Heritage Festival 2026
24 April - 9 May 2026
From the Gold Rush era to the Satellite City, the City of Melton has a rich history that’s ripe for rediscovery. Explore the best of our stories at the Heritage Festival, returning this April with an exciting lineup of free activities, workshops, and more, hosted by Melton City Libraries.
The 2026 Heritage Festival will run from Friday 24 April to Saturday 9 May 2026, alongside the National Trust Australian Heritage Festival. The theme for this years’ Heritage Festival is Change – exploring how history shapes us and how we change history.
Highlights include a ghostly tour of the Willows Homestead, sketching at the Rockbank Inn Ruins, and celebrating 100 years of the Toolern Vale Fire Brigade! You can try your hand at traditional crafts including wood carving and letter writing, and hear from local authors and historians about the stories that make Melton memorable. Plus lots more for the whole family. Read on for the full program line up.
The Heritage Festival will run from Friday 24 April to Saturday 9 May 2026.
Bookings
All Heritage Festival events are free to attend, however bookings are required for some activities.
You can make a booking:
- Online at libraryevents.melton.vic.gov.au
- By phone on 9747 5300 during library opening hours
- In person at Melton or Caroline Springs Libraries
What’s On
The Toolern Vale Fire Brigade: A Century of Dedication
Discover a special collection of historic objects, equipment, and photographs honouring the stories, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped the Brigade's proud history. Proudly presented by the CFA. Suitable for all ages.
Friday 24 April, 2pm to 4pm, Toolern Vale CFA
Bookings are not required. Learn more.
40 years of the Melton RSL
Hear from founding member and current branch Senior VP, Russell Pettis, and discover how the Melton RSL evolved from its humble beginnings to the thriving organisation of today. Proudly presented by the Melton RSL. For ages 15+.
Monday 27 April, 1pm to 2pm, Melton Library and Learning Hub
Book now.
Preschool Storytime: Heritage Festival Edition
Storytime with a twist! Enjoy songs, books, rhymes, and a heritage-themed colouring in activity. Fun for children aged 3 to 6 and parents or carers.
Tuesday 28 April, 10am to 10.30am, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Wednesday 29 April, 10am to 10.30am, Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub
Bookings are not required. Learn more.
Memoir Writing Workshop
Capture your story for generations to come. Learn how to write your own structured, authentic, and captivating memoirs with award-winning author, Amra Pajalić. For ages 15+.
Tuesday 28 April, 1pm to 2pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
After Schooligans: Heritage Festival Edition
Join us for a hands-on, crafty session and design your own flag! Draw on themes from your family, culture, and the things that make you unique. Fun for ages 5 to 12 with parents or carers.
Tuesday 28 April, 3.45 to 4.30pm, Melton & Caroline Springs Libraries
Bookings are not required. Learn more.
Exploring Historic Maps
Discover how our landscape has changed over time with the PROV Map Warper. This free, digital tool makes finding and comparing historic maps and plans easy! Join this session with an expert from the Public Records Office of Victoria to learn how the Map Warper can help your research. For ages 15+.
Wednesday 29 April, 1pm to 2pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Paranormal Investigations
Explore some of Melton’s historic sites with a ghostly twist! Grab your ghost-hunting gear and conduct your own experiments with the team from Mysteries Lost in History. For ages 15+.
Wednesday 29 April, 6pm to 8pm, The Willows Homestead
Friday 8 May, 6pm to 8pm, Dunvegan Cottage
Book now.
Author talk: Santilla Chingaipe ‘Black Convicts’
Did you know that fifteen African convicts were sent to Australia as part of the First Fleet? And that by 1840 the number had risen to five hundred? Journalist, author, and filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe joins us to share her insights on the almost-erased stories of Australia’s Black convicts, and how slavery, race, and memory have shaped our nation. Ages 13+.
Thursday 30 April, 6.30pm to 7.30pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub and online via Zoom
Book now.
Sketching at the Rockbank Inn Ruins
Artists of all levels are welcome at this intimate group session guided by local artist, Mollie-Rose Chislett. Learn about the history of the Inn and capture its picturesque highlights. No artistic experience is required. For ages 13+.
Friday 1 May, 11am to 1pm, Rockbank Inn Heritage Site, Aintree Reserve
Book now.
Rockbank Inn Open Day
Check out the newly revived ruins of the Rockbank Inn. Take a walking tour with experts on the Rockbank Inn restoration project, see fascinating relics found during recent archaeological digs, and learn how the ruins were restored. Plus, enjoy a free coffee on your travels! This event is for all ages and bookings are not required. Presented with the support of Woodlea.
