Acknowledgement of Country
This website contains stories of towns established on the land of the Bengalat balug of the Wadawurrung people. We acknowledge them as the Traditional Owners of these lands and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and Aboriginal Elders of other communities who read these stories.
Several interviews include copies of photographs sourced from either:
• the person being interviewed,
• The Bellarine Historical Society (https://www.bellarinehistory.org)
• Barwon Heads Association. (https://www.barwonheadsassociation.com/new-site/heritage/)
Alan Lomas
The following Oral History conversation with Alan Lomas was recorded at Lomas Orchards, Wallington, on the 17th June 2021. Alan’s father, Len Lomas, took over the property in 1938 and it is still owned and managed by the family.
In our conversation Alan recalls some early history of the Wallington farming area and the development of the family orchard into what is now a Heritage Orchard. He reflects on the use of chemicals in bygone days and the change to an organic approach influenced by modern day attitudes towards the use of chemicals in agriculture. Alan also comments on how our changing lifestyles have impacted, in a variety of ways, on the marketing of fresh produce, the future of the orcharding industry and the Lomas Orchards. Alan also reminisces about the strong sense of community in the running of the local Agricultural Show – an annual highlight enjoyed by all!
