History and culture

Welcome to Towong Shire, home to the real 'Man from Snowy River'. Towong has a rich history and a thriving cultural life for you to explore.

Traditional Custodians

Council proudly acknowledges Towong’s Aboriginal communities and their rich culture, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.

We acknowledge Aboriginal people as Australia’s first peoples and as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land and water on which we rely.

We recognise and value the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people and communities to Victorian life and how this enriches us.

We embrace the spirit of reconciliation, working towards the equality of outcomes and ensuring an equal voice.

Man from Snowy River Museum

We proudly support the Man from Snowy River Museum in Corryong.

Here, you can learn about Jack Riley, purported to be the subject of Banjo Paterson's famous Australian poem, 'The Man from Snowy River'.

Learn about the pioneering life of the early settlers of the Upper Murray, and view a range of antique memorabilia including household goods and ski equipment.

The museum is staffed entirely by passionate volunteers and is open seven days per week:

September to May, 10.00am - 4.00pm
June August, 11.00am - 3.00pm

The museum is closed Good Friday and Christmas Day.

Find out more on the Man from Snowy River Museum website.

Tallangatta - the town that moved

Tallangatta is known locally as ‘the town that moved’.

In 1956, the town was moved eight kilometres to the west to allow for the expansion of Lake Hume.

When water levels of Lake Hume are at their lowest, remnants of the old town can be seen from the Old Tallangatta Lookout, located on the Murray Valley Highway.

Our creatives

Towong Shire has a strong creative sector, with many creative individuals and groups calling our region home.

Creative groups

Bridge the River Arts

Find out more at Bridge the River Arts' Facebook page.

Jingellic Hub Inc

Find out more at Jingellic Hub Inc's website or Facebook page.

Creative call out

Are you a creative in Towong Shire? We'd love to find out more about you so that we can better support your creative practice.

Please complete this two minute survey and we'll be in touch.

Need assistance?

Our Coordinator of Recreation, Arts and Culture is on hand to provide advice and support to artists and community groups, including assistance in applying for local, state or national grants.

1300 365 222
info@towong.vic.gov.au.

Resources

Some useful websites for grant opportunities include:

Creative Victoria aims to make sure all Victorians can enjoy, participate in and benefit from a rich arts and cultural environment.
Regional Arts Victoria manages the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund Program in Victoria, supporting sustainable cultural development in regional and remote Australia.
Murray Arts contributes directly to the arts and cultural lifeblood of the Border region by working with individuals, communities and local government to develop the arts and cultural life of their communities.