Saturday 2 May, 10am to 1pm, Rockbank Inn Heritage Site, Aintree Reserve
Learn more.
Cunning Men & Women: Colonial Folk Magic and Home Remedies
Step back in time to a world where magic, faith, and science combine. In this richly illustrated presentation, historian Dr David Waldron brings folk healers and fortune tellers to life, exploring the potions, charms, and home remedies once used for everything from burns to 'bad airs.' For ages 15+.
Saturday 2 May, 12pm to 1pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Exciting Chapters in the Annals of Christ Church Melton
Hear fascinating tales from one of Melton's most historic sites. First built in the 1860s, Christ Church Melton is home to one of the oldest parishes in Melbourne’s west. Join Reverend Ian Hennebry to hear his findings from the Church archives. Ages 15+.
Saturday 2 May, 6pm to 7pm, Christ Church Anglican Church, Melton
Bookings are not required. Learn more.
Poetic Voices with the Ballarat Poetess
Deep dive into the pages of Ellen F Young’s 1850s journal with award-winning spoken word artist, Megan J Riedl. Be inspired by a live performance, and create your own poetry in a guided workshop. For ages 15+.
Saturday 2 May, 1.30pm to 2.30pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Sign, Sealed, Delivered: The art of letter writing
Take a step back in time and explore the almost-forgotten craft of letter-writing in this guided workshop with teacher, writer, and broadcaster, Dr Sian Prior. For ages 16+.
Monday 4 May, 2pm to 4pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Woodcarving Through Time
Learn traditional techniques with artist, Olivia O'Connor. Carve a custom woodblock that can be used to reprint a unique design on paper or textiles. For ages 18+.
Tuesday 5 May, 10am to 12pm, Melton Library & Leaning Hub
Tuesday 5 May, 2pm to 4pm, Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Nocturnal Cemetery Tour
Prepare for an evening of chills and thrills in this guided night-time tour of the Melton Cemetery. Hear the histories behind some of our most notable residents and uncover spooky secrets, thanks to the Melton Family History Group. For ages 15+.
Tuesday 5 May, 7pm to 8pm, Melton Cemetery (meet us at the Cadross Avenue entrance)
Book now.
Author talk: Tara Oldfield ‘Diamonds, Furs and Murder’
Join us in welcoming local author, Tara Oldfield, to share insights behind her meticulously researched debut novel and the true story of 1930s Melbourne thieftress, Mona Hayes. For ages 15+.
Saturday 9 May, 11am to 12pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Melton Crashes, Chases, and Crooks
From stolen Olympic glory to the plane crash that shocked Australia, Melton has a history of mystery and mayhem that’s ripe for rediscovery. Dive into some sensational stories with author and history podcaster, Michael Adams. For ages 15+.
Saturday 9 May, 1pm to 2pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub or Online
Book now.
History Through Film: Yesterday is History
Enjoy a free screening of this two-part docuseries, narrated by Ray Martin, which follows two Australian families and their survival through World Wars I and II. For ages 15+.
Part One: Monday 27 April, 2pm to 3.30pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Part Two: Monday 25 May, 2pm to 3.30pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Digitise Your History
Give your old photographs and 8mm film new life using our special scanning technology. Learn how in a one-on-one session with our experts. For ages 15+.
Appointments available every second Thursday from 2pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Appointments available every second Friday from 2pm, Caroline Springs Library & Learning Hub
Book now.
Family History Help
Researching your family history? Drop in to get advice and support from the Melton Family History Group. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned researcher, there's always something new to learn. Open to ages 18+.
Wednesdays, 10am to 12pm, Melton Library & Learning Hub
Bookings are not required. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a library member to attend the Heritage Festival programs?
No, you can still attend our programs even if you are not a Melton City Libraries member. But, if you would like to join the library, you can do so online, or at either of our branches. Library membership is free!
The activity I want to do is booked out. What can I do?
If a program is fully booked, you can join the waiting list. You can do this online on the booking page for your chosen program, or contact the library to speak to a library staff member. We will send you an email if there is a cancellation.
Can I cancel a booking?
Things happen! We understand. If you have booked a place at one of our programs but can no longer attend, please contact us so that we can offer your place to someone else.
I am running late for my event. What should I do?
If you are running late, we will hold your booking for 10 minutes. After this time, we will offer your place to the next person on the waiting list.
My child is outside of the age limit for a program. Can they still join in?
We’ve done our best to include a range of activities for all ages. Some events have an age limit to ensure that everyone gets the most out of our programs. We may not be able to accommodate children that are outside of the program age limit.
For further information, contact our Libraries and Learning team on 9747 5300, or email: librarybookings@melton.vic.gov.au.