General News
10 November, 2025
Jeparit and District Historical Society update
Much continues to happen for the Jeparit and District Historical Society.
Not only does the society currently have 53 members – a highly unusual number for a town of Jeparit's size, especially when most historical societies are suffering from dwindling memberships – but several exciting projects are underway.
Two years ago, the Robert Menzies Institute at the University of Melbourne secured funding for a Collection Survey of the society’s extensive holdings to be carried out by a professional heritage consultant.
This very worthwhile and significant project came to a close just on a year ago with not only the heritage consultant visiting the society over a year but also a conservator from the Institute visiting to do some preparatory archiving.
However, the Institute’s support of JDHS continues.
Last week, public historian Alex McDermott, engaged by the RMI, visited Jeparit to work through the society’s collection of materials relating to the Menzies family in preparation for revamping the existing exhibition on Sir Robert Menzies at the University of Melbourne.
Alex has been a writer and executive producer of documentaries for several television networks, covering aspects of Australian history.
He has also curated an exhibition at the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House in Canberra.
Alex’s goal had been to explore and gain a sense of the landscape and the town, which formed the young Robert Menzies, but also his parents once they had settled at Jeparit in 1893, just as the town was developing.
During his three days and nights in Jeparit, Alex met with several people associated with the historical society, the Pioneer Museum, the Menzies Symposium proposal, and other community members.
He was also taken around the district and visited the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum to gain a deeper understanding of the terrain, the history of the district, and its farming heritage.
Alex also attended the presentation exploring the origins of Jeparit’s Soldiers’ and Citizens’ Memorial Hall for the Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Men’s Day.
newspaper articles relating to Menzies and his parents, who left Jeparit around 1910.
“The Robert Menzies Institute is keen to continue supporting a number of initiatives, and having this level of professional support and guidance is very welcome and augurs well for the future of JDHS,” says member Craige Proctor.
“We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Institute.”
