Litchfield silo VK-LTD3

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Our next activation for 24th October 2024, was the Litchfield silo VK-LTD3 for the Silos On The Air (SiOTA) program.

Litchfield is located about 43 km east of Warracknabeal and about 295 km northwest of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of Litchfield, Victoria. Map c/o Google Maps.

European settlers commenced establishing properties in the district during the mid 1840s. In 1845, Charles Wedge established ‘Banyenong West’ run. In 1846 the run was owned by Robert Macredie and was divided into ‘Carron’ and ‘Papp’ runs. These were both subsequently acquired by George Pyers. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018)

Following the 1869 Land Act, which allowed the district to be opened up to smaller selectors, about 14 selectors took up about 4,000 acres of land in the Parish of Witchipool. (Donaldhistory.org.au 2018)

The area around Litchfield was originally known as Witchipool, named after the Parish. It was taken up for farm selections between 1873 and 1876. In 1877 the Witchipool Post Office was opened. In 1879 the Witchippol East school was opened. This was followed by the Witchipool West School in 1880 and Carron in 1881. In 1882, the district’s hotel was opened at Carron. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

In 1893, the railway was extended from Donald to Birchip. A station was erected near a general store that was operated by Joseph Litchfield. The station was named after Litchfield. For several years, both names were used. In 1907, the Witchipool Post Office and school were named Litchfield. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Above:- Article from the Sunraysia Daily, Tue 30 Jun 1925. Image c/o Trove.

Today the Litchfield Public Hall and one of the schools remain.

During the 1920s, the Carron Catholic church building, which was constructed in 1893, was moved to Litchfield. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Not much remains at Litchfield today. If it were not for the imposing silos, you might not even notice the little town.

Litchfield was a large wheat-receiving point for the district. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Above:- Article from the Warracknabeal Herald, Tue 14 Mar 1916. Image c/o Trove

In 1939-40 silos replaced the shed that was used for storing bagged grain. (Victorianplaces.com.au 2015)

Above:- Article from The Argus, Melbourne, Tue 21 Mar 1939. Image c/o Trove

The Litchfield silos are located on the southern side of Sunraysia Highway.

Marija and I parked alongside of the silos and operated from the 4WD. We ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Above:- The activation zone at the Litchfield silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3PF
  2. Vk3APJ
  3. VK3WSG/M

Marija worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

  1. VK1AO
  2. VK2MET
  3. VK4MGL

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

  1. VK3PF
  2. VK3APJ
  3. VK3WSG
  4. VK2UW/M
  5. VK2SLO/M
  6. VK3MCA
  7. VK5KVA

References.

  1. Donaldhistory.org.au. (2018). Litchfield | Donald History Society Inc. [online] Available at: https://donaldhistory.org.au/welcome/rich-avon/ [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].
  2. ‌Victorianplaces.com.au. (2015). Litchfield | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/litchfield [Accessed 16 Mar. 2025].‌

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