The Big Cigar at Churchill

Churchill
Modern township in West Gippsland built as accommodation for workers during the construction of the Hazelwood Power Station.
Located 158 km from Melbourne and 8 km south of Morwell and 140 metres above sea level, Churchill is a modern, purpose-built town which was constructed in the late 1960s. The aim was to provide accommodation for workers (and their families) who were involved in the construction and maintenance of the Hazelwood Power Station. Hazelwood, which is Victoria's second largest power station, was completed in 1971. The town was designed to cater for an eventual population of 40,000. With this in mind it is hardly surprising that, although the Power Station now uses only a small number of staff (around 60 people on each shift), Monash University has established its Gippsland campus here.

The Hazelwood Power Station generates 1600 kw and requires 160 million litres of water per hour. Not surprisingly this vast quantity of water is disgorged into an artificial lake which the enterprising power station has opened to the public. It has become a popular destination for watersports carrying the obvious advantage that the water is constantly between 18°C - 23°C.

Things to see:  

Artificial Lake
Ideal place to sail and swim with pleasant picnic locations on the shores. The water is constantly between 18°C - 23°C.

The Big Cigar
It is true that Churchill was named after the famous British wartime leader who was famous for his passionate speeches, his V for Victory finger sign and his penchant for cigars. Whether it was sensible for the local Rotary Club to build a huge cigar (someone rather rudely suggested it looked more like a fly killer that you hang from the ceiling) is a bit of a moot point. However, there it is as you enter the town - a celebration of the man after whom the town is named.

	Hotels
	Churchill Hotel/Motel Monash Way Churchill VIC 3842 Telephone: (03) 5122 1808 Rating: **
	Restaurants
	Big Pete's Pizza Pasta & Ribs Georgina Pde Churchill VIC 3842 Telephone: (03) 5122 2888
	Churchill Chinese Restaurant 17-18 West Place Shopping Cntr Churchill VIC 3842 Telephone: (03) 5122 3294
	Churchill Hotel/Motel Monash Way Churchill VIC 3842 Telephone: (03) 5122 1808