VICTORIA LAGOON GRAVES

Location

Oakley's Road MOORALLA, Southern Grampians Shire

Level

Stage 2 study complete

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Victoria Lagoon squatting run, located approximately 20kms north-east of Cavendish on the edge of a natural water feature, was taken up by Peter Parton in 1845. It was then taken over by John and Margaret Philip, nee Robertson, members of a very large, important and enduring dynasty in the Western District. Two of their four children born at Victoria Lagoon, Jane (1851-53) and Catherine (1852-54) died there and the graves survive across the creek from the homestead site. The siting of the graves across a stream, distant and yet visible from the homestead, with the mountains as a backdrop is typical of the earliest pioneer period and was probably influenced by the picturesque aesthetic of which the parents would have been aware. Peter and Margaret Philip moved on to other larger properties in the families' ownership. Their son, John Philip Junior, returned to the area purchasing Englefield in 1901, which he expanded substantially. Managers probably occupied the Victoria Lagoon homestead for the new owners, Thomas and Andrew Chirnside, the owners of nearby Mokanger from 1859. The property was subdivided relatively late in the nineteenth century when Richard Bryant purchased it. It is not known when the homestead was abandoned or demolished. It is now an archaeological site.

How is it significant?
Victoria Lagoon is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
Victoria Lagoon is of historical significance for its associations with the important Philip and Robertson families and, later, with the Chirnside family. It is of particular historical significance as an example of the way the earliest pioneers dealt with death, especially the death of their children.

Group

Cemeteries and Burial Sites

Category

Isolated Grave/Burial Site