In 1847 Hugh Jamieson on behalf of William Stawell took up an area of 150,000 acres known as Yerre Yerre. It was combined with the Irymple Run of 28,160 acres and in 1858 the runs were re-named Mildura. In 1886 George Chaffey chose the Mildura run as a suitable site for an irrigation colony.

On 31 May 1887 the Chaffey Brothers (George & William) signed their second agreement for the land, and took possession of 250,000 acres the following August, upon which they greed to establish an irrigation settlement. And establish it they did.

The years ahead saw hardships that, we today, as we look out across the green, fertile  blocks,  can only begin to image.

These pioneers moved ahead despite all they faced: the rabbit plagues, the lack of facilities, the influx of settlers that taxed the resources, slow arrival of supplies by bullock dray and paddlesteamers,  not to mention the hot climate and the dry landscape, lack of ready made accommodation (!) and undercurrent of differing options.

Paddlesteamers travelled along the Murray River bringing people and supplies and by so doing have woven themselves into the history of our district.

Their service was invaluable but like many today their operations were subject to the whims of nature - high river enables the river to be navigated, but a low river restricted or completely halted the movement of these great vessels.

Today, locals and tourists alike join with "Rattie" (of "The wind in the willows" fame),
as he spoke to Mole, when he said, "...there is nothing-absolutely nothing-half so
much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." (With apologises to our captains
for referring to paddlesteamer as "boats.")

The steam pumps at Red Cliffs, when up and running did their part to enable irrigation to flourish.

Today they can be seen in all their splendour and locals continue to insure they are still "well oiled" machines.

Big Lizzie came into the district in 1918 to assist with clearing the Mallee scrub ready for  soldier settlement.

She is now on permanent display in the main street of Red Cliffs, 15 km  south of Mildura

The vision was there and the men and women of those early days forged ahead. Out of their discomfort, pain, heartache and persistent labour came victory - the foundation
of our beautiful city and her surrounding district.
 

In more recent years has come another vision. Once again with much sweat and hard work, has emerged- the inland botanical gardens. Just several kilometres from Mildura,  across the George Chaffey bridge into New South Wales.

Mildura has become one of Australia’s major horticultural regions producing grapes (dried, table and wine), citrus, avocados, olives, apricots, peaches, almonds and vegetables. It is surrounded by dryland farming including cattle, sheep, wheat and barley.

Mallee (Eucalyptus sp.) scrub, Belah (Casurina sp.) and Native Pine (Callitris sp.) are the dominant vegetation types in the area, with Black Box and River Red Gums (Eucalyptus sp.) found on the flood plain of the Murray River.

Our city has grown and flourished as our pioneers looked to the future and now we looked to them in appreciation for what they have done and out of the past comes the many stories of who these people were; our lives are all interwoven in many ways.

                                                               Rio Vista Homestead/Museum

And so it is that the Mildura and District Genealogical Society works to help many people whether in this area or further flung fields, find links with those of the bygone eras.