Bregazzi Reserve

Thomas Henry Bregazzi and his wife Florence May (May) owned the land between Fairburn and Monahan’s Road until 54 acres of the farm was bought for the housing development around the reserve after Thomas’ death. May died in 1954. The couple are buried at Cranbourne Cemetery. Both Thomas and May supported the community in many ways. May was a member of the Mothers’ Club, CWA, Red Cross and the School Committee as well as being actively involved with St Agatha’s Church.

Thomas was well known for his skill as a jockey and knowledge of horses. He rode in hurdle and flat races at Cranbourne, Pakenham, Aspendale and Baxter for James Leckie of Cardinia and JB Wilson of Lyndurst. In 1906 he drove a team of bullocks with a load of machinery from Tooradin to St. Arnaud via Wedderburn. Once the goods were delivered he reloaded and drove the bullocks to Morton Plains near Donald, before coming back to Tooradin.

He also worked for Charlie Manks at Clyde on a travelling chaff cutter plant in the Lang Lang, Yannathan, Koo Wee Rup and Pakenham area. Then for GH Hope, owner of the Lady Talbot Milk Factory in Cranbourne. He operated a retail and wholesale dairying business in Cranbourne with May which he relinquished when she died in 1954.

Sources:
The Dandenong Journal 28 April 1954
Koo Wee Rup Sun 26 February 1975 page 8

Bregazzi Reserve plaque

Transcription

This reserve is named and dedicated / Bregazzi Reserve / in honour of Thomas Bregazzi, a pioneer / and lifelong resident of Cranbourne / from 1877-1975.
The reserve formed part of the Bregazzi / farming property during this period.

Chisholm Court, Cranbourne, Victoria, Australia