Two mind-blowing reasons why you
should explore Cowangie

A once-bustling town, never large but now almost deserted, with a main street that seems frozen in time, Cowangie is a forgotten gem in the heart of the Victoria’s Mallee region.

As I wandered through this stubborn little settlement, I found myself drawn to two remarkable structures that refuse to fade away: the Cowangie Bakery’s old oven and next door, the Nurses Cottage. These resilient relics exude a tale of pioneering spirit, community, and the rich history of rural Australia.

The heart of the community: Cowangie’s Baker’s Oven

Standing in the dust in front of the old Baker’s Oven, the ghost of freshly baked bread almost seemed to waft through the air. This isn’t just any old oven – it’s a portal to the past, lovingly restored by the local community.

The Bakehouse first fired up its ovens in 1912, marking the beginning of a four-decade legacy. For 40 years, it was more than just a source of daily bread – it was the heart and soul of Cowangie. The bakery served as a gathering place, a symbol of community, and a testament to the town’s resilience.

Let’s take a journey through the bakery’s colourful history:

  • 1913: Mr Hawkins takes the reins as the first baker
  • 1924-1926: Mr Burton kneads his way into Cowangie’s history
  • 1930-1932: William Taylor rises to the occasion
  • 1932-1936: Mr Sherrit continues the legacy
  • 1936-1944: The Bertalli family era begins, with Arthur “Dick” Bertalli at the helm
  • 1944-1952: Harry Turnbull becomes the final custodian of the bakery

Sadly, the bakery closed its doors in 1952, but its spirit lives on. In a heartwarming twist, the community came together in 2000-2001 to restore the Baker’s Oven. Now, it’s fired up occasionally for a pizza night that brings the whole town together. The addition of a verandah in 2004 has made it an even more inviting spot for community gatherings.

The unsung heroes: The Nurses Cottage

Just next door to the bakery stands the Old Nurses’ Cottage.

These remarkable women were the backbone of healthcare in the region. They didn’t just deliver babies and tend to emergencies – they were the lifeline for an entire district. Imagine being on call 24/7, ready to dash out at a moment’s notice to help a farmer in distress or bring a new life into the world.

The cottage, standing proudly on the main street, offers a unique glimpse into the challenging life of local nurses who serviced the entire district. It’s a testament to their dedication, often working in isolation to provide crucial medical care to the community.

Looking inside, I could almost hear the echoes of newborn cries and sighs of relief from those who found comfort within these walls.

The cottage serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by rural communities and the incredible individuals who rose to meet them.

A day in the life: Connecting the Bakery and the Cottage

It’s not hard to imagine how these two buildings might have interacted in Cowangie’s heyday. Picture a nurse, returning from a late-night call, stopping by the bakery at dawn for a warm loaf to sustain her through the day. Or perhaps the baker, hearing of a difficult birth at the cottage, sending over a batch of fresh scones as a gesture of community support.

These two structures, standing strong amidst the quiet of the main street, are more than just buildings. They’re a tribute to the unsung heroes of the Australian outback – the bakers who fed the community and the nurses who healed them.

Conclusion: A town that refuses to be forgotten

As I concluded my hour or so exploring Cowangie, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration. This tiny town, barely a blip on most maps, holds so much history, character, and charm within its old buildings. The Cowangie Bakery’s old oven and the Nurses Cottage stand as silent sentinels, guarding the memories of a bygone era.

So, next time you’re cruising through the Victorian Mallee, don’t just drive by. Stop in Cowangie. Touch the old bricks of the Baker’s Oven, peer into the windows of the Nurses Cottage, and let yourself be transported to a time when community was everything and resilience was a way of life.

Cowangie may be almost deserted, but it’s far from forgotten. It’s a living, breathing piece of Australian history, just waiting for curious travellers like you to uncover its secrets.

More information on the region.