News & Events

Upcoming Events

Johnny Mullagh Championship Cup March 9, 10 & 11

The annual Johnny Mullagh Championship Cup will be played on Sunday of the long weekend, March 10, starting at about 11.00 am, on the Johnny Mullagh Oval, Blair St , Harrow. This is a game that has been played for the last 29 years between an all Aboriginal team “The Mullagh’s” against a non Aboriginal team “The Glenelgs.” This game was established by two great mates, Gunnditjamara man, Uncle Wayne “Swisha” Bell and the local Harrow publican, John “Pop” Gartlan. There was a lot of friendly banter when these two were on the sidelines barracking for their teams though, sadly, they have both now passed, their legend lives on with three generations of the Bell family still playing in the “Mullagh” side. This is the weekend that The Harrow Discovery Centre honours and commemorates the story of Unaarrimin – Johnny Mullagh and the trailblazing team of 1868.

Over 100 members of the Barkley St. Dragons Cricket Club will be attending as will a strong contingent of Billycarter’s and concert goers.

Other events during the day are….

The Classic Catch Competition. A unique take on a classic catch comp where contestants have to launch themselves off the bank of the Glenelg River to catch a ball propelled to them. The “speckier” the better! Scott Boland has signed a cricket ball that will be awarded to the winner.

The Mullagh Maximum Hit. The big hitters take to the oval to hit the longest ball. If the ball is caught at the other end by the fieldsman, the batsmen receives extra points. Marcus Stoinis has signed a bat that will be awarded to the winner.

The Harrow Bush Billycart Competition. For those that dare, the down hill billy cart race runs over the long weekend with the final race on Sunday March 10. Generous prize money is available for the elusive downhill dash under one minute.

The annual rubber duckie “Duck Race” on the Glenelg River. a fundraiser for the Harrow Bush Nursing Centre. This is a crowd favourite as punters encourage their $5 duckie to float over the finish line.

Portland archivist, Vern Mc Callum, will be exhibiting his vast collection of photographs in the Harrow Hall on Sunday March 10 as well as a vintage car club from Nelson who will be parked in the grounds next to the hall.

MAIN ATTRACTION: CONCERT- Shane Howard and his Band. At the Harrow Discovery Centre starting at 7.00 with support act Nick Falkenberg and Eddie Boyle. Singer Songwriter, Shane Howard of GOANNA BAND fame, will perform all of his hit songs, Solid Rock, Razors Edge, Let the Franklin Flow. bookings can be made at www.trybooking.com/COFYN.

All Aboriginal Over Fifties VIC vs NSW Cricket Tournament – APRIL 13th & 14th 2024

The Harrow Discovery Centre is hosting an all Aboriginal Over 50’s VICTORIA vs NEW SOUTH WALES Cricket Tournament on the hallowed turf of Johnny Mullagh Oval where Unaarrimin-Johnny Mullagh himself once played. Veterans Cricket Victoria, together with Veterans Cricket New South Wales, are joining forces to bring this two day tournament to Harrow to play a mix of both T20 and 45 over matches over the weekend.

On Saturday night, the Harrow Discovery Centre is hosting a dinner to welcome all players and their entourage to town, but also to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the HDC opening. Special guests are Bharat Sumarsaren and Geoff Lemon from The Final Word Podcast series, so there is no doubt we will be entertained by their cricket insights and analogies.

Singer Songwriter, Matt Scullion, will be returning to perform on the night including his hit song “1868” that he wrote on the story of Unaarrimin -Johnny Mullagh and the First XI of 1868. The special guest list is growing so stay tuned for updates, but nothing surer, it will be a busy weekend topped with lashings of Harrow hospitality!

For further information call the HDC: 03 55881 387