What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 7pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 5pm Saturday 9am - 4pm

Mt Barker Local History Centre

Name: Mt Barker Local History Centre
Address: 5 Dumas Street, Mount Barker, SA, 5251, AU
Telephone: 83936474
Price range: $

Home
Australia
Mount Barker, SA
Mt Barker Local History Centre

The Local History Centre holds an extensive collection of material relating to the history of the Mount Barker District.

The Local History Centre at Mt Barker holds an extensive collection of material relating to the history of the district. Those researching their family history, the history of their house or other landmarks in the region, or just the district in general will find plenty of resources available to assist them. Our collection currently includes:

- Birth, death and marriage registers
- Burial regist

er details and tombstone transcriptions for a range of cemeteries
- Copies of The Courier newspaper
- Historical photographs
- School records
- Information on heritage listed buildings
- Reference books
- A collection of unpublished material
- Much, much more

A Local History Officer is also available Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 3:50pm to help you with your research. Posts to this page are authored by Rhiannon Agutter, Local History Officer; and Bruce Hemmer and Shay Hannah, Local History Volunteers.

04/09/2026

The freeway project gained momentum in March 1975.

Work on the $400,000 Mount Barker interchange bridge over the South Eastern Freeway was due to be completed in June 1975. Once opened to traffic, the freeway would replace Childs Road as the main thoroughfare into Mount Barker.

Source:

Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

Courier Newspaper 19 March 1975

Photographs:
PH-V14-00013 Mt Barker: Preparing reinforcement mesh for the concrete pour on the interchange bridge over the freeway. Date: 1975 Courier Newspaper Photograph.

PH-V14-00014 Mt Barker: Looking from the Littlehampton side at the interchange bridge over the freeway. Date: 1975 Courier Newspaper Photograph.

PH-D-V6-00235 Mt Barker: View of Childs Road and the South-Eastern freeway under construction. Date: 1975 Graham Crack Collection.

28/08/2026

Bruce, the faithful dog owned by Mr D. A. Milne, was a familiar figure at the Mount Barker Cricket Oval in Dunn Park during the 1880s. On both practice and match days, he would make his way to the ground and take up his customary fielding position.

Whenever the ball disappeared into the hedge, Bruce knew exactly what was expected of him and required no encouragement. Even at the remarkable age of 19, his enthusiasm remained undiminished, although he could do little more than wag his tail when the ball rolled into the hedge. He was even said to break into a smile when the home team won.

It was suggested that, upon his death, Bruce should be buried on the oval, with a bat and ball marking his resting place. Whether this tribute was ever carried out remains unknown.

Source:
Local History database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au

Bruce the cricketing canine - Mt Barker Courier Newspaper 23 December 1889

PH-D-V1-00125 -Mt Barker: Cricket team at Dunn Park. Circa 1900.

PH-D-V6-00389
Mt Barker: A view from Paddys Hill Road looking towards Windmill Hill. Beyond the railway line is Dunn Oval located on Cameron Road. Date: 1967.

21/08/2026

In June 1984, after nearly two years of uncertainty and repeated postponements, the Southern Farmers cheese factory in Mt Barker finally closed after 50 years of production.

The last batch of cheese was completed at 3 p.m. on the factory's final day, marking the end of an era for the local Southern Farmer’s dairy industry. Economic recession and declining orders had made the factory's future doubtful, although new contracts repeatedly delayed its closure. Most employees transferred to Chapman’s at Nairne or other Southern Farmers at Murray Bridge and the city, while three long-serving workers retired.

The final production run saw 520 five-kilogram units of cheese leave the line before the factory ceased operations permanently.

Source:

Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

PH-V89-00032
Mt Barker: Southern Farmers dairy cheese factory closes after 50 years. Moments before the closure, cheese makers Phil Cosgrove (left), Mick Kuchel (centre), Albert "Wacka" Daw, Robert Cavies cutting and dressing the cheese before putting it into storage. Date: 1984. Courier Newspaper photograph.

PH-V89-00033
Mt Barker: Southern Farmers dairy cheese factory closes after 50 years. Factory manager Mr. Kevin McCaul inspects batch of circular blocks of cheese in the cold storage room. Date: 1984. Courier Newspaper photograph.

