The Blackwood Times

The Blackwood Times is a bi-monthly community paper put together by volunteers for the community of Blackwood, Victoria.
In the Mid 1990’s Robina Brown and Jinny Coyle were talking about communication and resources within the township of Blackwood. It was at this time that Robina decided to create a town newsletter and at the same time Jinny created a school holiday program for the children. The first iteration was a hand typed 2xA4 sheets stapled in the corner called “The Blackwood Newsletter”. This was not designed for tourists and was purely designed to help the community feel connected. It was printed in Ballarat and there were 200 copies printed per issue, this included a town Calendar with everyone’s birthdays!
After 2 years Robina bought a computer and with the assistance of Jinny a templte was setup on Publisher.

In 2008 Robina finished up and handed over the paper to Jinny, who kept with the format of the paper but changed it to A3 folded in the middle and the first edition was 20 pages! In 2001, ( Oct-Nov ) the calendar stopped due to more people moving to town and in 2013 the paper changed it’s official name to “The Blackwood Times”.

The paper was now in publication every 2 months and was a look back over he activities of the town aswell ad advertising and supporting upcoming events. In 2019 Jinny put out a call for a new team to assist and a new group was formed to take over, with the assistance of Jinny one episode was published however was subsequently handed back to Jinny to run with. In 2020 the pandemic took its toll on the paper with less to report on and less interaction however pushed through with many creative ideas. In 2022 Jinny once again called out a community assistance and a new committee of volunteers was formed as-well and a formal incorporation of the Committee allowing Jinny to pass the flag from decades of hard work on behalf of the town.

The paper continues to be run by the committee appointed in 2022 who continue to support the paper with time, effort and a tap on the shoulder to anyone that might have a story to publish. The committee and town are proud of the paper and it’s history and always invite articles, stories and photos to be submitted to the team.

Contact Details:

Follow The Blackwood Times:

Contact:

team@theblackwoodtimes.com.au:

Website:

https://www.theblackwoodtimes.com.au/

Blackwood Progress Association Inc.

Progress aims to serve as a forum for discussing community concerns and interests, while prioritising the protection and rehabilitation of Blackwood’s natural environment. It seeks to foster economic development in a manner that preserves the community’s unique identity and respects residents' lifestyle choices. Efforts are focused on improving and developing valuable community assets through various fundraising activities, including appeals, donations, and events.

Progress also supports and collaborates with other local groups and sporting organisations, especially those providing services for children. Progress also strives to maintain a strong, cooperative relationship with the Moorabool Council to ensure local input in government decisions affecting the community. Progress also coordinates and organises work and working bees for various projects as determined by its members.

Progress also Organises the Annual Blackwood Easter Carnival that has been the largest Blackwood event for the last 122 years (as of 2024)

Contact Details:

Follow Blackwood Progress Association Inc.:

Contact:

President: Angelko (FISH) Juresko:

Phone:

0425722613

Blackwood Public Cemetery Trust

Our cemetery is often complimented on by our visitors, as being one of the more picturesque sites in all of Victoria, we agree.

As a final resting place it is certainly peaceful and serene, this sentiment seconded by the mob of kangaroos that also call it home during the day!

The grounds are the final resting place for many of our pioneers, with the earliest known burial dating back to 1855.

There is a self guided tour of the cemetery the visitor can take that not only gives a taste of our storied history, but also, a glimpse into the many stories this towns descendants have to offer.

Contact Details:

Contact:

Robyn Zanon:

Phone:

53686792

Blackwood & Barry's Reef Landcare Group

Blackwood & Barry’s Reef Landcare Group has been around for over 20 years. We are a group of local residents who are passionate about actively caring for the land, waterways, plants, animals, fungi…all the natural beauty of a very special part of Victoria. We undertake weed management, revegetation, citizen science activities and have fun along the way!

Our general meetings are held bimonthly at either the community room of the Blackwood Hall or the Blackwood Uniting Church St Martin’s Chapel.

Because much of our area of interest is in public (state/local government) ownership, an important role for us is coordinating with the public land managers regarding weed management. Our members report weed outbreaks before they become too large and costly to manage. And local residents can also do their part in stopping weeds escaping into the surrounding forest.

As a member of Landcare Victoria Inc and also Moorabool Landcare Network, Blackwood & Barry’s Reef Landcare Group taps into the resources of the wider Landcare “family”.

Contact Details:

Follow Blackwood & Barry's Reef Landcare Group:

Website:

https://www.blackwoodlandcare.org.au/

Blackwood & District Historical Society

The historical society supports and encourages the preservation of the history of Blackwood and the surroundings including Barrys Reef and Greenhills. We are a friendly group of volunteers that meet officially once a month at our home base, we however meet much more often to explore the area, discuss history and search out relics of the past of this amazing township. Blackwood came of age in the gold rush beginning in 1855 where the population at one point reached an amazing 13,000 individuals with many hotels, stores, gold workings and hopeful prospectors living it rough. Blackwood now has approximately 300 permanent residents and is a favourite spot for tourists if you are visiting on one of our open days we would love to share with you stories, photos and relics of the past.

Contact Details:

Follow Blackwood & District Historical Society:

Contact:

President: Mark Devenish:

Phone:

0400898173

Pups & Pinots!

I am taking expressions of interest to join a little start up club if you will - PUPS & PINOTS!
A social and wine group for humans and dogs in Blackwood, come along to meet more people and get your dogs social/energy fix for the afternoon!
Ensuring your pup gets mental and physical exercise each day is tough, so I'm hoping this can be beneficial for both pups and peeps alike.
Bring your dog, a beverage or two, and enjoy the (increasingly nicer) outdoor weather with fellow Dog Slaves!