Many past and present residents attended the Hamilton Park 50th Birthday celebration. Saturday surrounded by natural bushland bathed in sunshine was an ideal place for a 120 past and current residents and families to celebrate.
Judy Shaw commented celebrating in the park was an ideal place, ‘a wonderful day for Hamilton Park, acknowledging all the hard work of Doug and Barbara and their vision, looking around us and seeing what we had on the day, what a wonderful legacy we’ve been left!
Local Glenrowan identities Bernie and Christine Cowan, members of the Hamilton family, were present to celebrate their contribution in working with Doug and his family to develop Hamilton Park back in the 1970s.
Margaret Hamilton OA the eldest daughter of Doug and Barbara Hamilton spoke of her father’s vision for windy roads, access to the bush and views for everyone only to be told that is not how it is done. ‘It was the partnership of Brian Rebecci and others who came from Wangaratta who helped Dad realise his vision.”
“Dad was the one who had the grand idea and mum was the one who made it possible for Hamilton Park to be the place it is today”.
The 70’s was a different time, to get the estate off the ground family members worked hard. Doug Hamilton (son) reminisced how he learnt to drive graders at 16 carving out the infrastructure at Hamilton Park and Henley’s Ridge helping to achieve his father’s vision.
Frank Wellman spoke of the pride he has in having a dam named after him in recognition of his long association and hard work in the early days of establishing the park and the unique caveats on his title.
Frank thanking the family said ‘We as residents thank the Hamilton family for the effort and at times heart ache in the early days of developing the park so we can benefit”. Bob Shaw said it was the perfect day for ‘Those who drink the water acknowledge those that dug the well”.
The freedom offered by space, a safe community and the bushland environment was a theme as residents and the Hamilton family reflected on the day. John Hamilton remembered in the 70’s of “adventuring across the estate on my wheel chair, dirt roads then, a close community and a safe place to grow up”. John, on behalf of the family cut the stunning cake provided by Tina Norton for the occasion.
A roving mic session hosted by compere Damien Feehan brought much laughter as past and present residents shared their memories and stories of growing up and living in Hamilton Park.
Leah Grimus (Tivendale) and Laya McKenzie shared many adventures of their childhood highlighting the closeness of the community and absolute freedom they had as children.
The day was summed up by Lorraine Wiesner “Congratulations to all involved in producing the 50th Celebration. So many great memories for us and we look forward to reading the book. ‘It’s an amazing story, Sharon Knibbs posted to Facebook, glad I chose to build and live in Hamilton Park.