Mandy, Gerry & Rachel on the steps of Tibradden Homestead

The Historical Homesteads Tour  held in October 2021 was a fundraiser conducted by Hawes Heritage Events  to raise funds for The Hermitage Appeal.  MHHI is endeavouring to raise $100,000 to re-purchase the Hermitage from the State Government and as a result of the event was able to contribute $3,000 to the Appeal.

Tickets for a seat on the bus sold out very quickly and a group of approximately 55 people  visited the 3 historic homesteads finishing up at The Hermitage for afternoon refreshments.

The group was welcomed at Glengarry Station by the owners  Gareth & Lucy Rowe and spent time exploring the old stables and the original homestead which was the birthplace of the first Australian woman to serve as a Member of Parliament,  Edith Cowan.

After morning tea in the Quadrangle at Glengarry, the bus transported the group to Newmarracarra.  Jerry & Linda Clune welcomed the group to their property and Jerry talked about the history of the magnificent homestead and the surrounding buildings. Everyone enjoyed exploring the old homestead and imagining it in its heyday.

Lunch was served on the lawns and verandah at Tibradden Station where Geoff & Jenny Collins explained their connections to the property before showing the group through their beautifully restored  homestead, the cellar and the outer buildings.

Talks were given on the bus ride by Bruce Ley  who introduced  the people behind the properties that were visited, Tony Critch explained the properties’ connections to the  Randolph Stow novel The Merry-Go Round in the Sea and Michael Culloton talked about his family’s connections to Glengarry and Newmarracarra.

Fr Robert Cross, Tony Critch and Warren Kalajzich spoke to the group as they enjoyed refreshments at The Hermitage and explained the history of the building and the intention of the Monsignor Hawes Heritage Inc group to assist in re-purchasing the building for the Diocese.

Hawes Heritage events are grateful to all who  assisted and made this day possible and especially to Ron Hayward for his services as Bus Driver!