Phillip Island and District Historical Society Incorporated

We have expanded our collection of artifacts, carefully catalogued new donations, and can showcase many of these items in our future exhibitions, preserving key elements of Phillip Island s history for future generations. We have actively documented the condition of historic sites around the Island and advocated for the preservation of important landmarks, such as the iconic Cowes Goods Shed at the Jetty. Our efforts continue as we lobby for the protection of the island s chicory kilns and other significant sites in the surrounding district, ensuring they remain safeguarded and recognized as vital parts of our community s heritage. We ve promoted and shared Phillip Island s rich history through a series of talks to various community groups and hosted offsite exhibitions, including one at the local State School. In addition, we regularly contribute monthly history articles to The Island Vibe and Rhyll Reporter, and produce a monthly newsletter featuring community events and historical stories. Our activities also include leading the Walk Around the Block in Cowes as part of the Heritage Festival. For History Month, we organized special events, such as the sesquicentennial celebrations of local schools, engaging both our members and the wider community in these significant milestones. We have made strides in keeping our local history museum a vibrant, engaging space. This year, we launched our first new exhibition since relaunching the museum, celebrating 150 years of history at Cowes and San Remo State Schools, ensuring the museum remains an educational resource for all.