Merriwa Park Project - Story Space
A heartfelt thank you to our community.
Story submissions are now closed. The memories and experiences shared will guide the stories told in the Merriwa Park Story Space.
What is the Story Space?
A project shaped by local voices
The Merriwa Park Story Space is a small but meaningful project that brings the heart of the park back to the community. It grew from a simple idea that came directly from local people: when the red gums in Merriwa Park had to be removed for safety reasons, the community didn’t want the timber lost or forgotten. They wanted it reused in a way that honoured the park, its history and the people connected to it.
The Story Space takes that message seriously. The salvaged red gum is being returned to the park as story boards and seating. It will be a quiet place where people can pause, reflect and see themselves in the stories of Merriwa Park.
Your stories will help shape the space
We are inviting the community to share their stories, memories and experiences of Merriwa Park.
You can share your stories on the pages below - pick the theme that best matches your story.
You can also fill out a hard-copy story form (download here or collect from the Wangaratta Library/customer service).
Or visit with us and share your story in person at a community pop-up. We'll update with those times and dates shortly!
You don’t need to be a historian. You don’t need to have the “right” kind of story. If Merriwa Park has been part of your life in any way, big or small, your voice matters.
Story submission closed on Monday 20 April, 2026
How will my story be used?
The stories the community shares will help shape what appears on the final story boards.
Our goal is to collect community stories, and then select stories that reflect the breadth of the history and use of Merriwa Park. This means that stories will be used as inspiration for the final story boards.
By submitting, you agree that your story may be used to help shape the final public story boards, but selection is not guaranteed.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to help organise and refine story themes.
We only collect information relevant to this project and your story. We will never share your personal details. Submissions may be published as part of project reporting, but identifying details will be removed. You are advised to not share any personal information that you do not wish to be publicly displayed. This includes personal information about yourself, your friends and family and community.
All submissions to this project are governed by Council's Privacy Policy.
For more information contact the Grit and Resilience Project directly at gritandresilience@wangaratta.vic.gov.au
The Grit and Resilience Program is funded through the Victorian Government - through the Social Inclusion Action Groups & managed by the Rural City of Wangaratta.
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Thank you for sharing your stories
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A project shaped by local voices
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share a story, memory or reflection about Merriwa Park. This project exists because of you.
The Merriwa Park Story Space began with a simple idea from the community: when the red gums had to be removed for safety reasons, people didn’t want that timber lost or forgotten. They wanted it reused in a way that honored the park, its history and the many people connected to it. That idea, shared by local voices, is now becoming reality.
Over the past month, the community shared poems, photographs, newspaper clippings and heartfelt memories. Together, these stories show the many ways Merriwa Park has been experienced, cared for and loved across generations.
What we heard
Through online, handwritten and emailed submissions, the community shared stories across a wide range of themes, including history, flora and fauna, culture and personal experiences. In total, hundreds of people visited the Story Space page, and dozens of stories were contributed in different forms.
Every submission has added to a rich and meaningful collection.
What happens next
The stories shared will now be used to help shape the final story boards within the Merriwa Park Story Space. Every story will inform the themes, tone and content of the space.
We will be working with a professional interpretive design specialist to ensure the stories are told with care and genuinely reflect the collective story of Merriwa Park.
Thank you again for your generosity, trust and willingness to share. This space will exist because the community chose to speak, remember and contribute.
