The Shire of Whittlesea and surrounds has changed dramatically in the past 50 years.
The population has more than quadrupled and infrastructure has struggled to keep up with the growth.
Having lived in the area all his life, 50-year-old Ross Mugavin has watched this transformation take place around him.
But he’s also embraced the community aspect of life in an area undergoing rapid change.
In his 31 years as a Parks Victoria ranger, Mugavin has been involved in many local activities and, in recognition of his efforts, was nominated for this year’s Whittlesea’s citizen of the year awards.
Mugavin is now working with Plenty Valley Arts and Whittlesea Historical Society, planning a two-day event, The Way We Were. To be held at Hawkstowe Park’s Le Page Homestead, the event will embrace aspects of yesteryear and include displays of vintage farming tools, agricultural machinery, historical photographs, traditional home crafts demonstrations and old-fashioned games for children.
The homestead was built in the 1850s and is home to Plenty Valley Arts and a heritage orchard, which features a couple of the original fruit trees. It’s managed by Mugavin in his role with Parks Victoria.
Mugavin also manages the Mill Park Garden Club, a volunteer group that has been maintaining the gardens surrounding the homestead since 1994.
“They were a community group that were looking for a hands-on project in order to give something back to the community,” Mugavin says. “When Hawkstowe was initially opened, the homestead had been extensively restored but the garden was long gone, so the garden club set about reinstating that cottage garden. It’s put the icing on the cake, really.”
Mugavin says volunteer programs such as this bring together like-minded people, who in turn feel rewarded simply by being involved. “Without volunteers and their assistance, we’d all be much worse off,” he says.
True to his word, Mugavin is also involved with the Hawkstowe Music Festival, held in November, and is active in encouraging new migrants to explore parks in the region.
In 2008, more than 20 women from Whittlesea’s Turkish Women’s Recreational Group camped at Plenty Gorge Parklands. “It’s rewarding to showcase our parks and provide an opportunity to experience the natural environment,” he says. “It’s a chance to experience the great outdoors, come to some of the events in the park and soak up the atmosphere.”
The Way We Were will be held on September 1 and 2. Details: call 9217 2174.
