On Wednesday, October 2 the Geelong Historical Society will be hosting a presentation about Customs in Geelong from former Customs Officer, Mr Andrew Caddy and Society member, Don Patterson.
Both men worked in the Customs House at different periods last century. They will tell stories about the building, Customs in Geelong and their work in the building. Mr Guy Murphy, former Sub-Collector of Customs at Portland, and currently serving Customs Officers will also be in attendance.
Geelong’s third Customs House began operations in 1856 when Victoria was an independent colony. It continued in that role after Federation in 1901 until September, 1996. The main office entry on Brougham Street is actually the third level of the building. The two levels below were built on the original sea level for meetings and storage.
The presentation is free and open for all community members to attend. The venue is the Virginia Todd Hall at 9 Clarence Street in Geelong West, commencing at 7:30pm. Our doors are open from 7:20pm.
Picture of Customs House c. 1880 Courtesy of Geelong Heritage Centre Reference: 1599/04/335
