Community & Business
17 May, 2026
Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society News - May 12, 2026
Free Collection of Historical Local Photos, new tractor and a visit from a Sydney PROBUS Club.
FREE: Collection of Historical Local Photos
A large collection of photos are being offered for free to the public. The pictures vary from the late 1800s to the early 2000s and were part of a collection made by Ken Thompson. They have been in storage at the museum and displayed at times over the years. They feature various local events, businesses, sporting groups, schools, brownies and marching groups, farms and other properties (Berida Woolshed etc). They are free to good homes, drop in and inspect at the museum.
New Tractor Donated
The museum has received a new donation of a Hart Parr Australian Special 18-36 tractor. The now painted green and red tractor was made in Iowa, America in the 1920s. It is known for its twin cylinder horizontal motor. The tractor was restored by the late Peter Burrell.
PROBUS Club visits from Sydney
On Tuesday, April 21, a lovely group of PROBUS Club people visited Gilgandra Museum to be welcomed by president Phil Howard and other members. Many of those on board were from clubs in and around Penrith. There were 33 visitors, accompanied by two coach drivers.
Twilight Tours have come to the museum for a number of years now and are always a happy group of people and we are delighted to receive their repeat visits. They usually wander through the museum then come into the meeting room where a lovely morning tea is provided for them (Allan’s scones always disappear very quickly)!
Many stories were shared with one lady being related to the late Ian Doust who was a doctor in Gilgandra many years ago. Another lady was born here and left when she was two-years-old. Secretary Brenda was able to exchange information with her on the Walker family.
They had stayed overnight in Dubbo and were on their way to spend a few days at Lightning Ridge, where they were planning on taking part in the ANZAC Dawn Service. Following this they were to return to Dubbo for the night and then home. On the way back through Gilgandra they called at the Coo-ee Heritage Centre where they enjoyed the various exhibits.
All of the visitors were very complimentary about the displays at both the Coo-ee Heritage Centre and Gilgandra Museum.
