The Division of Echuca was an Australian electoral division in the state of Victoria. The division was proclaimed in 1900, and was one of the original 65 divisions to be contested at the first federal election. After 1919, it was a safe seat for the Country Party. It was abolished in 1937.
The division was named for the town of Echuca. It was located in the Murray Valley area, including the towns of Echuca, Kyabram, Rochester and Shepparton. In 1913, it gained the areas of Seymour, Kilmore, Broadford and Lancefield from the abolished Division of Mernda, and Heathcote from the Division of Bendigo.
When the division of Echuca was abolished in 1937, it was split into three and replaced by: the Division of Indi (at the north-eastern portion, including Kyabram, Shepparton, Euroa, Violet Town and Yarrawonga) the Division of Bendigo (at the north-western and south-western portions, including Echuca, Rochester, Heathcote and Lancefield) the new Division of Deakin (at the south-eastern portion, including Seymour, Broadford and Wandong)
However, 12 years later in 1949, a new Division of Murray was created and it covered similar areas and boundaries to the division of Echuca prior to the latter's abolition, except the areas of Seymour and south of it, which became the new Division of Lalor. The last member for Echuca, John McEwen, became member for Indi during the 12 years, and then became the first member for Murray.
Members Image Member Party Term Notes James McColl Protectionist 29 March 1901 –1904 Previously held the Victorian Legislative Assembly seat of Gunbower. Transferred to the Senate Free Trade 1904 –1906 Anti-Socialist 1906 –8 November 1906 Albert Palmer 12 December 1906 –10 June 1907 Died in office 10 July 1907–26 May 1909 Liberal 26 May 1909 –17 February 1917 Nationalist 17 February 1917 –14 August 1919 William Hill Victorian Farmers' Union 20 September 1919 –22 January 1920 Served as minister under Bruce. Retired Country 22 January 1920 –7 August 1934 John McEwen 15 September 1934 –23 October 1937 Transferred to the Division of Indi after Echuca was abolished in 1937
Election results
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