General News
24 June, 2023
Annual rally always a rare treat
Enjoy a range of photos from the weekend, contributed by Les Graetz, Walter Sholl and Helen Woodhouse-Herrick. The 14th Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum Annual Vintage Rally saw an increased number of enthusiastic visitors perusing the display of...
Enjoy a range of photos from the weekend, contributed by Les Graetz, Walter Sholl and Helen Woodhouse-Herrick.
The 14th Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum Annual Vintage Rally saw an increased number of enthusiastic visitors perusing the display of agricultural machinery and reminiscing over the displays of everyday life as a pioneer.
Museum president Wendy Werner said the King's Birthday event was simply amazing.
"We were very lucky with the weather, with an especially beautiful sunny day on Saturday," she said.
"It's great to see the museum come alive and so many visitors coming to share the day with us."
The 655 gate entries surpassed last year's 623, which was a great number post-Covid.
Ms Werner said the committee, which consists of only six volunteers, did an amazing job pulling the weekend together on top of keeping up with the day-to-day running of the museum.
"A special thank you to Uncle Wazza for his Welcome to Country, and to Emma Kelly and our mayor Brett Ireland for opening our family days," she said.
"(And) without the dedication of the exhibitors from other clubs, foodies and stalls, getting here early and helping to set up and run our exhibits, we would not be able to hold this event."
Lois Goddard, secretary of the Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society, was the winner of the cute little farm animals, lovingly knitted by Kath, while Melanie Jolly won the driving lights, and Nhill's Bruce Muller of Nhill won the BBQ.
The Jeparit Lutheran Church raised $1000 for their hall repairs, and the Jeparit FARTS raised $1000 for the town's hospital and will be donating another $1000 to the new oncology department in Horsham.
Dimboola's Tom Fax was hard at work at the museum's Antwerp Smithy.
"It was a great turnout with lots of people showing interest in what was happening," he said.
"I enjoyed engaging with the audience and answering their questions about the trade.
"I can only hope I've inspired a few more people to have a go."