PAST EVENTS
Making of an Outlaw - Ned Kelly
A tour of truth telling from both sides of the law, separating fact from fiction. History enthusiasts heard from Noeleen Lloyd (relative of 3 members of the Kelly Gang) and Adrian Younger at Powers Lookout on the young Ned Kelly and his apprenticeship with Harry Powers, the bushranger and the landscape in which the gang hid and the challenges facing the police.
At the beautiful and moving Stringybark Creek memorial, we heard about the events that led to the murder of 3 Mansfield police and how it unfolded from Leo Kennedy, the great grandson of Sergeant Michael Kennedy and the psychological effects this had on the victims' families. Adrian Younger, local historian, was one of the team that discovered the Kennedy Tree and he walked through the evidence on this significant location provided to Heritage Victoria.
Rounding off the tour at the Mansfield cemetery and the police monument, we heard about the lives of the 3 policemen and the town's commemoration to the fallen. Matt Leggett, mounted on his horse, enhanced the occasion in bush dress and colonial uniform.
Below review By Joan Tehan
Moment of truth brings knowledge and goodwill.
Mansfield witnessed its own moment of truth with the coming together of descendants of the police and outlaws involved in the 1878 Stringybark Creek massacre. It is 146 years since three local policemen were ambushed and killed at Stringybark Creek by Ned Kelly and his gang, but the pain, grief and in some cases, shame, of that tragic day are still felt and carried by members of those families. Over time, elements of the true story have been lost in the romanticisation and colourful legends of bushrangers roaming the rugged mountains of North East Victoria. That trivialisation has increased the impact for survivors.
The dinner was organised by the Mansfield Historical Society following the tour to various sites around Stringybark Creek. It provided some compelling moments and deep insights as the families shared the stage to talk frankly of their mutual respect, areas of agreement and disagreement and a joint commitment to seek the truth and stories of what really happened around those events. Leo Kennedy and Noeleen Lloyd were open and thoughtful in answering questions from a captivated audience of historian enthusiasts, some with links to the families involved.
By the end of the night, we felt like witnesses to an unfolding drama with a tragic outcome. We related to the victims on both sides, feeling their grief but were uplifted by their courage and goodwill to share their stories so frankly. The healing has started here in the place where it all began four generations ago.
Sod turning for the Mansfield Heritage Museum - 21st February 2024
Thank you Mansfield for ensuring this event was so successful. Over 200 people attended and after the formalities enjoyed a Yenckens sausage sizzle. Federal member for Indi Helen Haines, President of the Mansfield Historical Society Graeme Stoney AM and Mansfield Shire Mayor Cr Steve Rabie did the honours.
