Departing the Port of Maffra with its new kayak launch facilities Ros, Pat, Marg, JJ, Mira, Chris & Avenel set off for a perfect day of paddling. The water level was higher than we had previously experienced, resulting in fewer logs to be navigated, but an increased need to keep an eye out for submerged obstacles to avoid jarred knees by our Hobbie Paddlers. Gently paddling up stream, stopping to sample and pick the few ripe blackberries on the way we encountered Water Dragons and amazing coloured foliage. Lunch was partaken at the Bellbird Corner Reserve. Unfortunately, the ants had called “dibs” on the picnic table and benches, but being a resilient group, comfortable seats were made of paddle floats and lifejackets for a leisurely picnic lunch. A quick reconnaissance of the lunch venue with a view to overnight camping led to the discovery of local history. There is no access to this site by vehicles without prior management approval, so any camping will need to be from the water. I have included information on the Bellbird Reserve below for members interest.
The riverine environment of the Macalister River and Newry Creek
The Bellbird Corner Reserve covers 3.2 hectares and is in two parts, connected by a low level bridge over the Newry Creek. At times of high water level the bridge is submerged and the western section may be reached from the Lower Newry Road. The former Newry Road runs through the reserve and a walking track follows the river and creek.
The area was a local beauty spot in the early days and was home to a colony of Bell Miners. In 1956 much of the riverside vegetation was cleared and the colony m oved on. Then when the high level road was constructed in the 1960’s the land was used for grazing.
Through the efforts of the Newry McAllister Landcare Group the reserve was fenced and became public parkland. Re-vegetation commenced in 2001 and is continuing under the management of the small local committee that manages the reserve.
Eliza Amey’s Grave
In April 1867 a twelve month old girl, Eliza Amey drowned on the family farm on the corner of the Newry and Lower Newry Roads. The Maffra Cemetery had not been established, and Eliza was buried on a high point on the farm in a coffin made of two sheets of bark from a redgum tree. The tree with scars visible is standing on the Newry Road opposite the new dairy on the farm.
The grave was originally enclosed by a post and rail fence, but that disappeared with the passage of time and the location of the grave was lost. The Bellbird Committee decided to rectify the situation, and with the ground penetrating radar organised by the Wellington Shire, Eliza’s coffin and tiny remains were located.
With the kind permission of the property owner, Mr Tony LaRosa, a headstone and low railing were installed to permanently make Eliza’s resting place. A large rock supplied by the West Gippsland Catchment Authority with attached plaque is situated on the road reserve adjacent to the grave.
In those early pioneering days Eliza’s birth and death were not officially recorded, but now the little daughter of Henry and Margarette Amey, tragically lost, will be remembered into the future.
