TAWONGA will mark a major milestone this month, celebrating 180 years of community and resilience.

Originally settled in the 1840s, Tawonga has grown from a colonial settlement into a cherished rural community and this month, residents are coming together for a weekend of festivities to honour its heritage and celebrate its resilience.

From Friday, 28 March to Sunday, 30 March the Tawonga and District Community Association (TDCA), with support from the Upper Kiewa Valley Historical Society, Alpine Shire Council and the Kiewa Valley Flood and Landslip Community Grants Program 2024-25, will host a series of events for all ages.

The celebrations will include a family bush dance, community exhibitions and an ecumenical service.

The weekend will also showcase the area’s rich history, with displays of family recollections, old maps and photos at Tawonga Memorial Hall.

Farm equipment and old cars will be on display in Tawonga Pioneer Memorial Park, along with a barbecue sausage sizzle, an animal nursery and plenty of other fun activities for children.

The district CFA will also be present with equipment and specialist services.

“This is a momentous occasion for Tawonga,” TDCA president, Mark Redmond said.

“We’re inviting everyone: locals, visitors, former residents and their families to join us for this incredible weekend.

“Whether you’ve lived here for generations or just have fond memories of holidays in Tawonga, this celebration is for you.”

The event organisers are also encouraging the public to contribute any photos, historical items, or memorabilia related to Tawonga’s past.

“If you have old photographs, letters, or even small keepsakes from Tawonga, we’d love to display them during the event,” Mr Redmond said.

“It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the stories and people that have shaped this wonderful town.”

The weekend schedule sees celebrations to kick off with a family bush dance, pizzas and supper at the Tawonga Memorial Hall, from 6pm on Friday, 28 March.

Continuing on from 10am, Saturday, 29 March, a community festival will be held at Pioneer Memorial Park, with cake-cutting scheduled at noon.

Sunday, 30 March will wrap–up the weekend with an ecumenical service at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church from 10am, followed by a Devonshire Tea service.

“This 180th celebration will be a memorable gathering for all who hold Tawonga close to their hearts,” Mr Redmond said.

“Let’s make this a weekend to cherish.”