From Hunger To Hope – the story of the Irish Famine Orphan Girls

The Chiltern Court house committee is pleased to be host to a presentation and talk with photos by Noeleen Lloyd a noted local historian with a fascinating and intriguing story of the Earl Grey Scheme detailing the story of over 4000 young girls coming to Australia during the Irish Famine. The presentation will be followed by afternoon tea.

Noeleen is currently researching the Irish Famine Orphan History as two of her great great grandmothers arrived as part of the Earl Grey Scheme – including Steve Hart’s mother. She is a member of the Melbourne Irish Orphan Famine Commemoration Committee which facilitates and annual ceremony to remember the six ships that arrived into Melbourne as part of the Scheme during 1848-50. Noeleen also recently presented the 2026 annual Tim Fischer Oration at the Rotary Club of Corowa Federation Dinner. Noeleen Lloyd is the great granddaughter of Thomas Lloyd Junior (Ned Kelly’s first cousin), often regarded as the 5th member of the Kelly Gang. She is also the great grand-niece of Kelly Gang member Steve Hart. She is well known for her knowledge and interest in the Kelly story.

A point of interest is that the warrant for the arrest of Dan Kelly which led to the Fitzpatrick Affair, and all the other events was actually issued in this very courthouse at Chiltern.