Explore the Lester Smith Lookout Tower

Published on 20 April 2022

Visitors to Kerang’s Sir John Gorton Library will have the opportunity to explore the Lester Smith Lookout Tower as part of Australian Heritage Festival celebrations on Thursday, 28 April.

Supported by the Gannawarra Library Service and the Kerang and District Family History Group, this free event running from 11am to 4pm will enable people to see Kerang from a different perspective.

“The Lester Smith Lookout Tower is an iconic feature of the Sir John Gorton Library, built on the former Kerang Shire Electric Light and Power Station site,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Council is pleased to be supporting this event, one of nearly 90 events occurring across Victoria during April and May that encourage the community to actively wonder, investigate, and learn about natural, cultural, Indigenous, living and built heritage.”

Kerang and District Family History Group volunteers will also be in attendance on the day, sharing historical photographs, information, and stories about the tower.

“The Kerang and District Family History Group is pleased to be participating in this event, as it will enable visitors to hear stories about those who built the town’s water tower, the tower’s association with the Kerang Shire Electric Light and Power Station and its link to the Sir John Gorton Library,” Kerang and District Family History Group president, Julie Smith said.

“This event is also an opportunity to encourage community awareness of other reminders of historical significance and reflect upon the generations that have passed since our pioneers settled in this area nearly 180 years ago.”