Red Cliffs Centenaries

24/06/2026

We have been sent this photo and asked if we can identify these WW1 soldiers - the one standing on the left and the other on the right. The 2 middle soldiers have been identified. The 2 names they have are GT Kirkbride and WG Cruikshank. Mr. Kirkbride and his wife Isabella, lived at Sunnycliffs from 1936 until they died. They are both buried in the Red Cliffs cemetery. All 4 men were farriers in C Squadron, 13th Light Horse Regiment. Can anyone help?

24/06/2026

23/06/2026

100 years ago today - Carwarp has a farm machinery film night.

As reported by the Sunraysia Daily:

"Mallee farmers should take a keen interest in a series of films, which are to be shown shortly. The Sunshine harvester works, realising that the farmer is interested in the manufacture as well as the use of agricultural implements, have produced a number of interesting films showing sections of the factory and pictures of the implements at work in the field. Included in these are some slow motion pictures, showing a "Sundercut" and a Combine slowly passing over a large stump. The pictures are explained by the agricultural scientist from the works who, knowing the works as he does, gives some interesting details of factory operations. An invitation has been extended to all farmers to attend this entertainment, which is being held at Carwarp on June 23, Merrinee June 24, Benetook June 25, and Werrimull June 19. A comedy picture is being screened for the benefit of the young people, and other items will be arranged where possible."

And then later:

"Seating accommodation was taxed on Wednesday night at the Carwarp hall, when over 200 people gathered to hear something about the production of farm machinery at the Sunshine Works. Mr. A. J. Brown took the chair, and the evening began with the showing of a comedy picture, which amused both young and old.

Mr. Gillespie, who is agricultural scientist to the Sunshine Works, was introduced by the chairman and gave a brief but interesting talk, illustrated by lantern slides, about the factory. He said that between 2,000 and 3,000 men were employed at the works and the wage cheque amounted to more than £500,000 annually [about $50m in today's money]. He explained how there is a department, whose work it is to watch for and try out improvements on implements, and in this department would be found the leading agricultural engineers of the Commonwealth. Following this talk was a film showing scenes inside the works, flowing streams of molten metal and busy shops full of furnaces, forges, etc. The picture finished by showing some of the machinery at work in the field. Another film showing the life of the Mallee farmer was much appreciated. One section was very popular, showing slow motion pictures of the Sundercut and Suntyne passing over stumps and stones. Seeing these it is hard to realise how the implements stand up to the strain. At the conclusion of his pictures Mr. Gillespie was accorded a vote of thinks, which was carried by acclamation.

The evening was enlivened by the presence of Mrs. Watkyns, Mr. Morton and Mr. Hayden, from Mildura, who gave the audience some excellent items, all of which were much appreciated. Supper was supplied by the ladies and the evening was concluded with a dance.

Further entertainments will be held at Benetook tonight (Friday), and at Werrimull on Saturday, June 26. Admittance is free and all interested are invited to attend."

The pictures are of 1920s-era Sundercut ploughs. They appear courtesy of Museums Victoria. The first is of field trials in Carwarp in August 1927. The second is a diagram of the Mallee variant of the plough in September 1922.

22/06/2026

100 years ago today - June Rowe is born.

"BIRTH
ROWE.—On the 23rd inst., at the Myall Nursing Home, to Mr. and Mrs. Stan. Rowe, Red Cliffs—a daughter (June Lillian)." (Sunraysia Daily)

June Rowe became a chiropodist (podiatrist) based in Mildura. She was also an avid golfer.

In a Sunraysia Daily of July 1952, we can read that:

"Mr Jack Sutherland, of Mildura Co-operative Fruit Co's head office, has been appointed manager of the company's new shed at Coomealla." He was 36.

In November 1952 June married Jack.

The matter received some coverage in the Sunraysia Daily:

"Miss June Rowe was guest of honor of several parties before her marriage to Mr J. Sutherland last Saturday.

Mrs W. Caffrey was hostess at a handkerchief tea given at her home.

Many friends of the bride-elect were present. She received some lovely handkerchiefs, and good wishes from all. A pre-wedding party was given later by Miss Kelaher at Langtree Avenue.

