Plenty Historical Society

Not all Plenty residents will be aware that the Centenary of Plenty will occur in 2013, the hundredth anniversary of land in the area being opened up for selection. Prior to this all land had been held in four large Crown Portions, dating from the original Crown auction in 1840 and subsequent land sales in 1853. The land in these Crown Portions remained in the same large holdings, but in different ownerships, until three large subdivisions took place in 1907, 1913, and 1917. It appears that the main subdivision took place in 1913 which was when the Plenty township originated, but significant growth did not occur until the 1980’s. (See Plenty News and Views Vol. 1 No. 17 – November 2006)

The Diamond Valley Story records that “by 1925 Plenty had a school, a Church and a social club. Residents there seemed particularly keen and active and described the area as the Toorak of the Northern suburbs, but this was hardly the case”.

Nillumbik Shire Council website records that “Plenty was named after the Plenty River, which was named because the surrounding country had such a promising aspect. Today Plenty is a pleasing mix of medium sized house blocks set among gum trees on undulating hills,” although many of its residents are not necessarily comfortable about the way in which the area is currently developing.

Nevertheless, it would seem that the forthcoming Centenary provides a great opportunity for the Society and its members to suitably recognize the occasion. Although the actual Centenary is some five years into the future, it presents an ideal opportunity for the area to be actively promoted, and also for the Society to promote itself as a leading organisation active in the community. The Committee has considered this as a great opportunity to promote Plenty and the Society, and has agreed that the Society should take a leading role in planning for appropriate celebrations. Certainly it will need considerable time to achieve a successful outcome and we believe that the Society and its members should give their support over the period to ensuring that the event is appropriately recognized.