The swamp was named after John (Jock) Winter. John Winter (Jock) was born in Berwickshire, Scotland. He married Janet Margaret Irving the daughter of Robert Irving, advocate, Bonshaw, Dumfries, Scotland. Winter died in Ballarat in 1875 and was buried at the Ballaarat Old Cemetery. He took up the run Bonshaw from 1841; Leigh River Buninyong 1842-46; Junction, Delatite, March 1851 to September 1862; with sons: Carag Carag and Corop, April 1857 to September 1872; Colbinabbin and Stewart’s Plains, April 1857 to December 1872; St Germains February 1867 to March 1871. (The name became Winter-Irving in 1890). Mr John Winter, who died on August 22 at the age of 72, was a man of some note it the mining community of Ballarat. He was a self-made man, and one of our oldest colonists, it being over a quarter of a century age since he took up county about Ballarat and settled at Bonshaw. He died very rich. It is calculated that if he had retained an interest in all his runs, his income must have been not less than £10,000 or £50,000 a year. Some eight or ten years ago he sold his Bonshaw pre-emption to the Bonshaw Gold mining Company for £20,000, and a few years later the ground belonging now to Winter's Freehold Company brought him £50,000 more, the payment being made at the requisition of the deceased in sovereigns. In these relations Mr. Winter has been closely identified with the mining industry at Ballarat. The deceased was a native of Lauder, in Berwickshire, and landed in Victoria several years before the gold discovery. BHS were commissioned by Ballarat Environment Network for a project on Winter's Swamp and Skipton Common. Winter's Swamp was part of Ballarat West Common. The principle task of this project was the delivery of a report outlining the history of European settlement in the Skipton and Cardigan/Ballarat districts as pertinent to the use of and impact on the natural environment of the two reserves Skipton Common and Winter Swamp. The report was delivered in digital form only. The report, upon completion, was presented to the Network’s Committee in order to discuss the project. The report identified and described the uses of Skipton Common and Winter Swamp, and their impacts. In particular, this report examined farming/grazing (official and informal), mining, vegetation removal (including the removal of woodlands for timber, grasslands for pasture improvement) & use of riparian areas for access to water and timber removal. Recording the more benign and environmentally friendly uses such as picnicking, community activities, nature walks and the roles of organisations such as Field Naturalists’ and Bird Observers’ clubs, school and scout/guide groups will be relevant in helping to depict overall community attitudes towards the reserves; e.g.: has the Common generally been viewed as little more than a grazing paddock and fire hazard; has Winter Swamp always been the unknown natural asset that seems to have been its lot for at least the past 40 years? In this regard, the more contemporary history of actions surrounding the use and management of the reserves is of particular interest, in view of the extant evidence at both reserves; e.g. the actions of the Shire of Ballarat in the 1980s in establishing Winter Swamp as something of a competitor to Lake Wendouree but with a more environmental bent (although almost none of the plants used are indigenous species, but that is part of the story); the trotting track constructed on Skipton Common in the 1960s following representations to Premier Henry Bolte and the cropping of the western section of the Common to raise funds for the town’s new swimming pool, the fertilizing of the land putting an end to the native grassland vegetation. There are obviously multiple sources of information to source in preparing the report, however sources that the contractor is specifically requested to consult are the Skipton Historical Society, the former Skipton Common managers (specifically Graeme Pett), the Cardigan Windermere Landcare Group and the Learmonth Historical Society (believed to hold many of the former Shire of Ballarat’s records pertaining to the Council’s role as the Committee of Management for both Winter Swamp and the Ballarat West Town Common – Winter Swamp was split between 2 separate Crown Land tenures). The contractor is also encouraged but not required to utilise community newsletters, such as the Skipton Community Newsletter, to publicise and seek information about the project. Skipton Historical Society (Mary Bradshaw) contacted on Thursday 12 June 2.30pm. Mary lived on a farm out of Skipton but is currently living in the township. She remembers walking along the creek of the Common especially in spring and autumn in bare feet and that it was a very pretty place. There were a few snakes around the waterway in summer. People put cows and a couple of horses on the commonage to graze. Graeme Pett has always lived close to the Common and would know a lot about it. Other possible contacts would be Nicole Petress, Secretary of the Progress Association, and the Corangamite Council, Camperdown. Mary can’t remember any photos in the Skipton Historical Society that pertain to the Common. Digital photos of Winter's swamp surrounds, later known as Mullawullah.winter, winter's swamp surrounds, winter's swap, john winter, ballarat environmental network, ballarat, mullawullah

