#towong

The National Trust of Australia (Victoria) has named the town of Tallangatta as its second ‘Notable Town’.  In the 1950s the town was relocated 8km to higher ground to allow for the expansion of the Lake Hume reservoir.  What had been up until that point a typical late-Victorian style town was transformed into one with distinctive 1950s flair. More than 100 buildings were relocated whilst others, such as the town’s civic and commercial buildings, were redesigned in the prevailing architectural style, a restrained modernism. The placement of streets, recreation reserves, commercial and residential lots all display evidence of the careful mid-century planning and zoning of uses.

Tallangatta is only the second town to receive the designation of ‘Notable Town’, the first having been Maldon in 1965. It was only fitting that on the 60th Anniversary of the relocation, and the 60th Anniversary of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), that the town was recognised for its significance as the ‘Town that Moved’. 

Images above: High and low water levels showing remains of the old town.

Tallangatta is located within the Shire of Towong in the north-east corner of Victoria, an area particularly rich in sites related to squatting, selection and mining, and with a unique history brought about by its relative isolation.  In 2003, RBA was commissioned by the Shire of Towong to identify and assess significant sites in the area as part of the Heritage Study. Prior to the study, many places of historical interest had been unprotected. Community consultation was a key part of the process, ensuring that the values and memories of local residents were represented.  Stage one of the study was undertaken during 2003-2004 and stage two during 2007-2009. The study was approved in November 2013 (Amendment C28). 

Images above:Left-Tallangatta Heritage Museum, Right- Soldiers Memorial Hall