Morwell Local History
Morwell is a town located in the Latrobe Valley region of Victoria, Australia. The town has a rich history dating back to the 1800s.
Prior to European settlement, the region was home to the Gunai Kurnai people for thousands of years. The Gunai Kurnai people were the original inhabitants of the Gippsland region and had a deep connection to the land.
In 1840, the area was explored by the famous surveyor Angus McMillan. McMillan discovered the Latrobe River, which was a crucial water source for the region’s early settlers. The river provided water for irrigation and was used for transportation.
Agriculture quickly became a dominant industry in the region. The fertile soils of the Latrobe Valley were ideal for growing crops such as potatoes, tomatoes, and tobacco, which were highly sought after by neighbouring regions.
In the 1860s, the discovery of coal in the Latrobe Valley region led to the establishment of numerous coal mines. Morwell, which was originally called ‘Morewell,’ was named after the Scottish area of the same name. Mining companies began to set up operations in the region, and with the influx of workers, the town began to grow rapidly.
The town was officially declared a municipality in 1910 and was renamed Morwell. At this time, the town was home to approximately 1300 people and had various industries, including agriculture, timber, and coal mining.
The coal mining industry continued to thrive in the region, and by the 1950s, many new mines had been established. The demand for coal increased significantly during World War II, and these mines helped to fuel the war effort. As a result, the Latrobe Valley became one of the largest coal-producing regions in Australia.
The town of Morwell continued to grow, and by the 1970s, the population had reached over 20,000. The town has always been a hub for industry, with numerous factories and businesses established throughout the years.
Today, Morwell is a thriving town with a population of around 14,000 people. The town is still home to numerous industries, including agriculture, manufacturing and health services. The region is also renowned for its beautiful parks and gardens, and its close proximity to the Gippsland Lakes.
In conclusion, the history of Morwell is rich and diverse. From its indigenous roots to the establishment of agriculture and coal mining, the town has evolved over the centuries into the thriving community that it is today.