The Australian Historical Records Society existed in Ballarat between 1896 and 1906. They were one of Australia's first historical societies, and were in the position to still be able to talk to early pioneers. They invited such pioneers to either submit letters or memoirs, or to address the Society's meetings, where their reminiscences were taken down in shorthand and later typed up. The Society also attempted to preserve memorabilia from Ballarat's early days, but on the disbanding of the group in 1906, materials were stored at the Ballarat Town Hall and were later lost. It is not known how the papers made their way to the then Ballarat Municipal Library, but they have been part of the Library's collection for many years.Thomas Bath came to Australia in 1849, establishing a butchering establishment at Geelong. He mined during the rushes at various sites, eventually coming to Ballarat where he established a hotel now known as Craig's Royal Hotel. He held the first publican's license on Ballarat (1854) and his hotel was known as The Ballarat, later changed to Bath's Hotel; after the sale to Mr Craig in 1857 Thomas Bath established his farm Ceres, at Learmonth. Thomas Bath was instrumental in the formation of Ballarat and was a champion of all public institutions. He died in 1901. These reminiscences appear to have been recorded by the AHRS rather than Mr Bath writing them himself.goldrush, sailing ships, coach fares

Buninyong owes its existence to the Learmonth brothers and surrounding stations. Timber for fencing and building was followed by a number of industries including the discovery of the famous Ballarat goldfields. Buninyong people have fostered and maintained a range of social, sporting and philanthropic activites.An illustrated history of Buninyong. M.W. Thorpe. Mary Akers. Buninyong (Vic); Buninyong & District Historical Society; 1982. 64 p.; illus, maps. Soft cover. ISBN 0 959 3044 0 1buninyong; m.w. thorpe; mary akers; history; mount buninyong; gold; settlers;

Stirrups belonging to Constable John James Power of the Victorian Mounted Police, who served at Buninyong between 1893 and 1900.Historically significant as an item of equipment issued to Victorian mounted police in the colonial eraPair of nicklesilver stirrips issued to Victorian police in colonial Victoria. Engraved with number "4105"police, law and order, horses, power j.j., buninyong

This snuff horn belonged to the Rev. Thomas Hastie, pioneering Presbyterian minister at Buninyong from 1847 to 1898. It was presented to the Society by his great grand-daughter in 2010.This item is historically significant for its connection with an important figure in the history of Buninyong, who was also a notable figure in the Free Presbyterian Church in Victoria in the 19th Century.A brown snuff horn, made of ivory, with a silver band and inlaid silver decoration on the lid. The lid opens to reveal a cavity, where snuff was stored.Lid has a silver disc with the inscription 'T H'.buninyong, hastie, snuff, free presbyterian church, presbyterian church, victoria

Original building was established by Whyke's family Grocery, built in 1860s. Stripped to apricot brickwork. Verandah removed. Situated East Side of Warrenheip St between Eyre St and Forest St, Buninyong. Building much altered and used as a restaurant in 1970s. Fell into disrepair. Revival took place but not restoration. 1990s under threat of demolition if not conforming to council safety requirements. Building has since been renovated as a pizza restaurant (2023). Vacant lots have since been built on.Established by a prominent local family, an example of a mid 19th century shop. Black and white photo of former Whykes Grocer, 1860's. Streetscape photo of former Whykes Grocer brick building. Power pole with Warrenheip St sign. 3 other shopfronts visible, street trees and vacant land between shops.buninyong, whykes, grocery, building, street scape, warrenheip st

Unusually heavy snow in the side garden of the old Police Station/House. Building constructed by Rennie (rare example of his work).Rare photo of old police station/house in Scott St, under snow. Building is representative of Rennie's construction style.Snow in front yard of Old Police House/Station in Scott St, 1951Reverse is stamped Police Station Buninyong, date stamped 19 Jul 1951, handwritten inscription SNOWING AT BUNINYONGbuninyong, police station, garden, snow, scott st, police house, rennie

Record of Arbor Day commemoration at Buninyong State School July 1904Historic and Social significance, Arbor Day was once, but no longer widely commemorated.Framed black and white photograph of students, teachers and guests at Buninyong Primary School with view of Warrenheip Street in the background.Annotation: Arbor Day Buninyong State School. July 1904buninyong primary school, students and teachers, visitors, arbor day, students, teachers

