The Story Begins

Situated in the heart of Victoria's Goulburn Valley, Tongala is a town shaped by its people, its waterways and the rich agricultural land that surrounds it. Long before European settlement, the Yorta Yorta people lived on and cared for this Country, maintaining a deep cultural connection to the rivers, wetlands and landscapes that continue to define the region today.

The name Tongala is believed to have originated from the Yorta Yorta word Dungala, meaning Murray River. While the town itself sits near the Goulburn River rather than the Murray, the name has become one of Tongala's most intriguing historical stories.

According to local history, when squatter Edward M. Curr established his pastoral run in 1841, he named it Tongala. The curious part is that the name referred to the Murray River rather than the Goulburn. Whether this was a misunderstanding, a simple mistake or a deliberate choice has never been fully explained, but the name remained and has become part of the town's unique identity.

As European settlement grew throughout the late 1800s, agriculture became the foundation of the local economy. Dairy farming flourished, and the opening of the Tongala Cheese and Butter Factory in 1908 established the town as one of the region's leading dairy centres. More than a century later, that pioneering spirit continues to shape the community, reminding us that while Tongala's name may have an unusual origin, its history is one of resilience, innovation and pride.

Growing Through Agriculture

The introduction of irrigation transformed Tongala into one of northern Victoria's most productive farming districts. Fertile soils and reliable water supported the growth of dairying, which quickly became the foundation of the local economy.

The opening of the Tongala Butter and Cheese Factory in the early 1900s further strengthened the town's reputation as a leading dairy centre, providing employment and supporting generations of local farming families. While agriculture has evolved over the years, it continues to play a vital role in shaping Tongala's landscape, economy and community.

A Town Takes Shape

The arrival of the railway marked a turning point in Tongala's history. In the early 1880s, the original settlement relocated to its present site in anticipation of the new railway line, which officially opened in 1888. The railway strengthened the town's position as a regional centre, making it easier to transport agricultural produce and encouraging new businesses and families to settle in the district.

Tongala continued to grow throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1893, it became the administrative centre of the newly formed Shire of Deakin, a role it held for more than 100 years until local government amalgamations in 1994. During this period, many of the town's churches, public buildings and services were established, creating the strong foundations of the community that continues to thrive today.

A Legacy That Lives On

Tongala's history is more than a collection of dates and milestones. It continues to be celebrated through the people, places and stories that shape the town today. Public art, historic landmarks and community projects help preserve our past while creating new stories for future generations.

The town proudly honours the legacy of Sir Doug Nicholls through the striking mural that celebrates his life and achievements, while memorials throughout Tongala pay tribute to those who have served their country. More than 50 murals now transform the town into an open-air gallery, sharing stories of local history, agriculture, culture and community pride.

As Tongala continues to grow and evolve, the values that have shaped the town for generations remain unchanged. A strong sense of community, respect for our history and a willingness to embrace new ideas ensure that Tongala's story is still being written.

Tongala Through the Years

  • First 100 years

    1841 - Edward M. Curr named Tongala.

    1882 - Tongala township, originally on the Goulburn River, relocated to its current site.

    1888 - Railway line and train station opened, solidifying Tongala as a township.

    1893 - Parts of the Shires of Echuca and Waranga formed the new Shire of Deakin, including Tongala.

    1909 - St. Patrick’s Catholic Church opened.

    1912 - Tongala officially gazetted as a town; Tongala Irrigation District and State Rivers and Water Supply Commission established.

    1913 - St. James Anglican Church opened.

    1914 - Tongala water tower designed by Sir John Monash and constructed.

    1916 - Victorian Municipal Gazetteer described Tongala as an agricultural town.

    1920 - Post-WWI, further irrigation channels were established, and returning soldiers took up farming around Tongala.

    1925 - Tongala Bush Nursing Memorial Hospital opened in honor of WWI soldiers.

    1926 - Tongala post office and postmaster’s quarters built

    1940 - Decision made to establish the Tongala Fire Brigade, operational from 1941.

  • 1946 - 1994

    1946 - Regional schools consolidated in Tongala.

    1953 - Redeveloped Tongala swimming pool officially opened.

    1970 - Nestlé acquired the Northern Dairy Co., expanding local dairy production.

    1971 - New offices built for the Shire of Deakin in Tongala.

    1974 - Lions Club Milk and Honey Festival held.

    1978 - First Tongala Tent Town, once Victoria’s largest art and craft festival.

    1982 - Burn the Dunny Festival gained worldwide publicity.

    1982 - Tongala Community Leisure Centre opened.

    1983/84 - Tongala Football Club won the Goulburn Valley League premiership.

    1987 - Toolamba to Echuca railway celebrated; station removed and replaced with a replica.

    1993 - HW Greenham & Sons Pty Ltd plant established.

    1993 - Shire of Deakin Centenary celebrated.

    1993 - Golden Cow Dairy Education Centre opened as a memorial to the Shire of Deakin.

    1994 - Shire of Deakin amalgamated into the Shire of Campaspe.

  • 1995 - Present

    1998 - First Men’s Shed, ‘The Dick McGowan Men’s Shed,’ established at the Tongala Aged Care Complex.

    2001 - Tongala’s town murals officially opened.

    2003 - Australian Light Horse Memorial unveiled by Maurice Watson.

    2004 - National Armoured Corps Avenue of Honour unveiled by Governor General Major General Michael Jeffrey.

    2011 - National Cavalry Memorial Vietnam (1965-1972) opened.

    2014 - Golden Cow Dairy Education Centre closed.

    2018 - Tongala Beersheba Car and Bike Show established.

    2019 - Nestlé announced the closure of the Tongala factory.

    2020 - Tongala Hay Bale Trail launched.

    2021 - Tongala Eats and Beats event established.

    2022 - Uniting Church of Tongala closed.

    2022 - Tongala Town Square created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Tongala Lions Club.

    2023 - Greenham opens new state of art facility

    2024 - Tongala Nutrition opens, taking over the former Nestlé factory, bringing new opportunities to the town's economy and workforce.

Looking to the Future

As Tongala continues to grow and thrive, its unique blend of history, community spirit, and creativity offers both visitors and residents a special place to experience life. Whether exploring our celebrated street art trail, attending local events, or simply soaking in the charm of the Goulburn Valley, Tongala stands proud as a town with a story worth sharing.