rocks that have been placed there will be used for low seating in the designated viewing area at the end of the path near the Barrier and the Information Board.
The barrier is designed to restrict (discourage) visitor access into the site.
Some of the dead timber and debris left by the 2006/2007 bush fires has been removed to improve the view of the swampy area, from behind the barrier.
As far as I can see the workers are being respectful of the site and where possible they are endeavouring to leave it in its natural state.
The current heatwave is slowing the progress of this project as most of the DSE workers are currently on ‘standby’ in case there is a bushfire in this region.
Hopefully there won’t be any fires and the weather will soon become a few degrees cooler.
The ‘March Flies’ are certainly very plentiful and active at this time of the year !! A couple of my young grandsons can attest to that !!
Bye for now Sheila
5th February 2009
|
|
|
|
Joe.D
Advanced Member
Australia
617 Posts |
Posted - 05/02/2009 : 8:06:11 PM
|
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for the update.
YOU WROTE.......
The barrier is designed to restrict (discourage) visitor access into the site.
Some of the dead timber and debris left by the 2006/2007 bush fires has been removed to improve the view of the swampy area, from behind the barrier.
NOW I'm a little CONFUSED........
Is public access denied into the police camp site? if so how will this be enforced? where will the designated viewing area be?
I'm pleased to hear site is being treated respectfully ;-)
A little confused.
Joe.D |
|
|
|
kellycountry2000
Forum Admin
Australia
586 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2009 : 05:56:12 AM
|
| The general area around the camp has been cleared, and you can see the swamp much better, the car park that has been built is on the same side as the dunny, it appears that they are contructing a new dunny block, I for one am not impressed with what they are doing to the place, it may have been a nice idea, BUT.......... |
|
|
|
Topic |
|
Stringybark Creek News