Cousins David and Tim Hutchings have restored a photograph of their great grandfather Thomas Hutchings, a former Shire of Stawell Councillor from 1881 to 1896 and was Shire President from 1886 to 1887. The photograph will be hung in the Stawell Historic Precinct.

David Hutchings said he is thrilled to have his great grandfather's portrait hung in the council chambers, ironically the building Thomas helped to build.

"It's a tremendous thing to see him brought back to life in a way, the photo had gone a bit derelict and now has been restored and we are very happy to see that," he said.

"My great grandfather came to the area from Castlemaine where he came out from Englaind to look for gold, as everyone did. He then moved to Stawell when gold was discovered here.

"He had a carting and contracting business so it is reported he did a lot of work for the council building roads, bridges, and the council chambers."

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