Community
11 June, 2025
Time capsule buried for the next 25 years
PIECES of Timboon’s history were re-buried in a time capsule last Thursday, where they will remain for the next 25 years.
The Timboon Lions had originally buried the time capsule in 1975 as part of the centenary celebrations for the town of Timboon, with the capsule containing 364 items.
In 2000 it was unearthed and opened for the first time with 133 new items placed.
It was again raised in March this year as part of the town’s 150-year celebration, and last week was returned to its burial spot in front of the Timboon and District Hall.
Among those in attendance to see the time capsule buried was Timboon Lions member and Lions Eye Health national program treasurer Bill Duncanson, who was the man who had conceptualised the time capsule 50 years ago.
“I was a very new member of the Lions Club and it was just prior to the celebration of 100 years of Timboon that I had thought to do it,” he said.
“I mentioned at the Lions meeting in most towns I had lived there was a time capsule, and asked if anyone had thought of it.
“At the next meeting everyone said it would be my project since I had thought of it.
“It started from that and I’m pleased it’s brought great interest.”
Mr Duncanson said the time capsule created intrigue across generations at the Timboon 150-years celebration, bringing a fascinating juxtaposition of what was, what is and creating the opportunity to ponder what will be.
“The great thing about time capsules is that for each generation to bring it up, it’s a reminder of the changes in technology, education, health, communication – whatever it is, the new generation hark in belief at what they’re seeing,” he said.
“When the first one went down, the furniture stores, hardware stores and electrical stores included their catalogues and you look at the price of fridges and bedroom suites – even houses – and you see those prices in 1975.
“When it came up in the year 2000 people were shocked at how much things cost, but now in 2025 it’s astronomical.
“A loaf of bread was 10 cents, but now it’s five bucks.
“A lot of people can’t fathom it – so, next time it will be lifted after having been in the ground for 75 years, we’ll probably have quite a vigil about where it is now.”
Timboon Lions president Owen Wallace said seeing the time capsule returned was heart-warming after seeing the appreciation people had for the contents when it was raised and opened earlier this year.
“It’s a good feeling carrying on what started 50 years ago,” he said.
“We lifted it up 25 years ago, and will do so again in 25 years because it gives people the opportunity to see it lifted twice.
“When we took the top off, everything was perfect – just like the day it was when it was put in the ground,” he said.
“Everything that was white remained white – no dirt or stains on it.”
With the Timboon Lions Club now set to disband at the end of June, the responsibly for the time capsule will be passed on to Timboon Action.
In the event Timboon Action cannot continue with the project, it will fall in to Corangamite Shire Council’s hands.
Timboon Action president Enid O’Connor said the time capsule would be kept in safe hands for future generations to enough – even if those now overseeing it may not be around when it is next opened in 2050.
“The wife of Owen Wallace, Dawn, is going to present Timboon Action with a booklet that has all the names of items within the capsule, in addition to instructions on how to unearth it in 25 years,” she said.
“I can guarantee I won’t be around for that, but it will be kept in good stead with Timboon Action and hopefully in 25 years someone will bring it up according to plan.
“It should be good.”
Timboon Action had been among the driving forces of the 150-year celebrations for Timboon in March, which had proven a rousing success for the groups involved and, in particular, for Timboon.
“It’s been a long journey and to see it re-buried was an added benefit,” Mrs O’Connor said.
“It was amazing on the day of the 150 how many people came to collect all the items they and their relations had put in.
“Every item in the capsule was collected, and hopefully in 25 years the same thing happens again.
“It’s been a tremendous thing.
“It’s sad to see the Lions closing up, they’ve done tremendous things over the years, and this is a momentous final dedication to them.”
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