ABOUT US
Colin and Dorothy Silke
Photo: Angelika Waesch
Colin and Dorothy Silke
Colin grew up at Rostrata, the home that his Grandfather built.
After attending the Murphy’s Creek State School, which was opposite the entrance into Rostrata, Colin rode his bike to catch the bus in Tarnagulla. He attended the Bendigo High School for two years, then to the Junior Technical School for two years, and completed his education at the School of Mines completing a Farm Mechanics Course.
On the early death of his father, Colin took over the responsibility of managing the farm which at that time consisted of Merino sheep and cropping programs. The farm is now managed by his son Michael and his three sons. Colin and Dot have been married 63 years and now watch the next generations as they diversify into other facets of farming.
Today we have the privilege of sharing this home with others. We freely acknowledge that this has been made possible due to sacrifices made by the previous generations of the Silke Family.
When John Gill Silke and his sons made their 1st selection of land, little would they have realized, that seven generations later, the family would be still farming at Murphy’s Creek.
The Family migrated from Somerset, England with 10 children in 1850. By 1865 they had owned a store in Collingwood, moved to Bendigo where they owned a hotel, and the sons mined for gold. Later a farm at Lockwood, finally settling at Murphy’s Flat in 1865.
Various generations throughout the years have farmed continually in this area.
Colin & Dorothy worked together on the farm and have seen it grow over the years. Today their son Michael manages the various farms, with Colin as the odd job man.
Rostrata was built by Colin’s Grandfather in 1904 and the family are privileged to be able to use the home as a farm stay.
Situated in the Central Goldfields, it is the perfect place to stay and explore the surrounding areas. The secluded setting of Rostrata allows you to relax, enjoy the peace and tranquillity and take time out from the pressures of everyday life.
Today we have the privilege of being able to share this home with others.
We acknowledge that this is only possible due to the sacrifices made by the previous generations.
Silke Family