The Stories of Euston video series project offers the local community a heartfelt opportunity to share their cherished memories and stories of living in Euston, a quaint township nestled on the banks of the Murray River in New South Wales. Opposite Robinvale and nestled between Mildura and Swan Hill, Euston is a place where history flows as freely as the river itself.
This project weaves a deeper historical connection to Euston’s development, capturing the essence of the town through video and personal interviews. Community members recount their family’s tales, painting a vivid picture of how their lives have intertwined with the Euston region and the transformations they’ve witnessed over the years. From local legends to the rich tapestry of indigenous heritage, wartime stories, pioneering adventures, migrant experiences, and the vibrant threads of multiculturalism, these videos preserve the region’s heritage for posterity and future generations.
Euston, like many communities, has seen radical changes within its culture. Now a significant hub of primary production, the area boasts a legacy of settlers who braved a harsh environment to carve out a life and a future. The diverse heritage of this region is a proud and fascinating tale, where hardworking people from across the globe have left rich stories to honor and preserve. These narratives enhance community pride, conservation and educating while preserving Euston’s living cultural heritage.
In times past, stories were lovingly passed down from one generation to the next. However, our disjointed 21st-century world is both fracturing these precious storylines and causing vital knowledge to be lost. The Stories of Euston project strives to ensure that this region’s heritage is preserved, safeguarding its golden past for many generations to come.
Interview length: 23 minutes
Lorraine Brown, born in 1956, shares a rich family history intertwined with the development of Euston, New South Wales. Her ancestors settled in the area in the 1860s, with roots tracing back to convicts transported to Tasmania. Lorraine reminisces about her childhood, describing a close-knit family living next door to her grandmother in a log cabin. School life in Euston was a blend of education and sports, with Lorraine becoming the first local to represent the town in high jump at regional competitions. The Murray River played a central role in their daily lives, with after-school activities often revolving around swimming and community gatherings.
Her family’s legacy includes her grandfather owning the local pub and various relatives contributing to the town’s infrastructure. Lorraine’s recounting of her life highlights the simplicity and community spirit of growing up in Euston, with stories of shared meals, working on the land, and the enduring connection to the Murray River. These narratives paint a vivid picture of life in a small Australian town, emphasising the importance of family, resilience, and community in shaping one’s identity.
Vale Don Garreffa 1932-2024
Interview length: 38 minutes
Don, who came from Calabria, Italy, immigrated to Australia in 1949. Initially living under a bridge in Mildura for 3 years and working in various jobs, he soon joined his family in Happy Valley, Robinvale, where they farmed tomatoes and beans. Despite starting with very little, he and his family worked hard, eventually buying land and establishing themselves in the community. Don married his cousin Carmela in 1955, and they built a life together, contributing significantly to the local agricultural scene and community infrastructure.
Don’s life in Euston was marked by resilience and community spirit. He was actively involved in various community activities and committees, helping to establish local infrastructure, including irrigation systems and a community club. Despite the hardships and challenges of starting anew in a foreign land, Don’s dedication to his family and community helped him build a successful and fulfilling life. His story is a testament to the immigrant experience, highlighting the importance of hard work, family bonds, and community engagement in achieving success.
Interview length: 50 minutes
Dougal Leslie, born in 1948, recounts his early life growing up at Guthal Station, near Euston, NSW. Raised in a post-war environment with limited resources, Dougal’s family lived in a transported old ex-hotel before moving into a newly built house in 1954. His education began at home with correspondence and governesses, providing a basic education in isolation until he attended boarding school in Melbourne. Life on the farm involved contract fencing, tank sinking, and building a new woolshed, reflecting a period of growth and resilience in the 1950s.
Despite the isolation, Dougal’s upbringing was marked by strong family bonds and a connection to the land. He vividly recalls the challenges of rural life, such as dealing with floods and the reliance on horses for farm work. His family frequently traveled to nearby towns like Mildura for supplies and social interaction. The advent of electricity and better road access in the late 1960s brought significant improvements to their lifestyle, allowing for modern conveniences and better connectivity. Dougal’s narrative is a testament to the adaptability and enduring spirit of rural Australian families.
Interview length: 40 minutes
Steve Leslie, born in 1953, shares his life experiences growing up on Guthal Station near Euston, NSW. His family settled the area in 1865, establishing a legacy that spans generations. Steve describes the hardships of rural life, including the challenges his mother faced raising children in an isolated environment with limited resources. He recalls doing correspondence schooling, working on the farm, and learning essential skills like horse riding and rabbit trapping. Despite the difficulties, Steve’s childhood was marked by a strong family bond and a deep connection to the land.
