IT HAS been 50 years since bush scrub was cleared to make way for one of Victoria's most-productive dairy areas - the Heytesbury Settlement - and locals are set to celebrate the golden anniversary in style.
The festivities will take place on March 6 and 7 in Simpson with a dinner, market, live entertainment and three local guided bus tours planned.
Simpson local Ken Unwin, who bought into the settlement as part of the last issue in 1976, will launch his book The Heytesbury Settlement 50 Years On - Memories, Madness and Miracles.
The settlement was the last large-scale government agricultural development in Victoria and was made up of 376 farms and families from across the globe.
Bridget Allan and her family were part of the first issue of farms and she formed many lasting friendships.
Back then, milk from her 29 cows was transported to the gateway in cans with a horse-drawn wagon.
Bridget said the foundation for many of today's community activities was laid 50 years ago.
"We worked jolly hard (to get) the guides, scouts (and) sporting clubs going," she said.
- For more information on the weekend phone (03) 5594 3448.
