Peter Squires leaves a lasting legacy at Old Tailem Town
Tailem Bend is mourning a truly iconic community character.
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The passing of Peter Squires OAM marks the end of an era for Tailem Bend and for the countless visitors who have wandered the streets of Old Tailem Town Pioneer Village to experience one man’s extraordinary vision brought to life.
Mr Squires – who died on Sunday at the age of 89 – was the driving force behind the creation of Old Tailem Town, transforming what began as an ambitious dream into one of Australia’s most authentic historical attractions.
Long before the Bend Motorsport Park attracted international attention, his village was the place that put Tailem Bend on the tourism map.
Generations of visitors travelled from across Australia and beyond to experience a unique glimpse into the nation’s pioneering past.
Unlike larger commercial heritage attractions, Old Tailem Town never relied on elaborate recreations or modern theatrics.
Its strength was authenticity.
Walking through the village feels like stepping directly into another century.
Visitors can explore blacksmith shops, post offices, emporiums, churches, schools, workshops and humble settlers’ cottages with dirt floors, preserving the character and hardships of early Australian life.
The village has been used by filmmakers, photographers, school groups, historians, and tourists seeking a genuine connection to the past.
From vintage car displays and community events to Cobb and Co coach rides through the streets, Old Tailem Town has long been a place where history comes alive.
Yet for me, Mr Squires was much more than the founder of a tourist attraction.
He was a storyteller, a dreamer, and a tireless advocate for preserving history.
A visit with Mr Squires was never a quick affair.
You might arrive expecting a half-hour conversation and leave two hours later, having been taken on a journey through local history, community projects, photography, restoration work and whatever new idea had captured his imagination.
Somehow, before you left, you would usually find yourself volunteering for another project.
What I will remember most, however, was how he liked to end a meeting.
After hours of conversation, ideas and stories, he would often reach for one of his poems and read it aloud.
It became part of the experience of visiting Peter Squires.
You never quite knew what poem he would choose, but you always left with something to think about and a deeper appreciation of the history, people and places he loved.
Mr Squires had an extraordinary ability to inspire people.
He made history matter.
He made people feel part of something worthwhile.
Over the years, I had the privilege of working with Mr Squires on numerous community events, photography club activities, car shows and the highly successful Wave for Wellbeing campaign, which received national media coverage and helped raise mental awareness across Australia.
Today, his legacy remains in very capable hands.
Old Tailem Town is now owned and operated by his son, Danny Squires, and daughter-in-law, Tina Squires, who continue to build upon his vision.
They have worked tirelessly to maintain, restore, and improve the village while preserving the authenticity that made it famous.
Their dedication ensures that future generations will continue to enjoy and learn from this remarkable place.
This is an incredibly sad time for the Squires family and for the many friends, volunteers and visitors whose lives Peter touched over the years.
The community’s thoughts are with the entire Squires family as they navigate this difficult loss.
But still standing at Old Tailem Town is Peter Squires’ life’s work: a living monument to the pioneers he admired, the history he preserved, and the community he inspired.
He dedicated himself to saving Australia’s past, and in doing so, secured his own place within it.
For Peter
He gathered stories, wood and stone,
And built a town all of his own.
Not for glory, wealth or fame,
But so the past would still remain.
And when the day’s work had been done,
He’d share a poem with everyone.
Though Peter’s gone, his legacy stays,
In Old Tailem Town’s enduring ways.
