Historical information

This plaque was unveiled on 23 April 1915 to commemorate early colonial explorers, Major Mitchell and before him, Hume and Hovell. These explorers crossed the Ovens River in 1824 and 1836. The plaque has now been replaced by a tablet. This photograph and other postcards and photographs came from the estate of David Moyle (1938-2015) who was a police officer in Emerald during late 1960s-early 1970s, and subsequently at Belgrave in the early 1980s. David Moyle was closely associated with the now defunct Sherbrooke Historical Association.

Significance

This photograph is significant because it recalls the early history of Victorian colonial exploration and settlement and is emblematic of the importance placed by the local community on Major Mitchell's and Hume and Hovell's explorations. Also, this photograph is part of a collection belonging to a community member who had a close association with a local historical society.

Physical description

Photograph of plaque on tree commemorating Major Mitchell's crossing of the Ovens River (1836) in the footsteps of Hume and Hovell (1824).