To celebrate this milestone, a group of dedicated locals are working with local groups and the Milton Ulladulla Historical Society to plan a range of anniversary activities.

Milton 150th anniversary committee members Sue McMahon, Beverley Pond, Gary Thompson and Margaret Osmond have been hard at work for more than a year, getting the celebrations off the ground and now they are calling on the community for support.

“To do this properly and make the celebrations as enjoyable for locals as we can, we are going to need some help,” Margaret said.

“We want to invite any local groups or individuals who have ideas, photos, stories – anything – to contribute to the planing.”

Plans so far will see annual festivals and events in Milton adopt the 150th theme including Escape artFEST, the Milton Show and Scarecrow Festival along with some specially planned events.

The celebration will start in the New Year with a barbecue on Saturday, January 2, to kick off the anniversary events.

Other events planned for the year will include a Heritage Craft Expo in January, a celebration at Milton Showground including the opening of the Milton 125th anniversary time capsule sealed in 1985 and a Colonial Bush Dance in March, and an anniversary dinner in April.

The year will also see colouring competitions, commemorative church services and much more.

“We do have a lot of activities in mind, but there is scope to do more,” Margaret said.

“We want to thank everyone who has contributed so far and encourage everyone who has not to start thinking about ideas.

“I know there are many local families with strong ties to the region who may have stories to share or photos and memorabilia that can be shown.”

Local community groups are being encouraged to make their celebrations a part of the anniversary fun by adopting the 150th theme.

Students from the region’s school will be getting involved with a good response from all the local schools about contributing to the event.

To find out more, or to contribute an idea, contact Sue McMahon on 4455 2739 or Margaret Osmond on 4454 5819.

Both ladies would love to hear from anyone with ideas to contribute.