Stories

Situated on one of the town’s main corners, opposite the railway station, was the two storeyed hotel with its Spanish Mission influences of triple arches and the small balcony over the entrance.

Built by the Electricity Commission and opened on October 1, 1928, at a cost of 30,000 pounds ($47,000) the hotel used electricity extensively in its all-electric kitchen and bar which were the height of modernity. The first Christmas dinner was in 1928 which was such a success that it started a tradition. Thereafter, tables had to be booked well in advance of the festive meal.

Town… more

Educational needs were recognized as early as 12 February, 1922 when the Yallourn State School No 4085 was opened with 13 pupils. The first school building was a weatherboard cottage at No4 Hillside. By 1923 enrolment had reached 139 pupils - they came from the Camps and outlying areas, so a move to new and bigger buildings in Outlook Road was needed. This would become the Secondary School when a new Primary school was opened in 1932, on the corner of Fairfield Avenue and Banksia Crescent. A Catholic Primary School had also opened in the St Therese’s church hall staffed by two sisters of… more

The report on the establishment of the town of Yallourn was drawn up by the 15th December, 1921. The architect was A.R. La Gerche, the State Electricity Commission’s own architect. His plan was influenced by those of Welwyn Garden City in Hertfordshire, England.

The position of the proposed town was almost halfway between Moe and Morwell and about 1½ miles north of the main Gippsland railway line. To the north was the Latrobe River and on the east, the river flats that would become the Yallourn open cut mine. To the west was country comprising part of the Haunted Hills and to the… more

YALLOURN KINDERGARTEN

Yallourn was a great place for children in the 1950’s and 60’s there were so many of them and so much for them to do, they were part of Australia’s post-war baby boom. Yallourn had five schools and 1948-1949 saw the opening of the Infant Welfare Centre and the Kindergarten.

After much voluntary work by a large body of women, the town gained an important amenity on 3rd of July 1948 when the Kindergarten opened. Set in Uplands Road between Church Street and Broadway West, the building was modern for its time accommodating 55 children. Costing around £6.… more

YALLOURN FOOTBALL CLUB 1945-65

AN AMAZING OFFER IN 1954

Yallourn Football Club hit the headlines in 1954 when the Blues went “all out” to entice Fitzroy champion Bill Stephen to coach the club.

‘The Argus’ headline on 4th November 1954 read...£3500? NO-SAYS BILL

The article continued...

“Bill Stephen rejected a £3500 offer, spread over five years before recently accepting the playing-coach post for Fitzroy Football Club next season.
The offer was made by Yallourn Football Club”. Percy Taylor ~’The Argus’ 4th November 1954 page 22

'The… more

YALLOURN V YARRAGON AUGUST 7th 1954
FOOTNOTES ~GEORGE BATES

Yallourn held off a determined Yarragon team to take four premiership points in the 1954 LVFL season. Recent rain had affected the playing surface of the Yarragon Oval and the game was a most physical affair with skill errors creating pack football, heavy traffic and plenty of physical contact.

“…the trainers had their busiest day for the season with players frequently flattened.” (Morwell Advertiser.)

Yallourn was at some disadvantage with Jack Aitken (captain/coach), stalwart Jimmy… more

History of the Latrobe Community Concert Band (information and photos kindly given by Latrobe Community Concert Band - www.Iccband.com)

Introduction
The Yallourn and District Band, over almost sixty years has played a significant part in the life of the Latrobe Valley, and particularly of Yallourn and its immediate environs.

It would be no exaggeration to say that Yallourn Band has done more than its share in the field of entertainment and culture in and around Yallourn. It must surely be the oldest organisation in the area, for… more

YALLOURN FOOTBALL CLUB

JACK VINALL

Jack Vinall as born in 1931 and has lived in the Latrobe Valley all of his life. As a teenager, Jack witnessed the great changes that were taking place in the region as the power industry expanded, townships spread and the population grew. Opportunities for employment brought hundreds of workers to the ‘Valley and the influx of men provided the impetus for the growth of recreational activities particularly cricket and football.

Jack loved both sports and he was a natural. He attended the Yallourn High School and in 1947. Jack and his… more

Can anyone please tell me if there was a YHS Pylon Magazine published in 1972, 73, 74, 75 & 76? Julie

YALLOURN FOOTBALL CLUB 1954 ~ BERNIE NAIRN

Bernie Nairn won the Yallourn Football Club’s trophy for the Best and Fairest Player in 1954. It was the culmination of an exceptional season for Bernie. He had also polled well in the LVFL Rodda Medal with 13 votes. Sale’s champion ruckman Bob Mason (20 votes) won the medal that season.

The club trophy was a just reward for Bernie who had been a key player for Yallourn since the late 40’s. “Nairn is giving Yallourn his best season at centre half back.” Morwell Advertiser 10th June 1954

Press reports between 1949-… more