Share your old photographs and memorabilia, view historical displays and listen to live interviews of local identities during an open day at Neerim South on Saturday.
The open day, running from 10am to 3pm at the Algie Hall, is the inaugural event of the recently formed Neerim District History and Heritage Group.
The group is a sub-committee of the Neerim District Progress Association.
Julie Sheehan, taking up the role of president, said several meetings had been held and had grown to about 10 regular attendees.
"It's just something that has always come up in conversation," Ms Sheehan said of how the group formed.
Ms Sheehan said while the district had been the subject of many history books, it was important to form a history and heritage group to preserve photographs, memorabilia and stories of older residents or risk them being lost.
To boost its collection and raise awareness of the group, the free open day is a chance to bring along items to be scanned and returned. Donations also will be accepted.
Three local identities also will participate in recorded interviews to share their colourful stories of the district.
For those who may be new to the Neerim District, the open day provides a chance to learn more about the history of the area. More than 200 photographs will be screened and several historical displays documenting development and key moments in the district's history will be available to view.
"Neerim South has always been a very community-minded community," Ms Sheehan said.
"Neerim South is continually changing, with a lot of new people in town. It will give them a sense of that history. They can see how we've grown over the years."
Ms Sheehan said the group had a long-term aim to find a space for a small museum for permanent displays, "but that's down the track".
"Interest is growing," she added. "We're just building the momentum."