Media Release

Monday, 5 October 2009

Swan Hill College Pre-CAL students, who have completed their work on the redesign of Feldtmann Park, have learned about the park's namesake, Arthur Feldtmann, after Victoria Police historian Ralph Stavely made a visit to Swan Hill last month.

Council's Environment Manager Sue Mahon said Mr Stavely talked about Arthur Feldtmann's achievements, including his 35 years of service to the Victoria Police, his work during the 1950s to establish improved living conditions and employment opportunities for Indigenous community members on the New South Wales side of the river and his time as Councillor and Mayor of the Borough of Swan Hill.

“It was fascinating to hear from Ralph regarding who Arthur Feldtmann was and what he achieved,” Ms Mahon said.

“Our Pre-CAL students who have been working on the Feldtmann Park project were really engaged and it was terrific that they got to hear about all the work that Arthur Feldtmann did in Swan Hill.”

Ms Mahon said the Victoria Police Historical Society were keen to establish a memorial or sign for the park to remember Arthur Feldtmann and his achievements.

“The students are now in the process of designing a monument or some sort of memorial to acknowledge this former police sergeant,” Ms Mahon said.

“Furthermore, Ralph indicated that the Victoria Police Historical Society will donate up to $1000 to build the memorial and he will return shortly to Swan Hill with a Victoria Police Youth Officer to further work with the students on the designs for the memorial.”

Ms Mahon said it was terrific that the Feldtmann Park project had further developed from its initial project to redesign the park.

“It is great that this project is bringing everyone together, from different aspects of our community including youth, the police, Council and our history,” Ms Mahon said.