The Back to Steiglitz Association Inc. is a local group of volunteers who continue the tradition of the reunion in this historic gold mining town in Victoria to assist in the restoration and maintenance of the historic buildings and surrounds.

The Back to Steiglitz Festival and Airing of the Quilts events in particular help support local projects.  Our latest, and possibly biggest, project is saving the Steiglitz State School 

Steiglitz is an old gold mining town located in the Brisbane Ranges National Park about an hours drive west of Melbourne. It is part of the Steiglitz Historic Park including Crown land in and around the township.

Today the township is like a glimpse of the past as it is isolated from the modern world with no mains power or water,  no mobile phone coverage in parts and gravel roads.

View Larger interactive map of Steiglitz and area on Google Maps

The Back to Steiglitz Association acknowledges that we gather and meet on the traditional land of the Wadda Wurrung people and we pay our respects to their Elders past and present - the Traditional Owners as well as Aboriginal people from all over Australia who have been long-term custodians of the land in this region.

Airing of the Quilts and Back to Steiglitz Reunion 2017

 

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Airing of the Quilts and the Back to Steiglitz Reunion on Saturday 7 October 2017 was another great success and simply wonderful  - a community event filled with colour, laughter and hundreds of people.

The little township sparkled, the weather was perfect for a gentle Airing, the sun shone, the quilts flapped softly and wonderful conversations were conducted around busy hands stitching. The visitors strolled around slowly, stopping for a cuppa and a slice at Sugg's Cottage, then wandering to enjoy and talk about the handiwork being done beneath the trees. We are sure many went away inspired to begin a quilt or take up an abandoned piece again.

Thanks to all who came along with quilts and shared knowledge and quilting stories.

As usual, delicious country cooking & drinks were available at Sugg’s Blacksmiths Cottage too.

Quilts ... and how they depict the history of women 

 

The Back to Steiglitz Association also held its annual reunion of past residents and descendants.

Those returning to the township to gather with old friends and others met at St Pauls Church for a cuppa and light refreshments.

Also on offer -  great country cooking, roving musicians, an assortment of quilt-related stalls, and a breath-taking bush setting.

Let’s keep alive this wonderful little town! 

 

Back to Steiglitz Festival 2014

In 2014 there were plenty of people, fun, food and activities including the inaugural sewing competition on the old treadle sewing machines.  

The Back to Steiglitz Festival began over 100 years ago as a reunion of the past residents of Steiglitz and their descendents. Every festival attracts descendents and those keen to find out more about their own histories and the fascinating history of the township.

The festival is organised by the Back to Steiglitz Association Inc. a local group of volunteers who continue the tradition of the reunion. It is a fun family day in keeping with the old fashioned theme that is displayed in this township. Money raised by the Association will assist in the restoration and maintenance of the historic buildings and surrounds for the benefit of the community and visitors.

Entry to the festival is free! Though some events are via gold coin donation.

As with previous Festivals there will be many activities and displays this year, such as: 

Billy Cart Races

Demonstrations:

Steiglitz Historical Society Display

Kids activities

Rope making 

Historical Buildings open to public

Barbeque 

Horse shoeing 

Live entertainment

Devonshire Tea 

Tatting - (Lace making)

Vintage Cars  & Vintage Motorbikes 

Cake Stalls

Gold panning

Stationary Engines

Other market stalls

Damper Making

and much more...

You can also check out our Festival Program 2012 if you need more idea about the coming event.

 

Stall holders information

Stall application forms need to be completed and signed.  They can be posted with payment or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to the Back to Steiglitz Association.  

Site Costs: $20 per 3m x 3m un-powered site.  

Stall holders regulations:

  • Stall co-ordinators to be at site by 8:00am, stalls must be set up by 9:30am
  • There will be a list of stallholders and a map of stall positions displayed.
  • All vehicles are denied access to the festival area during festival hours

The committee reserves the right to  refuse any stall application that it deems unsuitable .

If your stall uses a naked flame as a part of the provisioning of your products and the day is a Total Fire Ban day, you will be required to contact the CFA and acquire a Section 37 Permit.

Stall holders are responsible for providing their own cover from sun and wet weather.

If selling food you must obtain a Food Handling Permit from the Golden Plains Shire at least 2 weeks prior to the event.

Sites must be left clean and tidy at the end of the day and all rubbish to be removed.