Gulgong Heritage - Henry Lawson 2013 Festival

Ref: Gulgong Pioneers Museum

20th Century Heritage Society Regional Tour

Mudgee and district is one of NSW’s best-kept secrets – less than 4 hours from Sydney, rich in natural beauty,

Enjoy an introduction to some of its and district neighbours Kandos and Gulgong’s delights: architectural, landscape and gastronomic.

The Society’s President Dr Roy Lumby – together with local experts Colleen O’Sullivan, John Broadley, Barbara Hickson and David Mort – will open gates and doors not usually open to the public.

Kandos is an entirely 20th century town built for and from cement. Gulgong was a major gold strike site and home to poet Henry Lawson.

Meet some key local identities such as the retailing dynasty the Loneragan family, whose houses and gardens in town and country we will sample.
 

Learn about local architect Harold Hardwick, who was prolific through the Federation era, leaving a legacy of buildings.
 

Don’t miss the work of landscape designer Paul Sorensen, and nurseryman and garden designer, Walter Hazlewood, working in the country.
 

The weekend programme includes a gala dinner with two short talks on 20th century heritage in Mudgee and cinemas in country towns. Not to be missed!

Read more in the brochure

Gulgong’s Pioneer Museum plans 50th anniversary

Gulgong’s Pioneer Museum is preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012 with the biggest celebration in the museum’s history.

A free open day on Easter Saturday will give visitors an opportunity to see the museum, and to see it at its best, with old machinery operating, several recent restorations on display, and costumes, music and vehicles plucked out of history.

Arthur Johnson, president of the Gulgong Historical Society, said members were excited about the plans and working with other groups to involve the community in the celebration.

“They really want to make a big thing of it,” he said.

“As soon as we get back [after the Christmas break], it’ll be full-on.”

Students of Gulgong Public School will bring their circus skills, while children will come from Red Hill dressed in period clothes.

The printing machine and stationary motors will run, and it is hoped that a sheep shearing demonstration can be arranged, along with music from local musicians.

Organisers are also hoping to involve local vintage car and motorbike clubs.

The museum also has several restoration projects underway, which should be complete before the anniversary date.

Using a grant from Veteran’s Affairs, the museum’s military display room is being improved, and a vintage firearm is being restored.

A heritage grant from Mid-Western Regional Council is financing the restoration of the old blacksmith’s shop in the museum yard, including the replacement of boards in the walls, improvements to the foundations, and structural maintenance.

Source: Mudgee Guardian 02Jan2012