In 1886, Eliza Jane Dunstan faced one of the greatest challenges of her life when a fierce bushfire swept through Irrewillipe and surrounded her family's homestead. One hundred fruit trees were destroyed, along with fences, crops and countless fowls. At one stage the house itself caught fire, but the family, led by one of Eliza's sons, managed to save it. A sudden change in the wind finally spared the homestead. Afterwards, the local newspaper reported that the family was "thoroughly exhausted through over-exertion" and would take days to recover from their terrible ordeal.
Born on 30 September 1842 in Cornwall, England, Eliza experienced the loss of her mother at a young age. Around 1863 she married Thomas Henry Dunstan, and they emigrated to Victoria via New Zealand, where their first child was born. After periods in Ballarat and Clunes, they settled at Irrewillipe. Between 1864 and 1883 Eliza gave birth to eight children and, though her work was constant and demanding, helped establish a successful 320-acre farming property while managing the household and raising her family.
In 1894 Eliza endured another heartbreaking loss when her fourteen-year-old daughter, Eliza Rosina, was taken suddenly ill. Despite desperate efforts to obtain medical assistance, help could not arrive in time. Local newspapers described the death as a particularly sad case, a tragedy that deeply affected the family.
Eliza lived to see several of her children marry and to welcome grandchildren. Many descendants remained in the Colac district, contributing to its economic and social development.
After a prolonged illness, Eliza died in February 1898 aged fifty-five. Remembered as a compassionate, kindly and respected member of the community, Eliza was described as "well-liked by all who knew her."
Research by Jill Judd
Story by Lynne Johnston


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