Seymour - our town - The Rotary Club of Seymour District #9790

SEYMOUR - OUR TOWN

Situated on Victoria's largest river, the Goulburn, Seymour is strategically located at the junction of 2 major highways the Hume Highway from Melbourne to Sydney and the Goulburn Valley/Newell Highway to the Riverina, in western NSW, and Queensland. In addition, it is at the junction of 2 major railway lines, the North East line (which goes to Sydney and the East Coast) and the Goulburn Valley line serving the Riverina area of NSW.

A little over an hour to Melbourne by road or rail, Seymour is the largest centre between the state capital, Melbourne, and the major regional cities of Shepparton and Benalla, themselves each about an hour distant.

Historically, the township came into being when early travelers on the Sydney Road sought a more reliable and convenient point at which to cross the Goulburn than that designated by early explorers Hume and Hovell near the present Mitchelton. The nascent village was known as the 'New Crossing Place' until Seymour was officially named on 21st December 1841. Seymour was named after Lord Seymour, son of the eleventh Duke of Somerset.

Until the 1960's the area hosted 3 major industries; agriculture (both grazing and cropping), railway and military. With the advent of change from steam, and the introduction of modern work practices, the railway associated population of Seymour fell from 1400 persons to the less than 100 it is today.

When compulsory military service was abandoned, the impact of the army on Seymour was diminished. The Puckapunyal Military Base, still maintains an influence on Seymour's economy, with substantial maintenance work contracted to local suppliers. Agriculture continues to surround the town, and has been joined by viticulture as an economic pillar. We have also seen the development of major thoroughbred horse studs, including Darley, Swettenham and Chatswood.

Located as it is, Seymour has grown as a regional centre for the provision of services; government agencies, both federal and state, have a substantial presence; workshops manufacturing and servicing agricultural equipment, banks, professional services all contribute as employers and economic drivers, as do motor car dealerships and major chain stores.

More recently, Seymour has developed a large commuter base, with 21 trains to Melbourne each week day for a less than 1 1/2 hour journey. It is an attractive proposition for those who wish to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the country, have all the services that they need, and the potential for commuting time less than many suburbs of Melbourne.

The Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk has been developed and is a stunning reminder of the sacrifices made by our military members during the Vietnam War. It has been built in 3 stages with the final stage completed last year. Included in the walk is an etched glass panel with all the names of our serving men and women during the war.

Rotary Park is situated at the junction of Tallarook Street and Emily Street, just opposite Seymour's Tourist Information Centre.
What a great place to meet!