Historical information

The Mallee was first settled by Europeans settlers in the 1870s. Aboriginal people had inhabited the region for thousands of years prior to the Europeans, but their numbers were small due to the arid climate and lack of permanent water. Economic downturns and drought conditions delayed significant development, and it was during the 1920s that saw most land clearing for the growing of cereal crops. Subsequent droughts and economic hardship have seen once prosperous small towns lose their population. The endurance and perseverance of the Mallee farmers is a testament to family and neighbour relationships that helped build communities.

Physical description

Scan of photograph of a group portrait that includes Jack Lockett and three of his four children.
The other people are probably friends and neighbours of the Lockett family.
Their clothing and appearance attested to the hard life these people faced in the harsh Mallee conditions when trying to farm dry country.

Inscriptions & markings

'Back row L to R, Ted Hickman, Bill Rogers, Perce Hickman.
Centre row, Stan Hickman, Charlie Marshal, George Griffiths, Darcy Hickman.
Front row, Jack Lockett, Mabel Hickman, Joyce, Jack & Kevin Lockett.'