Just down the road: Stanhope

The town’s main attraction is Fonterra, the big cheese factory, which has a mural comprising 11,000 photos of the community.

SIR JOHN MCEWEN STATUE

Located at McEwen Place, this commemorates former Australian Prime Minister Sir John McEwen.

Sir John was a Stanhope farmer before entering federal politics and serving briefly as PM from 1967 to 1968 after Prime Minister Harold Holt died in office.

TOWN HISTORY MURAL

On the Stanhope Business Centre Building, retelling the timeline and iconic moments from the town’s past.

RAIL TRAIL DEVELOPMENT

A rail trail from neighbouring town Girgarre to Stanhope has been completed. This will form a future regional art project – so watch this space.

STATION PARK ART SPACE

Located in Station Park, there’s always an interesting exhibition to view. Stanhope RSL has commemorated 100 years of its existence in Stanhope with a beautiful table and seating in Station Park.

STANHOPE MEN’S SHED

The Stanhope Men’s Shed is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings, at 3 Tivey Grove, Stanhope, with activities including woodwork, welding, furniture making, and up-cycling pallets and timbers from local dairy factories.

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE MARKET AND CAR BOOT SALE

Snag a bargain or say goodbye to some well-loved household items at the community garage sale held on the second Sunday of the month.

“We are adding to the variety of stalls with a car boot sale where people can sell from their car boot and minimise handling of the goods and books involved,” Stanhope & District Development Committee member Christine Dicketts said.

“We started it years ago to promote Stanhope, and I think we have, getting quite a crowd coming through each month,” Christine said.

Excess funds generated from the market go to the emergency fund set up to support members of the community who have undergone trauma and need help.

The emergency fund has been running for as long as the market and it has helped quite a few families in that time.

There is live music each month at the market, a barbecue, and the local café is open for takeaway, roast meals and coffee.

A town favourite, the op shop, and the supermarket are also open on the day.

Shaque-A-Taque on the main street features unique handcrafted woodwork and Australian décor, featuring some good old Aussie humour and locally hand-made gifts and novelties.

MONTEVIDEO MARU MURAL

A stunning mural painted by Tim Bowtell in 2022 is in the centre of town, adjacent to McEwen Place and the war memorial.

It is a tribute to honour those who made the brave and patriotic decision in 1940 to voluntarily enlist, serving in the 2/22 Battalion of the Australian Army, known as Lark Force.

On July 1, 1942, 853 Australian POWs and 200 civilian POWs were lost when the Japanese merchant ship was torpedoed and sunk by the American submarine, the USS Sturgeon.

All perished, including three servicemen who enlisted from Stanhope.

This tragedy remains the largest maritime disaster in Australian history.

A project of the Stanhope RSL Sub Branch (founded in 1918) in collaboration with the Stanhope and District Development Committee.

FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

The Stanhope Food and Wine Festival brings the community together in October and highlights the region’s excellent food offerings.

The street party includes various activities, including food and wine from local vendors, music and children’s entertainment.

For more information and everything Stanhope, go to www.stanhopevic.org.au