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/)
John Druce
John Druce is a noted artist & tutor of art. John taught art & graphic design at the Gordon Institute for 25 years. His art work and travel documentaries are well known.
In this interview, he narrates his early life as the son of a commercial fisherman, and growing up in Barwon Heads in the 40’s & the 50’s. He tells stories of Scout camps, his school experiences and particularly his love of surfing and football. John was an early member of the Ocean Grove Surfing Club and recounts their wheelbarrow races along the road between Point Lonsdale and Barwon Heads.
Audio ->