Record of dress, vehicles and social commentSource unknown. Kept in collection of B&DHS for the record of dress, vehicles and social commentBlack & White photograph depicting an outing in the early 1900s. There are two vehicles (motor cars) that have been unloaded of luggage (including one suitcase) and (possibly) a picnic rug. The cars are surrounded by disembarked passengers - five men wearing hats and suits, seven women wearing hats and calf-length frockstransport, recreation, picnic, excursion

Seal of the Borough, which includes an image of Mount Buninyong with the rising sun.This seal was used by the secretary on official documents of the Borough of Buninyong, which was a local government entity until 1915, when it became part of the Shire of Buninyong.Seal of the Borough of Buninyong, made in 1863Borough of Buninyong/Victoria1863buninyong, mount, local government

Dr Longden, a medical practitioner, was a significant figure in Buninyong history in the late 1800s.Brick buildings are prominent examples of Victorian era residences. Dr Longden was a prominent medical practitioner in Buninyong in the late 1800s.B/W photo of Dr Longden's (built circa 1898) and Sparling's former residences, Learmonth St west, Buninyong. Streetscape photo taken in 1993 of two brick residences.buninyong, longden, sparling, brick building, house, street scape, learmonth st

Masonic presence in Buninyong since the nineteenth century, this is the second lodge built on the same site.Early twentieth century public buildingBlack and white photograph of Buninyong Masonic Lodge, a brick building located on the western side of Warrenheip South.buninyong, masonic lodge, building

The weatherboard cottage was built in the 1860's on land owned by Thomas Hiscock, the discoverer of gold near Buninyong township.The weatherboard cottage was built in the 1860's on land owned by Thomas Hiscock, the discoverer of gold near Buninyong. It is a good example of a miner's cottage of its era.B/W photo of Miner's cottage, Learmonth St west, Buninyong. Streetscape photo taken in 1993 of a weatherboard building with picket fence.miners cottage, house, building, weatherboard, thomas hiscock, hiscock, buninyong, learmonth st

The Buninyong Masonic Lodge was originaly formed in 1858. This brick building is the second hall on the site.Third oldest Masonic Lodge in Ballarat area, example of C20th public building.Black and White photograph of the Buninyong Masonic Lodge, double-fronted brick building, decorative concrete low-relief pillars, door and windows blocked. Also showing nature strip and roadway in Warrenheip Streetbuninyong, warrenheip st., masons., hall, building, streetscape

Built around 1873 by Dr. Sparling, on land formerly occupied by the first Buninyong Inn (aka Jamieson's Hotel). Some materials from the demolished hotel may have been used in building the house.Good example of 1870's professional residence, links to prominent citizen Dr Sparling.B/W Photograph, Polychrome brick cottage, L-fronted with bullnose verandah, on bluestone foundations with low bluestone fence. Signs "Buninyong Antiques" (under verandah) and "Antiques" on front of building.buninyong, sparling, jamieson, house, brick

Dr. Frank Longden was appointed as a newly-graduated doctor to Buninyong in 1888, and served the people of Buninyong and district until his death in 1938. This house was built in 1892 as a wedding present from his bride’s father to his daughter on the occasion of her marriage to Dr. Longden. The surgery was in the front room, and a dispensary was located in the garden.Built by prominent citizen, fine example of substantial doctor's residence and surgery, has been carefully restored.B/W photograph, double-story brick dwelling, bay window on left, verandahs both floors on right, with iron lace. Iron lace fence, brick pillars, trees in front yard.buninyong, dwelling, streetscape, learmonth street, longden

Shows major intersection in mid 1990's. Record of intersection in mid 1990'sB/W photograph of intersection of Learmonth and Warrenheip Streets Buninyong. Crown Hotel centre background, bottle shop next door, and corner shop visible on right.buninyong, streeetscape, buiulding, crown hotel, corner shop

Showing streetscape in the late 1990s. Roundabout construction started in 1987Showing streetscape in the late 1990s.Black and white photograph of roundabout at intersection of Learmonth and Warrenheip Streets Buninyong. Background RSL Hall and Memorial gardens and Gates, Masonic Centrestreetscape, buninyong, rsl memorial gardens, rsl hall, masonic centre

