Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has officially opened Bupa Traralgon’s History Walkway together with team members, residents and members of the Traralgon Community Development Association. The project, which took 12 months to complete, was a joint initiative between Bupa Traralgon and the Traralgon Community Development Association. The walkway was designed to link residents and the local community through photographs and memorabilia tracing Traralgon’s history. Mr Chester said the Traralgon History Walkway provided a meaningful, tangible link between the residents and their community. “I’ve been very interested to listen to the residents reminiscing about Traralgon and sharing their memories of how the town once was,” Mr Chester said. “This is a wonderful project for those who have been involved in it and those who will enjoy the walkway into the future.” There are over 50 large frames containing hundreds of photos and memorabilia dating from the early settlement of Gippsland and Traralgon, from the late 1830s and early 1840s, through to 1964. The official unveiling also coincided with Bupa Traralgon’s 2nd birthday where residents, relatives and friends came together to celebrate the milestone. Bupa Traralgon General Manager Susan Cochrane said it was really special to be part of this wonderful initiative. “The residents and team members have loved watching the History Walkway grow over the past 12 months. It has also been powerful to see how some of my favourite places in the area have developed,” Susan said. “As new families and residents arrive at our home, they often notice ancestors or links to the area, even their grandfathers business. It really does make a difference to have this piece of our past with us every day.” Secretary of Traralgon Community Development Association and a Bupa volunteer Suzanne Pinchen said it was great see the project come to life. “Over the year, the residents have been eager to see which photos and frames were being hung next in their Walkway,” Ms Pinchen said. “It wasn’t just the residents who were excited. Bupa team members and family have been excited to see the progression throughout the year. “One of the things I am most proud of is the large canvas depicting the architect’s elevation plan of Bupa Traralgon. Incorporated into the canvas are the thumbprints of the 2016 Bupa residents, lovingly collected by Jenny Delicato, Lifestyle officer at Bupa Traralgon.”
