This year, at what has now become an annual gathering at Greta, we presented on a theme relating not just to the ‘Kelly Story’, but to the Greta district, and history more broadly. It was once again  a sell-out. The numbers may be small, but for those that attend – you now know why we can only sell 72 tickets – we can’t fit any more! The idea was that we take a theme and look at the touch points from all sides as they relate to the story, the people, the district and social history at the time. Ned and the Law was our biggest event yet – a full day and evening. Rest assured though – it will not get any bigger.

An event such as this requires the full year lead in time, with the last three months, then weeks and days becoming increasingly busier and downright frenetic at times. Everything is planned with precision – it must be. The Committee is made up of 13 people Adrian Younger, Noeleen Lloyd, Trevor and Sue Dinning, Ken Ellis, Mike and Di Wescombe, Tony and Michelle King, Patricia Wadley, Francis O’Brien and Kris Porker. Our newest recruit June Gardner has had a baptism of fire over the last few months.

Each one of them plays a vital part in every event that is organised – never more so than this one. Also, a number of family members are honorary members (willingly) for the day as they provide love, support and hard work in helping family and Community make the day succeed. We could not do without the unwavering support of Kelly Smith, Lola Rowe, Jenny Salter, Allan Porker, Shelley Younger, Joan Ellis and David Dinning.

Greta turned it on during the weekend.  We are proud to be a Community that is welcoming and nurturing and above all  – inclusive. We call that FAMILY.

On the Friday, last minute preparations were in full swing, when one of the Guests, Dean Mayes, and his father, Steve arrived at the Hall.  After being plied with cake and cups of tea, they wouldn’t take ‘No’ for an answer and pitched in to help Noeleen  set up displays, place goodie bags, and help wherever they could.  They have now been co-opted as life members of the Hall Committee. It was not long and then they, along with the whole Committee, other guest presenters  and their families were able to relax over a BBQ tea and prepare for the next day. It was a fantastic start.

The Saturday dawned bright – and after a quick whisk around with the broom, the urns were hot, the biscuits and slices were plated, and people were milling around- all ready for the doors to open. There were many that greeted old friends, but so many new faces this year. It was exactly what we hoped for. In what is also now an tradition, Noeleen gathered all the Committee, guests presenters and their  family for a toast – a wee drop of ‘the Irish’ was provided to everyone.  Good health, good fortune and good luck were toasted – along with profuse thanks for all the work so far – Slainte! 

The doors were then opened, and guests filed in to grab their name tags, check out books for sale, the silent auction items and get a cuppa and slice before proceedings kicked off.  Noeleen’s daughter Kelly greeted people to collect tickets – wearing the same Ironoutlaw shirt she does every year – and it still fits! Adrian Younger’s military training puts him in the perfect position as MC as he marshalled and welcomed everyone into the hall  – then introduced the day.

Noeleen Lloyd was the first presenter and spoke about policing in the Greta district in general – and in particular, the  locations of the police stations themselves. The first being at Greta (now Greta West) from 1870 – 1878 and the second at the Greta crossroads area from 1881 – 1903.  Who were these men  – and their wives that manned the station? What was their time like in the district?  These were questions posed and some insight provided.

Dean Mayes, as the Great, Great Grandson of Trooper Joseph Ladd Mayes, was able to lead the guests through the personal story of a Trooper in the 1800’s, especially one who had been part of the hunt for both Harry Power and the Kelly Gang. He was a man of integrity and dedication.

At this time a lunch break was called, and guests were able to partake in the fabulous spread prepared by Kris and her catering crew – who worked throughout the day – and weeks,  to cook and present both morning tea and lunch.  It was all delicious, and a testament to country hospitality  – we heard that many times!

Chief Inspector (Retired) Ralph Stavely gave a fascinating insight into policing in the 1800’s and provided an informed and balanced narrative about policing and its effects during the Kelly Outbreak. There are good and bad and even good people do bad things when there is bad leadership.

Finally, Alice Richardson gave what can only be called an ‘enlightening’ presentation on Sir Redmond Barry and his portrayal in the Media and art and the Trial of Ned Kelly. It left a lot of people rethinking long held beliefs on both  Barry himself and the Trial.

These four presentations were across all facets and ‘sides’ of policing and the law – from different perspectives. All based in fact, with solid research behind them. The aim was to provide information in a balanced and factually correct format that allows the guest to look at things anew, challenge themselves, challenge others. To look wider and deeper into the story and ‘get history correct’. To understand all points of view, to look at history factually –  and learn. 

Guests then went off to freshen up before returning for a spit roast dinner, drinks and conversation. Everyone agreed that Jess Byrne and her team from ‘Two Chefs and a Cook Catering’  did a fabulous job – a delicious meal and so easy to deal with. We highly recommend them. Billson’s 1865 sent along two of their finest,  Eloise and Mark, and their product went down a treat – I can guarantee the Gin and Tonic (Noeleen). Due to illness, Nathan Cowan, from Billson’s Brewery was unable to present as planned and so Brad Webb form Ironoutlaw.com stepped in and gave a history on the idea for, and development of the Website. He highlighted some of the feedback over the last twenty years, including contributions  from teenagers such as Aidan Phelan  and Steve Jager, who now twenty years on,  have their own blogs and Facebook pages.

People stayed, they talked, they laughed. Family, friends, new and old. The raffle was drawn – congratulations again Jack Peterson – and thanks to all the sponsors for the fabulous prize. You can read reviews from both Dean Mayes and Aidan Phelan on their respective blogs (we’ve provided those links). The day and night could not have been possible without the support and assistance of the following:

• ALL the Committee, their family and friends who helped in the lead up and on the day. 
• The Guest Speakers AND their families:
  • Dean Mayes and his father Steve Mayes
  • Ralph and Maureen Stavely
  • Alice Richardson and her parents Doug and Robyn Richardson  – and her partner Loycek Cervek

And our fabulous Sponsors:

• Ned Kelly: Australian Ironoutlaw and Brad Webb
• The Ned Kelly Vault
• Burke Museum and Beechworth Historic Precinct
• Trojan Press
• Billson’s 1865
• Garden View Lodge Wangaratta
• Sawmill Cottage Farm
• Glenrowan Kelly Country Motel – Glenrowan Victoria Australia
• Vintage Hall Café, Glenrowan
• Glenrowan Bakehouse and Cafe
• Kate’s Cottage Glenrowan
• Mt Morgan Store
• Woolshed Valley Co
• I Am Ned
• Aidan Phelan
• Alan Crichton
• Alan Perkins
• Anthony Dodd
• Chester Eagle
• Judith Douthie
• Joe Zapp
• Kelvyn Gill
• Kevyn Morris
• Michelle Lynch and Ned Kelly Sympathisers
• Wallace Mortimer
• Myrrhee Hall
• Greta Valley Landcare
• Two Chefs and a Cook Catering 

Save the 20 February 2021 for the next event. 

Finally THANK YOU to all those who attended and supported in any way. We can’t do this without you. We do this for two reasons:

1. To keep the heritage and history of our district alive AND
2. To raise much needed funds for our beloved Hall, without which the Hall would cease to operate, or be improved.

Photo Credits: Kevyn Morris, Noeleen Lloyd, Lola Rowe, and Michelle Lynch.