Former Buninyong Post Office opened in October 1873 and closed in 2000, converted to residence weel preserved C19th public buildingB/W photograph of L-fronted polychrome brick building, slate roof, picket fence, covered verandah left side, three arched windows right side, Post Office sign above, telephone booth to the right.streetscape, building, brick, post office, learmonth st, buninyong

Original wooden hotel built 1852, burnt down 1884 and replaced by current brick building.Licensed premises since gold rushB/W photo of Crown Hotel, Buninyong, two-story, gabled hotel, brick painted white, viewed across intersection, large Chinese Elm tree to left, which was destroyed in truck accident 6 May 2022.buninyong, crown hotel, building, streetscape, chinese elm

De Soza park was developed as a public amenity from the early 1980s. The poppet head and Chilean wheel sculpture are representative of the gold mining origins of the town.The park, located centrally in Buninyong is of social and historic significance.Original B/W photograph of streetscape of De Soza park frontage to Warrenheip St., Buninyong, with poppet head, rotunda and Chilean Wheel sculpture, former post office in background. Large eucalypt tree present behind rotunda, large cypress tree to north of park.buninyong, de soza, park, rotunda, poppet head, sculpture, chilean wheel, post office, warrenheip st, streetscape

Inscription on central pediment reads 1861 PUBLIC LIBRARY. Above door is a separate panel on which is inscribed FREE.Example of mid 19th century building constructed as a library for cultural and educational purposesB/W photo of Old Library, Eastern facade, after restoration, Warrenheip St north, Buninyong. In background on left side is false poppet head, associated with Buninyong Festival activities in De Soza Parkbuninyong, building, streetscape, warrenheip st., public library, poppet head, de soza park

Built in 1861 on land made available by Mr. Robert Allen. Grant received through municipal council and State Government. Building functioned as a library until 1926. Taken over by Buninyong Cemetery Trust and eventually fell into serious disrepair. Restored in the 1980s after great community effort, dedication and financial contributions.An important early building in the township noted for its unusual and individual classical facade of Oregon pine. Placed on Historical Buildings Register.Black and white photograph of Former Free Library built in1861. Warrenheip streetscape of former free library, currently Buninyong Information Centre, Eastern facade fully visible and Southern weatherboard side. Mature pine trees visible to the side and rear of building. Reading room on left of entrance door and former shop and residence on right.free library, information centre, mr. robert allen, buninyong cemetery trust, mechanics institutes

The photograph, taken c 1940 show The Gong and the view to the Buninyong Gardens. The trees in the Gardens are well established and early model motor vehicles are seen parked on the Gong dam wall. The Gong and the Buninyong Botanic Gardens are iconic features of the town. They are of great historic, aesthetic and social significance. They are representative of early parklands.Original B/W photograph of the view over the Gong towards the Buninyong Gardens, with established trees and early model motor vehiclesthe gong, buninyong, gardens, botanic gardens, cars, parklands

Record of landscape 1930'sRecord of landscape 1930'sBlack and white photograph of view from Mount Buninyong through eucalyptus tress, road winding downhill, mid 1930's."Bon thinks the same big tree on left was painted by John Rowell in his painting in the Art Gallery." mount buninyong, eucalyptus, landscape, trees

Original Building dates from around 1855, strong connection with Robert Allen, prominent citizen in early goldrush, links through him to Allen Store and Old Library.Built by prominent citizen and benefactor, early gold-rush dwellingEyre Cottage, former home of Robert Allen, c 1855, on S/W cnr. of Eyre and Winter Streets, side view from N/W.buninyong, eyre st, winter st, robert allen, streetscape, building

Early gold-rush building, originally Brewery, next to Gong Reservoir (early water source for township). Building since converted to residence.Record of early building as of mid 1930'sLaser copy of hand-tinted photograph of Old Brewery and Gong Reservoir Buninyong, c 1935, fields rising behind, tall treees, partially obscured house.building, buninyong, brewery, industry, landscape

Interior of Scotsburn School, c 1930Record of school in 1930Laser copy of sepia photo of interior of Scotsburn School c 1930, showing school furniturescotsburn, school, interior, furniture

Scotsburn School building around 1930record of building condition aropund 1930Copy of sepia photo Sepia photo of exterior of Scotsburn school building across yard, tall trees behindscotsburn, school, building