The Mount Gambier History Group and City of Mount Gambier are calling on the community to share stories of their family history to celebrate the centenary of Rook Walk, Mount Gambier’s largest working bee.
This historical moment saw Mount Gambier come to a standstill on Wednesday 27 November 1918. More than 2000 people assembled at the lakes area to take part in the greatest one-day community effort in the city’s history.
Rook Walk was built as part of a beautification of the lakes scheme and organised by hotelier Arthur Rook and the progress association. The volunteers included tradesmen, labourers, bankers, shop assistants and 300 ladies who provided three meals during the day and live music by the Salvation Army and town band.
“One of the stories that has always held my interest was of Rook Walk and how it drew our community together in such a powerful way at the end of the First World War. It was a time of sorrow and conflict but out of that grew hope and unity,” Mount Gambier History Group member Lynn Lowe said.
A commemorative event will be held on Tuesday 27 November 2018 to celebrate the historic community effort.
As part of the celebrations we are hoping to find stories, photographs and memorabilia from the construction of the Rook Walk which was a very special time in the history of our city. We are hoping that people from around the region will share their stories or photographs from their ancestors who were involved.- Mount Gambier History Group member Lynn Lowe
“Check the community working bee participant list below, originally published in The Border Watch in 1918, to see if your family took part on the day,” Mrs Lowe said.
Contact Community Events Team Leader Denise Richardson at drichardson@mountgambier.sa.gov.au or 8723 1025 if you are interested in sharing stories or if you wish to provide photographs or family history for the event.
Media contact: Media and Communications Coordinator Sharny McLean 8721 2401 or smclean@mountgambier.sa.gov.au
