A century and a half of evolution, prosperity and community resilience, the town of Katamatite has built a strong name for itself, one residents can be proud of.
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Katamatite recognised 150 years since it’s foundation with a community celebration at the Katamatite recreation reserve on Saturday, March 21.
The day started off with a 5km fun run, followed by a vintage vehicle procession, Clydesdale’s and bagpipes.
Children from the Katamatite kinder and primary school choir, led by teacher Jac Monk, sung the National Anthem.
There was a range of food and games on offer, celebratory speeches and a formal cake cutting.
The event concluded with a 150-metre race starring special guest Glenn Crawford, the 1995 Stawell Gift Winner.
Katamatite local Amy Carr was a part of the celebrations, her family is one of the founding families of the town.
“I am the daughter of Phillip and Wendy Barnes and the great, great, great-granddaughter of William Barnes who, with his family, settled in Katamatite 150 years ago,” she said.
“Our family are still farming the land they selected way back then today, in fact, my husband, three children and I live on the exact same block that William chose in 1876.”
Mrs Carr’s kids also attend Katamatite Primary School and are the fifth generation in her family to go there.
Mrs Carr said she loved the community and that’s why she decided to return after attending university.
“Everyone here is so welcoming,” she said.
“When new people come along, we embrace them ... it’s just a beautiful place to live.”
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrel was in attendance and congratulated the town on reaching 150 years.
“Katamatite and the surrounding farming community embodies what is best about Australia ...” Mr Birrel said.
“This is the Australia we want, tight-knit communities, prosperous agricultural industries that feed Australia and keep Australia moving in terms of the economy and exports ...”.
State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy said Katamatite was a “great community to be a part of.”
“We’ve seen the bush fires this year, and we’ve seen how the community gets around those who have been devastated and anyone who’s doing it tough in the community,” Mr McCurdy said.
Moira Shire Council chair administrator Graeme Emonson said it was an “absolute pleasure” to join with the Katamatite community in recognising such a milestone.
“From very humble beginnings in the 1870s, Katamatite has shown the strength of a true community,” Dr Emonson said.
“The bringing of the railway to Katamatite in the early 1900s was an absolute game changer.
“It’s enabled this community to prosper, to grow, and to be a community which many, many families have been here for this duration, but also many have had the fabulous opportunity to come along and be part of this community.
“Congratulations to the Katamatite community, 150 years young, we do look forward to seeing what lies ahead for a such a fabulous community.”