MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH
Glenelg Highway DUNKELD, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The Major Mitchell Memorial in Dunkeld is located in the south west corner of a public reserve on the Glenelg Highway. It takes the form of an obelisk set on three stone blocks. The shaft is dressed sandstone and plain. The bluestone blocks are dressed to a rock-face finish. A gilded incision has been written on the top bluestone block honouring Major Mitchell's discovery and ascent of nearby Mount Abrupt on September 14th, 1836. The memorial was erected by residents of Dunkeld and district in 1914 to commemorate Major Mitchell's 1836 exploration.
Mitchell passed nearby Dunkeld at the beginning of August 1836, following the Glenelg River downstream. He stated in his journal "The country on its banks was, as far as I could see, the finest imaginable, either for sheep and cattle or for cultivation".
Monuments and memorials to commemorate Major Mitchell's epic 1836 journey can be found in many locations throughout south western Victoria. The Major crossed Victoria's northern and western plains, found a European settlement already established at Portland, and returned to New South Wales to give a glowing account of the rich land of 'Australia Felix'. One hundred years later, local communities at points along his former route engaged enthusiastically in a bout of centennial monument building. After war memorials, the Mitchell monuments are the most common form of public commemoration in the region.
How is it Significant?
The Major Mitchell Monument, Glenelg Highway, Dunkeld is of historical significance to the community of Dunkeld and the Southern Grampians Shire.
Why is it Significant?
The Major Mitchell Monument is of historical significance because it commemorates the very beginning of European interest in, occupation of and subsequent exploitation of the further Western District. It is example of the way in which Major Mitchell is revered as a person of extreme importance within the community.
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MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Physical Conditions
The memorial is in good condition.
MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Physical Description 1
The memorial is constructed from a local stone and takes the common form of a tapering obelisk set on three stone blocks. It is about 2.0m high and .8m square at the base. The obelisk shaft is dressed sandstone and plain. The bluestone blocks are dressed to a rock-face finish.
The top bluestone block is incised on its smooth face with gilded lettering and states 'In honour of Major Mitchell who having discovered Mt Abrupt ascended it 14th September 1836. This monument was erected by residents of Dunkeld and district 14th Sept 1914.'
The structure is located in the south-west corner of a large public reserve on the Glenelg Highway in Dunkeld.MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 2: Peopling Australia
2.5 Promoting settlement
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.3 Surveying the continent
3.3.1 Looking for inland seas and waterways
3.3.4 Looking for land with agricultural potential
Theme 8: Developing Australia's cultural life
8.7 Honouring achievement
8.9 Commemmorating significant eventsMAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Usage/Former Usage
Monument
MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Integrity
High degree of integrity
MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Physical Description 2
Major Thomas Livingston Mitchell, F.G.S & N. R. G. S, Surveyor-General of NSW
Manning Clarke, historianMAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGH - Physical Description 3
Public Reserve used as a caravan park
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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MAJOR MITCHELL MEMORIAL AND WATER TROUGHSouthern Grampians Shire
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'NORWAY'Boroondara City
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1 Mitchell StreetYarra City
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