Phillip Molesworth, who has self-funded a story board at the grave site of Margaret Jardine, said her story represents the hardship of life in early Australia. 

“It’s not just about her,” he said. 

“She’s an example of how tough it was for pioneers in the district, especially for women. 

“She was illiterate, she couldn’t read or write and signed her marriage licence with a big cross.

“The grave site is a representation of her story and all the people who settled in the district – how tough, resilient and helpful they were.”

Mr Molesworth said in August 1866, Margaret Jardine was pregnant with her third child when she died in her hut north of Lake Hindmarsh. 

He said while her body was being taken to Nine Creeks, now Dimboola, the axle broke on the wagon and her husband buried her beside the track.

Mr Molesworth said Margaret landed in Australia at age 17, and at 24 married her husband James Jardine, with whom she had two children.

Mr Molesworth said when Margaret realised something was amiss with her pregnancy, her husband called for a ‘useful woman’ or midwife to visit. Katherine Maloney, also a shepherd, walked 19 miles overnight to help. 

Mr Molesworth said Mrs Maloney showed the true helpfulness of the time.

He said the story board would go alongside a seat, giving people a place to reflect on the difficult lives of the region’s pioneers.