As he grew older, Steve continued to work on the family property, eventually taking over its management. He reflects on the evolution of agricultural practices, from the early days of manual labor and rudimentary infrastructure to modern advancements like electric shearing stands and satellite monitoring. Steve’s narrative highlights the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in rural Australia. His family’s history is intertwined with the broader development of the region, including the establishment of vital infrastructure like roads, bridges, and irrigation systems. Through it all, Steve emphasizes the importance of community and the enduring legacy of his family’s pioneering spirit.
Interview length: 46 minutes
Edna Price, born on June 2, 1934, in Euston, NSW, has lived her entire life in the town. Her early years were marked by the simplicity and hardships of rural life, such as being delivered at home by a local elderly lady, attending school in dust storms, and growing up with five siblings in a small house. Her father, a former army cook, worked in various cooking jobs, including at the local RSL Club, while her mother managed the household and helped with cooking for shearers.
As an adult, Edna worked various jobs, including delivering bread across the settlement blocks around Renville, starting her day at 4 AM. She married Jack Price, a shearer, and together they navigated the ups and downs of rural life, raising two sons. Despite the personal tragedy of losing both her sons—one at 14 in a car accident and the other more recently—Edna has remained resilient and active in her community, demonstrating a strong spirit and deep connection to her hometown.
Today, Edna continues to be an integral part of the Euston community. She is involved in the local historical society and enjoys dancing at the Euston Club, participating in social activities, and sharing her rich history with others. Her life story is a testament to the enduring spirit and resilience of those who have lived and worked in rural Australia, navigating the challenges and changes over the decades.
Interview length: 42 minutes
Rod Taylor, a lifelong resident of Euston, NSW, traces his roots back to his great-grandparents who were among the original settlers in the area. Born in Kyabram, Rod’s early life was shaped by the stories of his grandfather, while his father worked away from home on bulldozers and graders. Rod’s grandparents were deeply involved in the local community, working on the railways and running the post office, creating a legacy that intertwined with the development of Euston.
Rod’s diverse career began as a motor mechanic and evolved into farming, rabbit chiller operations, and pub ownership. His entrepreneurial ventures included establishing a successful mechanical service business and a rabbit chiller operation, which became highly profitable. Additionally, Rod’s father played a significant role in the community by helping develop local infrastructure, including roads and irrigation systems while Rod was involved in the establishment of the Euston Club, reflecting his commitment to Euston’s growth and resilience.
Throughout his life, Rod has demonstrated adaptability and a strong connection to his hometown. His contributions have spanned various industries and community initiatives, cementing his status as an integral part of Euston’s history. Despite the challenges, Rod’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and a deep sense of place, highlighting the enduring spirit of rural Australia and the importance of family and community in shaping one’s identity.
Interview length: 9 minutes
Mary, born in 1938 in Euston, New South Wales and grew up in a dusty, hot village with two brothers and three sisters. During her school days, there was only one teacher for 60 to 70 children, covering all grades up to sixth. After school, she helped her father run a cookhouse for the builders of block houses. Mary recalls making her own fun, swimming in the river, and cooking potatoes in camp ovens. Her family life was filled with challenges, including getting water and wood, dealing with dust storms, and helping her mother, who took in washing and ironing to support the family.
After marrying Adrian William in 1960, Mary worked various jobs, including at a milk bar and on a telephone exchange. She fondly remembers the community’s simplicity and camaraderie, despite the hardships of the time. Entertainment included weekly trips to the movies and dances, with the community gathering to watch steamers pass on the river. Today, Mary lives in Bendigo, reflecting on the happy, albeit hard, times of her childhood in Euston, where everyone made the best of what they had and found joy in small pleasures.
Interview length: 1 hour, 8 minutes
Ray Jones, the former CEO (1994-2021) of the Euston Club Resort, shares his extensive experience in the club and hotel industry, beginning from his early days in the industry to his tenure at the Euston Club. Initially reluctant about taking up the role due to the club’s remote location, Ray embraced the opportunity. His leadership transformed the Euston Club into a thriving community hub, emphasising the importance of strong community engagement, solid management and strategic planning. Under his operational guidance with the Board, the club implemented a successful 5-year plan as a foundation, drastically increasing profits and expanding its facilities to become one of the most well-known clubs along the Murray River.
Throughout his career, Ray faced numerous challenges, including managing staff in a small community, navigating regulatory changes, and ensuring the club’s financial stability. He implemented innovative strategies like the construction of a Tri-Generation microgrid system to reduce energy costs and the development of a motel to attract more tourists as well as extensive renovations. Ray’s dedication to the club and community is evident as he highlights the importance of supporting local initiatives and fostering tourism to sustain the region’s growth. Despite the difficulties, Ray’s passion for the industry and commitment to the Euston Club’s success has left a lasting impact, making it a key institution in the region.
Contact Shane Strudwick on email shane @ brandaction.com.au or call 0409 678 654. Alternatively contact Steve Leslie on 0488 747 224 for more information.