As she entered, the hostess presented the guest of honor with a lovely spray, which she pinned on her frock of lime green crepe. She was the recipient of a beautiful floral bowl which was given by friends present.

Gift night

A gift evening was given at the Mildura Golf Club House on Tuesday November 18, the hostesses being Mrs W. Hiscock, Mrs R. Williams, Mrs W. Caffrey, Miss M. Crozier and Miss M. Egan.

About 30 of June's friends were present.

Mrs Williams, on behalf of those present, presented the bride-to-be with many gifts. Those present included Mesdames W. Craddock, W. Caffrey, R. Williams, A. Rowe, K. Harvey, K. Jackson, R. Turvey, S. Pender, P. Hawse, Turner, R. Shugg, W. Lyon, W. Hiscock.

Misses N. Curran, M. Egan, G. Pickford, J. Murphy, M. Crozier, M. Byrne, D. Drummond, E. Murnane, S. Godkin and M. Kelaher. An apology was received from Mrs. R. Tiller."

And in another article:

"A gown of chalk white lace with tulle over blue satin was worn by June Rowe for her marriage to Jack Gordon Sutherland of Mildura Presbyterian Church recently.

June is the second daughter of Mr and Mrs Rowe of Caulfield.

Her gown had a tightly fitted bodice finished with an upstanding collar and buttoned down the front with small ice-blue pearl buttons. The lace skirt was scalloped from the front and fell into a graceful train.

June's three-quarter length veil was held in place wat each side with a small spray of orange blossom fashioned from pearl.

She carried a trailer bouquet of gardenias, jessamine and tiny blue flowers.

Pastel blue

Attendant as the bride's sister, Lois, who wore a gown of pastel blue nylon over pink taffeta. She carried tiny pink rosebuds and blue flowers. Her Juliet cap of ice-blue nylon was finished with pink feathers.

Bridegroom's attendant was Ian Godkin, of Irymple.

The church was decorated with white gladioli and Christmas lilies. Miss Dorothy Hunt was soloist.

As the bride left the church, Mrs M. Martin hung a lucky horseshoe of ice-blue satin on her arm.

The reception was held at Mildura Golf Clubhouse which was tastefully decorated by friends of the bride with huge bowls of mixed flowers.

As the couple was piped into the clubhouse by Don MacDonald, a guard of honor formed an archway of golf clubs.

Reception

Guests were received by the bride's mother, wearing a beige crepe frock with black accessories. She was assisted by the groom's mother who wore a navy beaded suit and matching hat. Both wore matching orchid sprays.

The clubhouse was an ideal setting for the wedding breakfast, as both have been active members of the club for a number of years.

The triple-tiered cake was made by the groom's sister Mrs A. Lees.

When she left on her honeymoon, at Maroondah Lake, Healesville, the bride wore a blue and white silk frock with white accessories.

Mr and Mrs Sutherland's future home will be at Coomealla."

Jack Sutherland was born in Mildura in 1916. He was with the AIF's Seventh Battalion in WW2, serving in New Guinea.

In September 1960, the Daily wrote that at the Mildura Golf Club:

"Yesterday the championship four-ball best-ball event was played with Jean Phillips-June Sutherland and Pam Blair-Elms Smith both recording 78's. A play-off will be held.

Jean Phillips-June Sutherland accounted for handicap honors with a score of 78-9⅜- 68⅝ to defeat Vera Smith-Anne Hiscock 92-22⅞-69⅛."

Jack Sutherland died in Mildura in July 1970. He was 54.

June Sutherland died in Mildura on December 18, 2003. She was 77.

The first picture is of June (on the right) in November 1946. The second is of June and Jack in November 1952. Both are taken from the Sunraysia Daily.

Did you know either of the Sutherlands?

22/06/2026

As part of Our Sun-Raysed Heritage theme at Red Cliffs, we are presenting at 2pm Tuesday on the Soldier Settlers as Blockies. This will be in the Workspace Gallery on Indi Ave. We have a great exhibition there too of photographs by Sandra Edwards and blockie memorabilia from our collection AND this wonderful Pro Hart Fergie hood. Hear some Red Cliffs history, watch some local film footage shot by John Giddings last century, enjoy afternoon tea and check out the Gallery

22/06/2026

This week take a walk around the shops and reminisce on our dried fruit heritage. You can 'read' the windows any day but to check out our interesting shops and cafes check when they are open. Most retail shops are open from Wednesday or Thursday to Saturday morning - and we have a wonderful range from amazing decorative collectables to fine leather work boots! Local produce at the butcher or honey shop and a place to buy real dried fruit as well as good cafes and places to eat. Look for the trail map to help you find your way around.