14/08/2026

During the 1940s, some Mt Barker families lived in sub-standard housing, including ageing cottages and temporary dwellings that lacked modern facilities such as indoor bathrooms, sewerage, reliable water supplies, and adequate living space. Overcrowding and poor building conditions were common during the post-war housing shortage.

Mt Barker's first Housing Trust homes were built on part of Weld Park from 1947. The 34-house estate was designed as a garden suburb, with homes facing open parkland to provide modern, affordable housing for local families.

This marked an important step in improving living conditions and supporting the town's growth.

Source:

Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

Photographs

PH-V7-00012
Mt Barker: Poor condition worker's housing on Cameron Road, opposite the old swimming pool car park. The property has since been demolished. Circa 1946.

PH-V1-00019
Mt Barker: Jack Milligan's house on the corner of McLaren Street and Mill Lane. The house on the right was Kruger Kavanagh's home, now demolished. Circa 1940’s.

07/08/2026

The Battle of Passchendaele, also known as the Third Battle of Ypres, was fought between 31 July and 6 November 1917. The battle became infamous not only for its enormous loss of life but also for the appalling conditions. Heavy rain transformed the battlefield into a vast quagmire, where soldiers and horses alike struggled through deep mud, and many drowned.

Richard Gregory Robinson MM was born in Nairne and enlisted on 4 December 1915 with the 10th Reinforcements. He suffered a shell wound to his foot on 7 August 1916 and, after recovering, was transferred to the 48th Battalion on 23 October 1916. For his gallantry in action, Richard was awarded the Military Medal on 23 June 1917.

On 12 October 1917, Richard was killed in action near Passchendaele. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial in Belgium.

Richard was one of more than half a million casualties suffered during this devastating three-month campaign.

Source:

Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au

Call number: NAI-MI-00001
A pictorial Record of the Men and Women of Nairne and Surrounding Districts who enlisted in World War 1. [Date: 2021]

Photographs:

Richard Gregory Robinson MM, medals, Menin Gate, Ypres, Belgium.

Home | Australian War Memorial Honours and Awards (Recommendation) Richard Gregory Robinson

24/07/2026

The 1993 film ‘Hammers Over the Anvil’ starring Russell Crowe and Charlotte Rampling was filmed at several spots around the Hills, including the Mount Barker Railway Station.

The station was made to look as it did at the turn of the century, with the SteamRanger on the tracks and 90 cast members on the platform dressed in period costume (including locals involved as extras).

The filming was focused on a scene of a flock of ostriches being transported by train, with Mount Barker standing in for country Victoria.

Sources:
Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

Courier Newspaper 20 November 1991

Photographs:
PH-V45-00054 - Mt Barker: 'Hammers Over the Anvil' - South Australian Film Corporation movie extra Kaye Wraith poses at railway station with young screen family Daniel Burnside and Marta Measday. 1991

PH-V45-00053 - Mt Barker: South Australian Film Corporation filming at railway station - 'Hammers Over the Anvil'. 1991

17/07/2026

In honour of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final this Monday, see how soccer matches around the area have looked through history.

Sources:
Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

Photographs:
Call Number: PH-V55-00135
Description: Mt Barker: Weld Park soccer players. c1920.

Call Number: PH-V120- 00002
Description: Adelaide Hills District United: Soccer- Steve Daych, Ivan Lawson against Glanville. Courier Newspaper 26/07/1978 p.22

Call Number: PH-V120- 00031
Description: Mt Barker South Primary School: Soccer- carnival. Players un-named. Courier Newspaper 13/09/1978 p.23

Call Number: PH-V120- 00017
Description: Mt Barker: Soccer-South Students- Kassie Luck, Stella Wright, Lorie Smordowski, Sarah Smith, Jodie Cullen, Natalie Watts, Amy Nitschke, Michelle Bickerton at Junior Soccer Carnival. Courier Newspaper 30/09/1978 p.37

Call Number: PH-V120- 00025
Description: Mt Barker: Soccer- Shane Ellis, Bridgewater Edwin Fitzgerald. Courier Newspaper 24/05/1989 p.31

Call Number: PH-V120- 00026
Description: Mt Barker: Soccer- High School new gymnasium. Saints- David Georgeson. Courier Newspaper 31/05/1989 p.26

10/07/2026

The Mount Barker Baptist Church Sunday School picnics were held each summer for Sunday school pupils. One of the earliest recorded picnics took place at Dunn’s paddock in January 1895. The younger children were gifted toys, while the older children of the congregation enjoying running races and games of cricket and tennis.

