The Woodend & District Heritage Society was formed in 1977.

The Society’s archive contains documents, maps, newspapers, and photographs from the district that once formed the Shire of Newham and Woodend (including Ashbourne, Hesket, Campaspe and, until 1886, Rochford).

Much of the collection has been cataloged, allowing you to look up documents quickly and easily on their computer database.

They also have digitised copies of local newspapers, including the Woodend Star from 1888-1970. Some print copies are available, too.

You can search the archive in person or via the Society’s research service.

Holdings include:

• Cemetery records
• Newspapers
• District maps
• Church records
• Rate books
• Postcards
• Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages
• Early Shire correspondence
• Detailed family histories
• Oral history tapes and transcripts
• Minute books
• School records and roll books
• Real estate records

Open Wednesdays 10 am-4 pm, Feb-Nov.

No appointment is necessary, but an email or phone call before your visit is appreciated.

Members can search the archive for free. For non-members, a $30 fee applies.

If you would like the Society to conduct research for you, please send your request using their research form.

If it’s a family history inquiry, please include copies of the information you already have. This will prevent duplicate material.

When they receive your request and research fee, we’ll send you an initial printout of all the references relating to your request. They’ll also create an indexed family history folder relating to your request, providing a secure backup for your material and a resource for other researchers.

Research fee: $30 ($35 if overseas).

Postal address:
PO Box 124 Woodend Victoria 3442