The Kids from the Giant by the River. by Carmel Taig ...the History of the Yarraville Sugar Works
This poem by the onlooker is called The Kids and reflects on the annual works picnics.
Management, staff and wage earners favoured picnics. What could be better than breaking out of the work routine, getting fresh air and enjoying that magical combination of picnic and sports? OK, that’s what the adults had in mind, but for youngsters it was all about the treats.
The Kids
Heard Bob Stockall say to Dinney,
“Call the kids, the icecream’s ready”,
When this went over the amplifier
The kids ran like the Lithgow Flyer;
Tall kids, short kids,
Skinny kids, brawny kids,
All rushing for the lick of their lives.
Oh! Heavenly bliss,
Lollies were also supplied.
“Never mind Mums,
Don’t smack their bums”
If their stomachs bulge
‘Cause they’ve over indulged
And their backsides are covered with hives,
When you get them to bed
Although you’re half dead
With a pain in the head,
You’ll feel quite gay
When they grin and say;
“Gee, Mum! We’ve had a beaut day.”
The Onlooker
Scoop May 1953
the Giant by the River. by Carmel Taig
Read by Paul McSherry
available at the Sun Bookshop Yarraville
Victoria Australia
Yarraville, Victoria
Yarraville is a suburb 8 km west of Melbourne, Australia in the local government area of the City of Maribyrnong. At the 2011 census, Yarraville had a population of 13,747 and a large Greek population.
Formerly a working-class suburb, in recent years Yarraville has experienced rapid gentrification due to its close proximity to the Melbourne CBD. The suburb lies immediately north of the West Gate Bridge, and immediately west of its namesake, the Yarra River. Features of Yarraville include C.J. Cruickshank Park, Yarraville Oval, Beaton Reserve, Yarraville Gardens, Stony Creek and the Yarraville Village Shopping Strip.
Located near Yarraville railway station on Anderson and Ballarat Streets, this area of the suburb is renowned in Melbourne for its unique character, architecture and quality of village life. Anderson and Ballarat Streets, in the heart of the Yarraville Village, are lined with refurbished 19th century buildings and dotted with neighbourhood cafés, restaurants and boutique shops.
This village atmosphere is anchored by the restored Sun Theatre and the adjacent Sun Bookshop, a prominent landmark in the Yarraville community with its unique art deco architecture and its 6 cinemas. Notable examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture can be found in Yarraville.
The Yarraville Village is home to many award winning restaurants and cafes. A reflection of Melbourne's multicultural nature, Yarraville offers an array of world cuisine styles including, Greek, Italian, Modern Asian, Indian, Cambodian, Thai, Chinese and Modern Australian.
Retail shops in the village provide an eclectic shopping experience. From books to the work of a local artist, to quality clothes, shoes, gifts, jewellery, wines and gourmet foods.
Yarraville railway station is a suburban train station located in the centre of the village area, 20 minutes from the Melbourne CBD. The station is serviced by all trains on the Williamstown line, but skipped by express services on the Werribee line and all Geelong V/Line services. The station is located near Anderson Street in Yarraville Village, access via Birmingham Street to the North, and Woods Street on the South. Yarraville station is within the Zone 1 region of Melbourne's public transport ticketing system.
Residents of Yarraville have concern about the negative effects of the growing number of trucks using the residential streets. In 2005 the Maribyrnong Truck Action Group was set up by the local community to protest the rising amounts of trucks. Residents believe they cause excessive noise pollution and air pollution, threatening the health and safety of all in Yarraville.
On 5 April 2006, a large protest organised by residents and MTAG was held in a busy Yarraville intersection, calling for restrictions towards trucks. The large turnout of the protest gained press attention including all major newspapers and network television. This still continues to be a major issue in the Yarraville district.
There are many religious organisations and places of worship in Yarraville, including Baptist, Buddhist, Catholic, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Orthodox and Uniting Church.
Yarraville also houses the Victorian International Buddhist College and Greek Orthodox Language school.
The area possesses a few musical collectives named the Footscray – Yarraville City Band and the Yarraville Mouth Organ Band. The main film society in the area is the Sun Theatre, located in Yarraville Village. There is also the Yarraville Community Centre which provides a range of resources, classes, activities and services for all ages and abilities.
Yarraville Markets is held on the first Saturday & Sunday of each month. The market is held in the Masonic Hall from 10 am till 3pm. Everything sold at the market is handmade and/or Australian Made.
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