The 1914 picnic, as well as being a day for relaxing and games, also included a sermon from visiting Rev. Andrew Gowans, a geography lesson, and a spelling lesson.

By 1928, the picnickers were treated to (and took part in) musical performances. Several members pictured in the 1914 photo, including Mabel Barker, Margaret Bell, Queenie Mappley, Edith Barker, Rita Stephenson and Kath Stephenson, played violin and sung duets and solos.

Sources:
Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/
Courier Newspaper 4 Jan 1985
Courier Newspaper 18 Dec 1914
Courier Newspaper 7 Dec 1928

Photograph:
PH-V40-00016 - Mt Barker: Baptist Sunday School. Names on the photograph - Back Row: Elsie Bennett, Lucy Barker, Alice Voz, Dorothy Mappley (in arms), Jo Daw, Kate Gee, Sam Bowering (Mrs.). Standing: Helen Bell, Faith Salman, David Daw, Bruce Murray, Terence Paltridge, Mabel Barker, Margaret Bell. Chairs: Rene Wadrop, Gwen Turner, Jena Bennett, Gwen Stephenson, John Bennett, Queenie Mappley, Doris Hoskin, Edith Barker. Sitting: Reta Stephenson, Kath Stephenson, Doris Wadrop, Dorothy Blanchard, Enid Salman, Lorna Barker, Phyllis Beresford (visitor - verandah). Not all names have been listed. Courtesy of Paul Mudge. Date: 1914

03/07/2026

At 7:20 on the morning of Saturday, 12 January 1946, the Melbourne Express must have been a magnificent sight, as it steamed through Mt Barker Junction on its way to Adelaide. The engine was driven by Mr A. V. Scott, with Mr E. R. Schulz serving as fireman.

Source:

Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au

PH-D-V1-00339: Mt Barker Junction: Melbourne Express train. Date: 1946
Courtesy of Yvonne Barrett

26/06/2026

After five years of planning, fundraising, and community working bees, the residents of Harrogate proudly opened their new district hall on 28 April 1962. The official opening was conducted by Senator Mattner. The hall was intended to serve both as a community gathering place and as a memorial to those who lost their lives in the two World Wars. Thanks to the united efforts of local residents, it was opened completely debt-free.

The success of the occasion was supported by the Ladies Auxiliary, who provided catering, while the Hahndorf Brass Band entertained guests throughout the afternoon. In a nearby paddock, a clay pigeon shoot was held, giving local marksmen the opportunity to display their skills. The celebrations continued into the evening with a well-attended dance, culminating in the judging of a ballerina.

Sources:
Local History Database
https://localhistory.mountbarker.sa.gov.au/

Courier Newspaper 2 May 1962

Photographs: Courtesy of the Wigzell family.
Harrogate: Opening of Harrogate Soldiers Memorial Hall, 28th April 1962.

PH-D-V7-00007- Harrogate and district residents dancing in the hall.

PH-D-V7-00001 -Ballerina, Miss A Maczkowiack with Judges, Mrs. Linn and Doctor Linn (judges) of Lobethal.

PH-D-V7-00002 - From (L-R): D. Mathew, Kath White, O. Edwards, S. Mathew, K. Mathew and R. Watchel, with the catering.

PH-D-V7-00004 - From (L-R) Miss Joy Leen, Elaine and Dianne Shepherd, Marlene Wilson and Mr. Leo Shepherd.

Address

5 Dumas Street
Mount Barker, SA
5251

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 7pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 5pm
Saturday	9am - 4pm

Telephone

83936474

Website

http://localhistory.dcmtbarker.sa.gov.au/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Mt Barker Local History Centre posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your museum to be the top-listed Museum in Mount Barker?