Euston Robinvale History

The local Aboriginal people who lived within the region were the Latje Latje and Yerre Yerre.

Euston was founded in 1846 by Edmund Morey. As news of the fine grazing land spread, Euston began to grow into the township. In 1847 John Grant obtained a pastoral license over 19,000 acres of the Bumbang Peninsula on the Victorian side of the Murray and built a pine log homestead that still exists today.

The Robinvale township was born in 1924 following a public auction of 1 square mile of land divided into small allotments. Local founder, Herbert E. Cuttle named the town in honour of his son, Lieutenant George Robin Cuttle, who was killed in action during air combat over France in 1918 near Villers-Bretonneux. The Post Office opened in the town of Bumbang, but was renamed Robinvale in August of 1924.

Interestingly Villers-Bretonneux, France became a sister city to Robinvale in 1984-85 although the first contact visits were made in late 1970's including a youth exchange. The two towns are of similar size and both rely on horticulture as their principal economic activity. Robinvale is a World War II soldier settlement community. This relationship was inspired by the unfortunate death of Lieutenant Robin Cuttle MC.

After World War II a soldier settlement irrigation scheme brought many new arrivals to Robinvale and Euston. The area soon flourished as the climate and soil were excellent for horticulture. Today Robinvale and Euston is thriving and renowned for quality fresh produce. Robinvale is known for the massive production of grapes, olives, carrots and almonds.

Herbett E. Cuttle, together with Royston Siddons, bought out a Soldier settlement board property situated on the banks of the Murray River in the 1940’s. The first olive tree was believed to be planted in 1946. 600 acres of olive trees were planted at “Oliveholme” which, unlike other groves, was irrigated.

An olive press was purchased, but lack of technology and a slump in olive prices caused the property to fold in the 1970’s. It is believed that the press was later operated by the Meadowlea margarine company and the investment was funded by a large conglomerate of Australian companies. Most of the grove fell to the bulldozer because certain varieties were unsuitable for table olive production, Robinvale Estate are now reviving the grove.

The factory is encircled by olive trees planted in the early days, some of the oldest trees on the property line the driveway leading to the factory.

At the corner of the Murray Valley Highway and McLennan Drive, Robinvale, is a huge windmill which was erected in 1948 and is claimed to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Following McLennan Drive along the river foreshore passes beside attractive parkland and the historic Robinswood Homestead built in 1926. The homestead is the earliest remaining settlement in Robinvale built by the Cuttle family. Overlooking the Murray, this unique Homestead offers historic appeal to visitors whom can have a walk through tour guided by friendly volunteer.