Hidden in History is a weekly column that unearths the quirky, curious and sometimes eyebrow-raising tales from Shepparton’s past. Provided by the Shepparton Heritage Centre, these articles are rooted in fact — but told with a wink and a sense of humour.
In 1956, the year in which Melbourne hosted the Olympic Games (and the Olympic torch passed through Shepparton), black-and-white television also came to town — but only to the big towns.
Shepparton had to wait until 1961, when GMV-6 was born and began to broadcast its first programs.
And the same year, Shepparton’s first air service from Essendon Airport got under way following the construction of the town’s aerodrome in a joint venture between local shire councils.
Southern Airlines, using a De Havilland aircraft, was the proud operator.
According to one report, Southern operated a “spasmodic” service for about 12 months before abandoning the enterprise due to a lack of passengers, leaving the aerodrome as a grazing paddock.
What is more certain is that due to the 1956 floods, the aerodrome (more of a bush airstrip in reality) was forced to close for several months.
It was thereafter upgraded to an all-weather facility.
The Shepparton Heritage Centre is always looking for volunteers. If you are interested, contact the centre on 4831 8659.
