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/)
Sue McLeod
Sue grew up in Ocean Grove in the early 1950’s, attending Ocean Grove primary school and then Queenscliff High. She recounts her early memories of the migrant influx and how the were so well accepted by the local community.
As the town grew, it became more popular with tourists, with the beach area being opened up to allow easy access. Sue then moved to Geelong to live after her parents sold their house. Subsequently, she has returned to the Bellarine, first living in Queenscliff and now Point Lonsdale.
Audio ->