"The bungalow”, Templestowe

At Templestowe, Unwim and Mahoney Streets meet right on the bank of the Yarra. At this corner stood "The Bungalow", the home of the Honorable Richard Davies Ireland and until it was demolished this year, the oldest house in Templestowe Village.

Ireland became famous as a barrister in the 1850's. He had come to Australia, in 1852 at the age of 26, from Galway in Ireland and the following year was called to the Victorian Bar. When the Eureka stockade prisoners were brought to trial, Richard Ireland offered his services to defend them. His successful handling of the case brought him fame and a steady stream of clients with high fees. Another result of the trial was his election to the Legislative Assembly as the representative for Castlemaine. The next year Ireland was appointed Solicitor General and in 1859 when a member of the Legislative Council, he became Attorney General. He retired from politics in 1863 when the government was defeated.

Richard Ireland

McGowan's road, Donvale

When a road does not run straight there is often a reason behind it. McGowans Road in Donvale wanders off at an angle and after six bends ends in the bush. In 1863 the land east of Springvale Road was opened up under the terms of the Selection Acts. John Robert Wilson and his son Bob Wilson selected land in the area now at the end of McGowans Road and Garden Road. An access road was provided north. This was impassable in wet weather so Wilson applied for a new road.

Picture of 125 McGowan's Rd, Donvale from http://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/22500