End of Ebenezer Era

The National Trust of Victoria are relinquishing their role in the Ebenezer Mission Station and handing the freehold of the property to the Barengi Gadjin Land Council.

The Aboriginal Mission Station officially commenced on 2nd May 1859 when Moravian missionaries arrived at Horatio Ellerman's Antwerp property. In 1861 a Crown Grant was issued for the 1,890 acres, situated on a bend of the Wimmera River 2 miles southwest of the Antwerp township, to use the land for the promotion of the welfare of the aborigines. Rations were supplied to the residents by the government on the condition they attended church services and school, and in exchange for work.

The first school for Aborigines was opened in 1859 by the Moravians who operated the Mission, but when the mission discontinued, the school closed in December 1903.

Ebenezer is the oldest surviving mission church and buildings in Victoria.

As part of the changeover there will be a function at Ebenezer next Thursday 5th December beginning at noon with a lunch, smoking ceremony and guided tours of the site.