Born – 16 January 1835 – Paderborn, Germany
Died – 16 September 1912 – Elwood

Gold prospector, drover, farmer and one of the last surviving members of the Burke and Wills Expedition to die.

When Burke set out from Cooper’s Creek with a bare 3 months supplies on his ‘dash’ to the Gulf of Carpentaria, he left William in charge of the camp.

After waiting more than four months, and with his own supplies running low, he finally decided to abandon the camp on 21 April 1861, leaving the “DIG” tree on Cooper’s Creek

Our Guest Speaker – Dr Douglas McCann gave a very informative talk which was enjoyed by all.

The plaque was unveiled by David Brahe, the great grandson of William

Refreshments were served on and around the verandah of the Lodge.

Diary Dates for 2024

5 May 2024 – Australian Heritage Festival  at 2pm – Ned Kelly Connections

 There are many people interred at the Brighton General Cemetery whose lives were interwoven with Ned Kelly  on this walk we will visit their  graves to tell their stories including the Sherriff of Victoria who signed Ned’s  Death Warrant.

26^th May 2024 – Law Week.  “GUILTY OR NOT” You be the Jury – 2pm – meet near the office

As the Jury you will hear the case of the death of two wives of a doctor, be asked who caused the death of the body found in a lane, whether a brothers dispute was responsible for a murder and while out shooting rabbits was a death an accident. In total six cases will be heard and as the Jury you will be asked to consider if they are Guilty or Not Guilty.

4th August 2024 AGM – Guest Speaker – Steve Mayes will talk about Joseph Ladd Mayes and Ned Kelly’s connection

to be held at the Murrumbeena Bowls Club – 10 Blackwood St, Carnegie at 1.15 for a 1.30 start

13th October 2024 – Odd Bod Walk

8th November  2024– Flag Commemoration – a further 50 flags will be placed at Service Person’s Graves

11th November 2024 – Remembrance Day Walk

8th December 2024 – Christmas Lunch in the Lodge at Brighton General Cemetery