20/06/2026

In Red Cliffs this week there will be:

🍇 A talk about the success of the Red Cliffs soldier settlement with the Red Cliffs and District Historical Society at Workspace 3496 + Gallery
🧑‍🎨💃 A Mildura Rural City Council forum to discuss the future of arts and culture in our area at Workspace 3496 + Gallery
🏉🏐 Football and netball with Red Cliffs Football Netball Club and Cardross Football Netball Club

And lots more! :-)

20/06/2026

100 years ago - Sunraysia's top vine scientist describes what went wrong with Red Cliffs' dried fruit harvest.

As reported by the Sunraysia Daily:

"Mr. A. V. Lyon, the scientist to the Mildura Vineyards Protection Board, makes the following comments in a report sent to the board in regard to the Red Cliffs fruit harvest:—

After a most promising beginning, drying results in Red Cliffs last season were on the whole unsatisfactory.

The majority of the fruit missed the best of the drying weather, due to:—

1. A short drying season, in that the break in the weather occurred early in March, and suitable drying weather did not occur after that date.

2. A delayed ripening, due partly to a late final irrigation, but also to the age of the vines—young vines normally ripening later than old ones.

3. A shortage of pickers, and of rack space, which is usual in a young settlement where requirements are not accurately gauged.

4. A campaign against picking unripe fruit inaugurated from the Research Station which ultimately proved unfortunate. In the particular season under consideration, the early picked fruit was very much better quality than that which was exposed to the rain.

5. Inexperience of many of the settlers, in that fully dried fruit was not adequately protected when the rain occurred.

6. Thick spreading on racks, which unduly re****ed drying.

In discussing these points, it must recognised that the nature of the reason cannot be accurately forecasted in general, however, picking should be as early as possible. Records fail to show that any particular week or month of the drying period is more liable to rain. Nevertheless there is less danger of damage in the early and mid-season, as the fruit is firmer, and there is more prospect of hot weather and a quick recovery after the rain.

The recommendation not to pick grapes until at or near maturity, has stood the test of time, and will continue to do so on the average of a number of seasons. At the present time, however, with quality all important it is preferable to pick some of the fruit at the early stages of maturity (approximately 12.5 Beaume in most seasons) than to risk the ever present danger of bad quality from late drying.

This represents a change from past years, when quantity rather than quality proved more payable.

In general, however, evidence of late drying should be sought by other means as under:—

1. A study of irrigation requirements, particularly arranging that final irrigations be not so late as to re**rd ripening.

2. Adequate rack space, so that the major portion (at least two-thirds) of the sultana crop can be harvested without interruption.

3. Definite arrangement for the extra labor required in the settlement, which is best done by the individual settler retaining pickers of the previous year, when possible and suitable.

These problems will be again raised in season. Disappointed settlers how ever may be comforted with the assurance that the average of number of years, and an increase of their knowledge will show that their experiences of the past season are not likely to recur in the great majority of seasons."

If you would like to see some photos of the harvest going well, the Red Cliffs and District Historical Society's current town-wide exhibition of picking photos and artifacts is continuing until Saturday June 27. On Tuesday at 2, there will be a special talk about the success of the settlement at Workspace 3496 + Gallery.

20/06/2026

Here's some footage of the recent dried fruit exhibition opening event by the Red Cliffs and District Historical Society and Workspace 3496 + Gallery, thanks to Sun City Streaming. The exhibition can still be seen across Red Cliffs until Saturday June 27.

If you're free on Tuesday at 2, pop into the gallery for a special talk about the Red Cliffs settlement's beginnings.

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20/06/2026

Past President E.J. (Ted) Roberts O.A.M. was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his 27 years as President of our RSL Sub-branch. Photographed with his grandchildren Jayde and Daniel