General News
2 February, 2026
Historical society drives Appleby lane honour
A LANE in Pyramid Hill could be named in honour of a long-time manger of the town’s famous co-operative stores.
The historical society on Tuesday received early backing from Loddon Shire Council for its Appleby Lane proposal.
Albion “Dick” Appleby was also involved in many local organisations and made a Member of the British Empire in 1981, three years before his death.
The lane running east from McKay Street to McIntyre Street and beyond Barkley Street was originally a drain which was put underground in the 1960’s. The lane was then used as a thoroughfare, but never officially recognised.
Loddon Shire ask for feedback on the proposal and contacting the family of the late Mr Appleby to seek written consent for the proposed commemorative naming.
The historical society told council that Mr Appleby started work in Pyramid Hill in 1929 as an accountant with the Pyramid Hill Co-operative Society he was soon appointed Manager.
“The co-operative’s store owned the paddock to the north of the lane and the yards containing hardware sheds to the south of the lane. The rear of Mr Appleby’s residence in Victoria Street abutted the lane near McIntyre Street.
“We consider our proposed name is appropriate considering the proximity of the lane to the store properties and Mr Appleby’s home.
“Under the management of Mr Appleby the Co-operative proved to be a mainstay of the economy of the town and surrounding district. In 1945 the co-operative amalgamated with the Pyramid Hill butter factory, and in 1949 purchased the Mincha butter factory. In 1959 after the amalgamation of several other butter factories, he was appointed secretary and joint general manager of the expanded group. He retired in 1971.”
Mr Appleby served as a justice of the peace and as a councillor and president of Gordon Shire. “
He was on various committees and boards. He was a prime mover and inaugural chairman of the Kerang Irrigation Region Salinity Action Committee and on the advisory board of the Tragowel Plains Irrigation League.
He was a foundation committeeman and treasurer of the Goulburn and Waranga Irrigators League and Chairman for three years of the Victorian Irrigation Research and Promotion Organisation. He was a Commissioner on the Bullock Creek Improvement Trust and a member of the Pyramid Hill Advisory Board for the Water Commission.
Mr Appleby was chairman of the Pyramid Hill Development Committee. He was a life member of the Pyramid Hill Bush Nursing Hospital, a foundation member and past president of the Pyramid Hill Bowling Club. He was a foundation member of the Pyramid Hill Senior Citizens’ Club and a member for over 50 years of the Pyramid Hill Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Mr Appleby was an active member of the local Historical Society, Church of England and Masonic Lodge.
The society said: “Mr Appleby has always been referred to with admiration and respect in the district.”
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