Community
20 March, 2025
Celebrating 170 years of family history
THE Arundell family will celebrate 170 years of family legacy and enduring connections when the descendants of Patrick and Ellen Arundell reunite this weekend.
The family will host its reunion, held every five years, in Terang and Noorat from this Friday, March 21 through Sunday, March 23.
Patrick and Ellen Arundell emigrated from Ireland to Australia in 1855, but most of those who will be in attendance have traced their lineage to Patrick and Ellen’s youngest son, John Arundell, who married Elizabeth Horan in 1888.
The couple had ten children, respectfully known as the clan, who went on to have sixty-one children between them, and the family has grown from there.
The Arundell clan originally settled around the Terang area, though some travelled further afield to New South Wales, but many still live in the Terang area to this day.
Reunion organiser Anne Bakker said the reunion began as a simple afternoon picnic in the 1960s, and has evolved into a full weekend affair.
“The celebrations kick off with an informal dinner at The Terang ‘Middle’ Hotel, setting a relaxed tone for the weekend,” she said.
“Saturday sees the traditional picnic at Noorat Rec Reserve, with a family quiz, jumping castle, face painting and family history on display – it is a full day of fun.
“Saturday evening is a sit down fully catered dinner at the same venue, where the quiz winner will be crowned ‘most knowledgeable Arundell’ amidst an evening of music, dancing, and much laughter.
“Sunday’s events will be marked by a gathering at St Thomas’ church for Mass, after which the family will embark on the ‘Tony Arundell Memorial Cemetery Tour’.”
Ms Bakker said the cemetery tour provided an opportunity to honour the memory of the family forbears who had since passed.
“Tony Arundell, a lifelong resident of Terang, was renowned for his dedication to maintaining the Arundell family cemetery history and sharing the rich stories of those resting there,” she said.
“His sons have since continued this tradition, honouring Tony’s memory after his death.”
Ms Bakker said the weekend would conclude with a casual barbecue at the Terang Returned and Services League Hall.
“This is a final opportunity for the family to connect and bid farewell until their next reunion in March 2030,” she said.
“This reunion not only celebrates 170 years of the Arundell family’s history in Australia but also reinforces the bonds that have kept their legacy alive for generations.”