Queen’s Birthday Vintage Rally

The Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum at Jeparit will be reverberating to the sounds of old engines and steam whistles during its 5th annual Vintage Rally over the Saturday and Sunday of the coming Queen’s Birthday long weekend.

Museum Committee President, Peter Pumpa, said, "Museum Committee members and volunteers have been busy preparing the Museum for the 5th rally, which promises something different for people who have attended in the past. This year we are fortunate to have a working steam engine from Ballarat as one of the main exhibits. This steam engine will be operating over the two days of the rally, and when combined with blade sheep shearing demonstrations and a display on the Sunday by the Wimmera Mallee Historical Vehicle Society, the Museum will be a hive of activity".

The first Vintage Rally was held in 2008 in an attempt to raise awareness of the historic assets located at the Museum, which has often been described as one of Australia’s best kept secrets.

Mr Pumpa added, "With new display sheds, cabinets and refurbishments to other buildings within the Museum there will be plenty for visitors to see and do, including working vintage tractors and engines from the Dunmunkle Sump Oilers and Wheatland’s Museum from Warracknabeal, coach rides, food stalls and much more. A lot of focus has always been on the vintage machinery and equipment, but the Museum boasts an incredible variety of furniture and household items from days gone by and these alone are worthy of a trip to Jeparit".

Hindmarsh Shire Mayor, Cr Cliff Unger, said "The running of the Vintage Rally at the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum highlights some of the fantastic heritage assets we have in the region. Tractors, trucks, farming implements and all types of household items will be on display."

Cr Unger added, "Of course none of this would happen without the tireless efforts from a group of dedicated volunteers from across the region that have spent countless hours restoring equipment and arranging exhibits.

Mr Pumpa concluded, "We invite members of the public from across the region to enjoy a day out inspecting one of Australia’s best kept secrets and if it does happen to rain just grin and bear it by putting on the rain coat, opening up the umbrella and take into consideration the conditions that our forbearers used to work in."

For more information contact either Peter Pumpa 0428 447 244, John Pumpa 0427 520 565 or Peter Robson 0427 897 891.