General News
6 June, 2025
Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society Notes
Students from Shellharbour Anglican Grammar School recently visited Gilgandra to again undertake volunteer work for the Gilgandra Museum and Historical Society.
At the museum, students did a wonderful job of cleaning many of the exhibits, including applying special preservative dressings to leather and timber items.
We are grateful that the school continues to support organisations in the district.
A working bee was held with members moving machinery inside and outside the shed. Our ‘Man on the Dunny’ had a change of clothing with Gordon Evans and Neil Cooper sourcing his new outfit from St Vinnies.
Three of our members set up a stall at the recent Senior Citizens Luncheon in the shire hall and we were represented at the Volunteers Morning Tea and Expo in the new plaza. A wreath was laid at the 2025 ANZAC Day Service.
Kim Rogan, daughter of Clarrie Rogan, who was manager of the Western Stores in Gilgandra from 1948-1966 forwarded some of her late father’s photographs and letters. Clarrie was a member of the local RSL Sub-Branch and when living here he organised the 50th anniversary of the Coo-ee March in 1965. A further donation of photographs of the 1955 flood, showing the interior of various businesses and the Royal Hotel was received from Ian Simpson.
Ian’s father moved from Condobolin with his wife and two children in 1946 to commence a business in the Royal Hotel buildings. He was an accountant and taxation specialist who also regularly visited Gulargambone. In both centres he was heavily involved with community work and was honorary secretary and auditor for many organisations.
Our local historian Robyn Walton donated more photographs and a small cotton bag branded with products of years ago – Uncle Toby’s Oats, Ship Brand Corn Flour, Wades Cornflour, Laundrena Starch, and Lilywhite Rice Starch – all products receiving gold medals in their day.
Bryce Gavin’s family donated a collection of books and information regarding Gilgandra.
All these are great additions to our collection.
Our tasks are many and varied and new volunteers are always welcome.
