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/)
Morrie Barry
Morrie Barry arrived in Ocean Grove with his parents when just a few months old. He has
lived here all his life with his wife, Judy, and their three sons are all residents of the area.
Morrie has lived in Orton Street, Thacker Street and Collendina. He tells stories of his early
childhood in ‘old Ocean Grove’ and the development of new areas such as Collendina and
around Woodlands. He reflects on the type of weather experienced in the 1950s. He also
describes the midget racing car track at Mitchell’s Park (Mitchell’s dairy).
Morrie was involved in the establishment of the Scouting movement in Ocean Grove. He has
been a member of the CFA for nearly 60 years and details its establishment in Ocean Grove
and its growth through three fire stations. This history is illustrated with photographs of the
various fire trucks used over time.
John Wynn provided many of the images included in Morrie's talk.
Audio ->