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Another prominent figure in Penola's History was Scottish born John Riddoch. Settling in the area in 1861, he purchased Yallum Park property and became the first Chairman of Penola Council in 1869. Between 1878-1880 the 2 storey Victorian mansion, heritage listed Yallum Park was built . In 1890 he divided 1,000 acres of his property to establish the Penola Fruit Growing Colony, his crowning achievement. The Colony, renamed Coonawarra in 1897, sowed the seeds of Coonawarra's internationally renowned quality wine. John Riddoch died at Yallum Park on 15th July 1901. |
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John Shaw Neilson