FROM the Class of 1964 to those sharing of old family and sporting links, more than 150 people have shared memories and stories at the centenary Wedderburn Reunion on Sunday.
The switch from Melbourne to Bendigo was hailed a success by organisers and cemented the botanical gardens as the annual reunion’s permanent home heading into the second century.
Key organisers Doug Steel and Frank Millen said they were pleased with the attendance, one that mirrored the turnout when Wedderburn’s Old Boys and Old Girls held the first reunion.
Harvey and Gail Cove travelled from Queensland. They were married in Wedderburn in 1978 where Gail’s father Charlie Robinson was a prominent businessman.
Many in Bendigo on Sunday poured over old photographs and newspapers that triggered more stories.
For the Wedderburn Elementary School class of 1964, old classmates showed they had kept pace with technology, looking at photographs stored on mobile phones.
Ian Andrews added a touch of humour to the luncheon by wearing a “Wedderburn Triathlon” T-shirt from the 1970s.
Ian said while there was never an athletic event, the marathon legs referred to hotels in Wychitella, Wedderburn and Korong Vale.
The oldest expat at Sunday’s reunion was Margaret Curnick, 91, who spent time chatting with Maria Nasi, daughter of Giovoni mill manager Rita who died earlier this year.
Doug Steel said organisers had been unsure how many would travel to Bendigo for the first reunion out of Melbourne.
But he said the response had been amazing. Many of the regular attendees still came, some missed this year but promised to be there in 2026.
Helping bolster the crowd that in recent years had been just 20 or 30 people gathering in Melbourne’s Flagstaff Gardens, were family and friends still living in the Wedderburn district.
Organisers said Sunday was a strong start for a second century.