Ned Kelly Centre

16/08/2026

This time in 1947, continued:
It was reported, that two local councils "have joined descendants of the original Kelly family in their determined fight against the making of a new Kelly film in Glenrowan district.
Council has sent a letter to the superintendent of police, Benalla, protesting against the filming of a new Kelly story in the district. The shire president of one council, said the council felt so strongly on the subject that, if necessary, it would send a deputation to Mr Cain, Premier, seeking his intervention, whilst, the other
has decided to ask the Chief Secretary to prevent the film company from operating in the district."

It was also stated, that:
"Feeling has always run high in the district on the subject of Ned Kelly and his companions. When the old hotel building on the site of the Kelly gang’s last fight with the police was taken over as a café it was called “The Last Stand Cafe.” One night some men tore down the wooden sign and burnt it in front of the cafe.
A member of the film company who has spent this week in the district seeking “locations” for filming of sequences where possible on the actual historic sites received another warning yesterday.
And:- Resentment is not confined to direct descendants of the Kelly and Hart families. Police at Benalla are being approached daily by district residents, who ask what can be done to stop the film.
A Benalla business man said yesterday:
“I can’t remember anything that has stirred up so much feeling locally. It all boils down to the fact that Ned is very much a hero here-abouts- and this is still Kelly country.”
It saddens us that, local councils no longer show such respect and support to our family, particularly, in regard to the NKC Museum project, which was publicly announced on November 11, 2015. Instead, council chose to go against the authorised Kelly family project, and decided to take their own path.

Please note: the use of the term, 'Kelly Country' in the article of 1947.

Such is life.

Image: Newspaper headline, circa, 1947.

14/08/2026

Kelly Street - Kelly Country!

14/08/2026

BUSHRANGING FILM STIR IN GLENROWAN - Kelly's May Ride again!

In August 1947, an article was printed regarding yet another'Kelly film:

"Residents of Glenrowan threaten that the Kellys may ride again, if an Australian film company persists with its intention to make a film based on the life of bushranger Ned Kelly.

FARMERS in the district are hostile towards the company, and a rugged, bearded personality gave the “Get-out-of-town-before-sunset” order yesterday to representatives of the company inspecting Glenrowan for “location.”
Appearing as if he had just stepped out of a chapter of Ned’s life, he said: “If these legal methods fail to stop you, you will still have descendants of the Kelly family to reckon with.”
Hundreds of farmers in the district have signed the petition for presentation to Parliament for a ban on the proposed film.
A tall picturesque character, said, “Why should we descendants of one man who was a bushranger be crucified because someone wants to make a crime picture?”

Robin Hood Atmosphere

Another Kelly descendant ominously recalled that some years ago, when a Kelly film was shown at Wilby, near Wangaratta, the audience smashed the projector and tore the film to shreds.
Producer-director of the proposed film, Mr. Harry Southwell, said in Melbourne today that members of the company had received warnings, and he was surprised at the hostility shown in Benalla, Wangaratta and surrounding districts.
He said the film, called “As game as Ned Kelly,” was being made at the suggestion of a major American company. He could only see in the story a Robin Hood atmosphere.
He added: “There is nothing disparaging in the script, either about the manhood of the Kellys or the integrity of the police.”
Another official said: “It looks as though they were oiling their rifles up Glenrowan way now, but for our part, they can ‘pull their heads in’ – preferably into something like Ned’s iron headpiece”". (end).

When it comes to making films, and the representation of our family, the Kelly's - We whole-heartedly believe that, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should"!
-Kelly Descendant, Joanne Griffiths.

Images 1,2: Harry Southwell, circa 1923
Image 3: Newspaper title, 1947.

02/08/2026

August 1896 – Steele & Geraniums - what is the connection?

Early August of 1896, Sergeant Steele, retired from the Police Force

Sergeant Steele was central figure in the Kelly story, and spent most of his life in Wangaratta. He was an officer who received both criticism and accolades, for taking down Edward ‘Ned’ Kelly; (referred to as the ‘most notorious outlaw.’ )

In Mr. Steele’s retirement, he became a regular prize winner at the Wangaratta and district shows, particularly for his roses, chrysanthemums and geraniums. He had a large family and lived a long life, passing away in 1914, and is buried in the Wangaratta Cemetery CoE section.

Image 1: Geranium, Private Collection, August 2026
Image 2: Sketch, Sergeant Steele, 1880.

30/06/2026

By the end of June, 1880, the battle at Glenrowan was over.

The site remains one of the most important sites in Australian history.

As a family, we hold the place of these events very close to our hearts.

NKC

10/05/2026

Ellen Kelly - A woman who went through incredible hardship; outliving all but two of her children (from her first marriage to John Kelly); she always remained true to herself, and her family.

To all the strong mother's out there who give so much of themselves
- Happy Mother's Day!

Image: Ellen Kelly, ca 1911
Image: Private Collection

25/04/2026

ANZAC Day 2026 dawn service, Melbourne

74 likes. "ANZAC Day 2026 Melbourne Dawn Service"

05/04/2026

From Kelly County - Happy Easter to all!