PREPARATIONS for this month’s Border Flywheelers Rally are progressing, with organisers hoping for larger than usual crowds.
Now in its 20th year, the rally is the Barham-based group’s annual opportunity to showcase its rage of restored machinery, static engines and vehicles.
Numerous displays will be on-site at the Barham Lakes complex on Saturday, May 21 and Sunday, May 22 for people to explore.
This year’s event will celebrate the Ferguson, Massey Harris and Massey Harrison brand of tractors.
The Ferguson Club of Australia will be in attendance, with members bring along a number of their private collection of tractors and machinery.
A blacksmith will be on-site displaying how the traditional craft that was popular before the introduction of machinery, with local items to be used.
Patrons will also be able to access the flywheelers’ museum, located at the former Jamieson’s brickworks site.
The Jamieson Road museum features an extensive display of steam and oil engines, a diverse range of heritage tractors, machinery, vehicles and farming memorabilia.
All of the engines – some dating back to the 1880s – have been restored to working order to enable older visitors to reminisce about the good old days and the younger generation to marvel at what went before.
New attractions visitors to the museum can experience this year include an expansive section on women’s clothing and other items and the creation of a display regarding the Barapa Barapa people.
Launched recently, the Resting Place features Aboriginal artefacts and information about indigenous links to the area.
“People who visit here can spend $5 and spend 50 hours exploring what’s on offer,” flywheelers member, Chris Adams said.
Food and drinks can be purchased on-site during both days.
