Our History
Highett Road and Peterson Street as it was in the 1950’s.*
This was the post-war era. The highlighted area was used by a construction company to build houses to be relocated to Latrobe Valley. The Moorabbin Council (now known as Bayside City Council) took over this area and cleared it for recreational activities.
A brief history of Highett
Highett's most substantial residential growth began in the 1950s. Industry was attracted to the area, including a large CSIRO research facility, which today is known as the new Highett Common residential precinct. However, it was not until the mid to late 1950s that Highett really began its journey into suburbia. Young couples helped develop the entire infrastructure, literally from the earth up. Houses, shops, the RSL, youth clubs, churches, and all manner of amenities rose from the bare earth quite rapidly. Highett shopping centre was a very busy place and even had a picture theatre. Many houses were built by the Housing Commission, as were apartment blocks. The streets were simply narrow strips of tarmac with no curbs or gutters. Growth was so rapid that the then Moorabbin Council could not keep up, and there was no obligation to curb-and-gutter property before building. During heavy rain, the area around Livingston Street, Worthing Road, Highett Road and Donald Street was regularly flooded up to a depth of two metres.
Highett West Reserve
In the early 1950’s, new housing estates opened up in the Highett and surrounding areas. Many young families moved from inner Melbourne to this new area. The area bounded by Peterson Street, Telford Street and Highett Road was a haven for a tip. It was used by builders constructing for the Housing Commission in local and regional areas. There are archived aerial photos of the reserve showing these houses. The reserve was also used as a training track by Dove Brothers (the local milkmen) for their trotters. Eventually, when the housing lots were completed, the Moorabbin Council cleared the area and converted it into a recreational
reserve. After not too long, several residents called a meeting and a letter drop was arranged for people to meet at the reserve, then known as Highett West. A Highett local, Joe Vergona, and his fruit truck were used as a platform for speakers, and the attendance was well supported. Speakers included Bill Saunders of the VRC, Councillors Brian Stuart-Jones, Gerald Basterfield, and many residents. The reserve would later be known as Peterson Street Reserve and has maintained two sports ovals.
Photo: Highett West Reserve 1960 with the Highett Youth Hall in view and no other sports pavilions.
These would be added later also notice no playground or landscaping.
Photo: Highett West Reserve 1970 with cricket pitches in sight for ovals 1 and 2.
The Highett West Community Youth Centre is also in view.
Highett West Community Youth Club
From the public meeting, the Highett West Planning and Development Association was formed. Bill Saunders was President, Clarie Peck was Secretary, and Joe Vergona was Treasurer. With the new housing developments and the many children, the residents used the reserve for football and cricket. The committee also established the Highett West Community Youth Centre. Other people involved included Vern Barry, Neil Appleford, Neil Bencraft, Ian Johnson, Ralph Davies, Les Duncan, as well as many other local families. In 1960, the Highett West Hall was constructed with the help of the Moorabbin Council. The funds were raised by conducting a carnival and circus at the reserve. The Moorabbin Council matched the funds raised by this event, and the hall was built on the reserve.
On Wednesday, 8th February 1961, the Highett West Community Youth Club was officially launched by the City of Moorabbin Council. Don Stevens chaired the proceedings and had guest speakers Ewan Tucker and Neil Bencraft.
The youth club provided many activities for the many kids in the area, including trampolining, boxing, wrestling, table tennis and a Friday night dance.
From this youth club, the Highett West C.Y.C. Football and Cricket Clubs were formed. To this day, the Bayside City Council maintain the original building for youth services, albeit with no connection with either Highett West Cricket Club or Hampton Hammers Football Club.
The Peck Family
The Peck Family lived at No.1 Peterson Street, and their family was heavily involved not only in the Community Youth Club but also in ensuring the football and cricket teams were well organised. In those early years, there was no change room, no social room, no bar or canteen. Often, social gatherings would be held at No.1 Peterson Street, and the garage would be used as a change room facility. Also, the administrative work for the cricket club and any other off-field business was taken care of by the Peck’s.
Highett West Cricket Club would later acknowledge, in particular, Beryl Peck, in 1977 by introducing a senior club champion trophy. This would change in 2003 to be named the Peck Family Memorial Trophy.
Peter & Earl Peck
When the Highett West C.Y.C. entered its very first junior under sixteen team in the City of Moorabbin Cricket Association in 1962, Earle Peck was elected as captain. He lead from the front by taking wickets and making runs – even though team success was little. The following year in 1963, the very first senior team was entered in the C.M.C.A. and older brother Peter Peck was elected captain and Earle was vice captain.
The Peck brothers combined were the nucleus to what would become a successful first year in senior cricket – with the team reaching the grand final of ‘F’ Grade. In addition to playing Peter took on the responsibilities
of what a President’s role would be and Earle took on the responsibilities of what a secretary and treasurer’s role would be. Whilst Peter being the older brother, both he and Earle were still in their teenage years, which was a remarkable achievement to oversee the running of the new club in its formation years. Both Peter and Earle held these positions for a number of years and it was their professional approach that established Highett West C.Y.C. in the C.M.C.A. that saw the club progress from the lowest senior grade ‘F’ to the highest grade ‘A’ within seven seasons since formation. Peter & Earle were very well respected in the C.M.C.A. for their hard work and commitment in the early seasons of the club which ensured growth in the years to follow with additional junior and senior teams. As players in the C.M.C.A. both were regarded as fine cricket players – always upholding the values of cricket first. Peter was an opening bat, run machine. He twice scored over 1000 runs in a season – a C.M.C.A. record at the time. He was a hard working batsman, with a unique batting stance and he was always very hard to get out. Earle was an opening bowler, who was feared for his pace and accuracy. He was not a tall man, however he could bowl all day whilst sustaining his pace. Earle was also a magnificent batsman with a classical style. He would often bat high in the order and he made many runs for the club. Both Peter and Earle were outstanding fieldsmen. Peter could wicket keep as well as being excellent in the field. Earle was great in the slips position and equally in the outfield. The club would not have progressed through the grades if not for these wonderful cricket players. They set the standards for the development and culture of the cricket club for the years to come.
Photo: Peter Peck receives three C.M.C.A trophies from C.M.C.A. President Harry Morgan. Peter won the senior batting average, aggregate runs and the ‘D’ grade fielding awards in 1964-65.