Community
21 May, 2026
Walking through Woorndoo’s history
THE Mortlake and District Historical Society (MDHS) conducted a walking tour of the Woorndoo township on Sunday.
Mortlake and District Historical Society president Robert McLaren said the tour was led by Lesley McLeod, a long-time resident of Woorndoo who has an ongoing family connection to the district going back to the 1860s.
“Over 30 people were in attendance as Lesley guided the group around the township,” he said.
“She told stories of events and of the people that had made this small part of western Victoria their home.
“Vacant blocks were returned to life to become homes and businesses once more as Lesley and others recounted tales of days past.
“The store, hotels, blacksmith and the hall had all contributed to make Woorndoo a vibrant community across the years.”
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Mr McLaren said the tour guided the group through the Woorndoo School Museum, which has become a thriving hub which celebrates the history of the Woorndoo township.
“Once more, images of past scholars and teachers filled the room and schoolyard with memories stirred up,” he said.
“The museum had a large amount of school records and photos available to look through.
“The MDHS tour of Woorndoo finished at the clubrooms of the Woorndoo Football and Netball Club, where Lesley McLeod had laid out a wealth of material on Woorndoo from her own collection for all to peruse and read.
“Afternoon tea was provided for those in attendance to finish up a successful day as people renewed friendships and talked of days long past.”
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