03 August 2023
As the iconic Tarraleah hydropower scheme was constructed through the 30s and 40s, a village grew up around it. Starting with little more than a pack horse track leading to Tarraleah, the village soon housed more one thousand workers and their families.
More and more buildings began to spring up, servicing the bustling community. A retail store, a post office, a school and library… the necessities were covered. Not to mention the swimming pool, rifle range and golf course.
The village, built to service the workers (and their families) of the Tarraleah hydropower scheme, was essentially isolated being so far from Hobart.
“We made our own fun," said Margaret King, a teacher of years 3-6 at Tarraleah throughout the ‘60s and ‘70s. “There were drama classes, a book club, pottery and dancing – we organised all sort of things to do.”
Margaret taught her classes in the school, which is now the aptly named ‘Scholars Hall’, providing accommodation for travellers and workers. “It was wonderful teaching here and living in the village” she said.
Margaret’s husband Ron has his own slice of history to share. His father was part of building the No. 1 canal at Tarraleah. He was a tree feller who wanted to work on the scheme’s construction so he walked from Deloraine with his axes in a backpack, and secured a job!
Many stories of ‘the Hydro’ come full circle, which is especially true for the Smith Family. Peter and Ellen Smith enjoyed 22 years at Tarraleah, between 1971 and 1993 with Peter performing a vital service to the community as an ambulance driver. Their son, Leigh, grew up in Tarraleah and worked as an apprentice on the Tarraleah scheme, moving up to become the Power Station operator. A few decades later, he is now a Principal Consultant with our consulting arm, Entura.
Peter and Ellen Smith enjoyed a morning with Leigh, reminiscing amongst the old photographs and memorabilia, finding their own village home of 22 years from 1971 – 1993 on the historic pictures.
Leigh was delighted to be back at the village, “when I look back to what we had in the village, it was phenomenal. There was such a community spirit – walking down the street, everybody knew you and talked to you.
“We didn’t stay in our backyards. We’d say goodbye to our parents in the morning and knew we had to be home by the time the street lights came on!
The chill in the air, consistent rain and a promise of snow did nothing to deter our first ‘village open day’. Our delighted guests roamed through the buildings and enjoying a walk down memory lane. Many stories were shared from those who had lived and worked in the village, and from the next generations who had parents or even grandparents who helped build Tarraleah.
Steven “Dick” Cantwell was delighted to return to the village to reminisce about the olden days and catch up with friends. He spent 27 years at Tarraleah, working at the local butcher from the age of 14 years under the direction of Gary Cooper. “There are so many stories, probably some of them we can’t share! But it’s great to be here catching up with old mates.”
One of those mates is Peter Whitton who worked for Hydro Tasmania for 50 years, living in Tarraleah village and Wayatinah (down the hill as the closest Hydro village to Tarraleah). Peter still has a house at Wayatinah Village.
Nicholas Sullivan brought along his young family for a wander through the village, remembering the days when his grandfather – Bill Robertson – was one of the first dozer drivers to work on the Gordon Dam Road. Nicholas’ father - Will Sullivan - also worked for the Hydro at Tarraleah as a linesman, living at Wayatinah.
Left: Nicholas Sullivan with his 5-month-old daughter Anastasia enjoying the fresh Central Highlands air at Tarraleah village.
Right: Moira Watson (left) and her daughter Barbara catching up on Tarraleah history. Moira was a volunteer working at the village school from 1965 to 1972 and Barbara spent much of her childhood in the village.
Nearly a century after its construction, Tarraleah Estate will again be a bustling worker’s village. In June, the village returned to 'the Hydro' to support our future workforce for Battery of the Nation.
Tarraleah village is an important piece of Tasmania’s hydropower history and will be part of its future. It will provide high-quality accommodation and living amenities that will help Hydro Tasmania to retain and attract the workers needed, which can be challenging in remote locations.
Until our construction workforce arrives, you can experience a piece of history at Tarraleah Estate! Follow the village on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tarraleahestate
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