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    HISTORY: From left, Stawell Historical Society’s Jim Melbourne and Greg Robson, author David Hutchings, the historical society’s Dorothy Brumby, authors Tim Hutchings and Liz Bell and Northern Grampians shire councillors Kevin Erwin and Rob Haswell. Author Murray Hutchings was absent.

Life and times of Hutchings family secured

Stawell Historical Society has taken ownership of a new book depicting the life and times of the Wimmera’s Hutchings family. 

The book focuses on the emigration of Thomas and James Hutchings, who arrived at Stawell from Devon in 1862. 

They ran a road contracting and building company for many years, with contracts for the Shire of Stawell Council and local gold mining companies. 

They were the builders of the Shire Hall in 1865.  



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They both served on the Shire Council – Thomas was president in 1886-87 and James in 1891, 1899 and 1907. 

They both had large families and returned to farming after the Wimmera district was opened for selection. Thomas developed ‘Bryntirion’ at Lubeck and James farmed at ‘White Hall’, Greens Creek. 

Both were very active in community affairs and three descendants followed in their footsteps as Shire of Stawell Council presidents. 

The entire November 29, 2023 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!

The entire November 29, 2023 edition of AgLife is available online. READ IT HERE!