History of Eastwood area
The Eastwood property was first settled by Alfred Howitt in 1865. and his family retained ownership until the 1940’s. Howitt is probably Bairnsdale’s most famous pioneer and was awarded an honorary Doctorate from both Cambridge and Melbourne Universities for his service to the sciences, particularly his studies into the local aboriginal tribes.
However he is probably best know as the leader of the successful expedition sent in 1860 to search for the ill fated Burke and Wills exploration party.
In 1985 a company, Qunitell Corporation, was formed to purchase the Eastwood property from the then owner, Mr Bill Flinn. A planning permit was obtained to subdivide the property into approximately 1200 lots, with a school, commercial centre, sports grounds and churches. Work on stage one commenced in 1986 and the first residents, Lynn and Lyle Schaeche moved into their new home in December 1987, and are still enjoying life at Eastwood.
Quintel Corporation ran into financial difficulties and in 1990 a syndicate of local business men bought out the major shareholders and changed the name to Eastwood Corporation. The same Board of Directors have run the company for the past 19 years.
Taken from http://eastwoodbairnsdale.com.au