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Soldier Settlement in the district

Three large district estates - Merriang, Barwidgee and Happy Valley- were acquired by the Closer Settlements Board of Victoria in 1919-20 with the dual purposes of sub-dividing to develop agriculture and provide farming opportunities for returnees from World War 1.  These farms were predominantly dairying ventures within a 5 to 30 km radius of the town and were funded by short term loans for stock and amenities and 21 year loans for the property itself.  Only one third of the returnees were successful due to financial difficulties, falling dairy prices, prevalence of pests and noxious weeds and a lack of a viable acreage.  Several holdings wound up being allotted to neighbouring settlers after the farms were relinquished.

WW1 Post Card

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​This is an example of the broad collection of postcards from World War 1 and 2 housed by the Historical Society.  Some letters or excerpts of letters are also held.

Cattle Sale, Barwidgee, c 1919

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Cattle sale at Barwidgee Homestead in about 1919, when the property was sub-divided for Soldier Settlement, following WW1.
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