Colac Local History
Colac is a town located in the western district of Victoria, Australia. The town is situated on the shores of Lake Colac, and it is the largest town in Colac Otway Shire. The local history of Colac is fascinating, and it dates back to the pre-colonial era when the area was inhabited by the Wathaurong Indigenous people.
The Wathaurong people had a rich culture that included hunting, fishing, and gathering. The region around Lake Colac was a significant trade route for the Wathaurong nation and other surrounding tribes, with the lake being a valuable source of food and water. However, the arrival of Europeans in the 1830s disrupted the Indigenous way of life. Diseases, displacement, and the loss of their traditional lands had a profound impact on the Wathaurong people.
The first Europeans to arrive in the Colac area were pastoralists. In the 1830s, the Henty brothers established the first European settlement in Victoria, near Portland. The Hentys were soon followed by other squatters who took up large areas of land in western Victoria for grazing sheep and cattle. One of these early settlers, Hugh Murray, established the first sheep station in the Colac area in 1840.
Colac began to grow rapidly in the 1850s and 1860s with the discovery of gold in nearby regions. Many people migrated to Colac hoping to find their fortune. The town became a major center for timber milling, and the construction of a railway service in the late 19th century helped Colac become an important regional hub for agriculture and commerce.
During World War I, hundreds of young men from the Colac district enlisted to serve in the Australian armed forces. Many of these soldiers lost their lives on the battlefields of Europe and the Middle East. The town built a memorial arch in honor of the fallen soldiers, which still stands today.
The 20th century saw significant changes in the local economy. The timber industry declined, and the town became more focused on dairy farming and agriculture. Colac also became a popular tourist destination, with visitors attracted to the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside and the opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking.
Today, Colac is a thriving regional town with a diverse economy. The town has a population of around 12,000 people, and it boasts a range of modern amenities and services. However, Colac has not forgotten its rich history, and it has many historic buildings and landmarks that are preserved for future generations to enjoy.