General News
6 March, 2024
Restoration rally to draw a crowd
EVERYTHING vintage will be on show when the South Western District Restoration Group opens its gates for the annual group rally over two jam-packed days.
The annual group rally will be held on Saturday, March 9 and Sunday, March 10 with thousands of people expected to flock to the Grayland Street location from across the country as a variety of historical artefacts and displays go on show.
The 48th annual rally is shaping up to be a busy one, according to group vice president Brian O’Shannessy.
“We’re looking forward to it; it should be good,” he said.
“Hopefully the weather is kind to us.
“In the last few years, the rally has been growing in both engines ad exhibitors and attendance.”
Displays over the weekend will include shed displays which feature a variety of paraphernalia, steam engines of all sizes and model boats.
Mr O’Shannessy encouraged attendees to have a look at a new feature at this year’s rally, with a horseworks on display.
A horse walking in a circle attached to the horseworks would power stationary farm machinery.
“We’ve got it set up and people will be able to push it,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
Various pieces of history will be up for sale at the annual action including a Sunshine five horse power engine on its original transporter.
The auction always proves popular and starts at 11am on the Saturday.
The vintage tractor pull will be on again to the delight of tractor pull enthusiasts.
There will also be a display of model boats as well as displays from the Warrnambool Model Train Group and the Warrnambool Model Aircraft Club.
A feature of the weekend is a special exhibition from the International Harvester Club of Australia.
Youngsters will be well catered for throughout the weekend with a host of vintage themed children’s games to play including a bowling alley and quoits.
The South Western District Restoration Group began in 1978 at the original Bookaar site, before moving to Cobden in 2011 where the group has continued to flourish.
“We’re trying every year to have something new,” Mr O’Shannessy said.
“If anyone is interested in having a shed, display or joining the club talk to any shed member on the weekend.
“We get a lot of exhibitors from other clubs around Victoria.”
The weekend is fully catered and camping is available.
Entry fee for each day is $15 for an adult and 16 years and under are admitted free. All money raised on the day goes to the South Western District Restoration Group.
Gates are open 10am to 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. The South Western District Restoration Group is located at 75 Grayland Street, Cobden.
For auction information contact Brian O’Shannessy on 0408 529 408.