30/05/2026
๐ฟ๐ง๐๐๐ โ ๐๐ช๐ง โ๐๐ช๐ฃ-๐๐๐ฎ๐จ๐๐โ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ Celebrates Red Cliffsโ Harvest History
Do you remember "the picking"?
Throughout June, Red Cliffs is inviting the community to revisit the days when the blazing sun was on your back, your hands were sticky with grapes, and a dip tin was never far away.
Red Cliffs township will come alive with stories of its dried fruit heritage through Dried โ Our Sun-Raysed Heritage, a community-wide exhibition and discovery trail presented from 4โ27 June 2026.
Visitors are invited to follow a trail through local businesses and community spaces, where historic photographs, memorabilia, displays and film footage capture the annual grape harvest and the enduring traditions, hard work and spirit of life on the block. Trail maps will be available from Workspace 3496 + Gallery and participating locations.
The dried fruit industry supported more than 700 World War I soldier settlers and helped establish Red Cliffs as one of Australia's most successful irrigated settlements, sustaining the community for more than 75 years.
"This is an opportunity to share your block stories with your grandchildren and celebrate a way of life that is unique to our region," said Helen Petschel from the Red Cliffs and District Historical Society. "Your experiences help keep our history alive for future generations."
Beginning at Workspace 3496 + Gallery on Indi Avenue, visitors can collect a trail map and embark on a journey through Red Cliffs' rich agricultural, cultural and social history. Along the way, they will discover photographs, stories, film clips and harvest memorabilia while connecting with the people and places that continue to shape the town today.
The Red Cliffs & District Historical Society, Red Cliffs Focus Group, local businesses and Workspace 3496 + Gallery have partnered to create a township-wide celebration of heritage, encouraging locals and visitors alike to rediscover the stories embedded within the streets, vineyards and community spaces of Red Cliffs.
At Workspace 3496 + Gallery, a feature exhibition showcases the work of acclaimed photographer Sandy Edwards.
"Sandy Edwards' photographs are evocative and honest. When she is drawn to a subject, she explores it from every angle, both visually and socially. Her images truly tell a story. She believes photography is both an essential means of recording our history and a powerful, expressive art form. Her bold, creative visions invite viewers to learn, reflect and grow," said Rohan Morris, Director of Workspace 3496 + Gallery.
In this exhibition, Edwards captures life on the block in 2009 through a series of photographs at Block 584, Cardross. Documenting the harvest of sultanas, currants and sun muscats, the photographs move beyond simple documentation to provide an intimate and authentic portrait of Sunraysia's agricultural heritage.
Alongside the photographs, visitors can view a painted Pro Hart Fergie tractor bonnet, traditional harvest tools and other objects connected to the region's dried fruit history.
The official opening of Dried โ Our Sun-Raysed Heritage will be held at Workspace 3496 + Gallery on Thursday 4 June at 6pm.
On Tuesday 23 June from 2โ3pm, the gallery will also host a special presentation by the Red Cliffs & District Historical Society exploring Red Cliffs' unique success as a Soldier Settlement irrigation community and the role dried fruit played in shaping the region.
The exhibition and heritage trail will continue throughout the township until 27 June 2026.
For more information, exhibition locations, opening hours and event updates, follow Workspace 3496 + Gallery and the Red Cliffs and District Historical Society on social media.
Special thanks to Mildura Rural City Council and The Red Cliffs Club for making this event possible.
Mildura.com Red Cliffs Centenaries
Image caption: Jim Hines at the hot dip, Block 241, Red Cliffs, 1954. State Library Victoria Collection.
