Update - Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton Qld.
Submitted: Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 13:50
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Bob Y. - Qld
The demolishing of the fire-ravaged
Waltzing Matilda Centre began on the 2nd of November. The contract was won by local firm, Grant's Transport, who are being assisted by a qualified demolition expert and his 30 tonne excavator.

Cafe, gallery and display area are just rubble now.

Good operators make it look easy.

Rear view of the site.

The bucket & hammer in foreground will be used to clean up the slab.

Crane has been used to clean up any salvageable items.
The museum will be open again next year, but as I understand it, the new building won't be ready until about September, 2017.
For other pictures/videos, click on
here.
Bob
Reply By: Robyn R4 - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 14:15
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 14:15
Thanks for the update, Bob, from someone who has a soft spot for
Winton.
:)
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Reply By: vk1dx - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 15:03
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 15:03
It will be hard to beat the old display. But as they say "Out of the ashes . . . " We will be looking forward to going and having a look. Queensland Spirit of the Outback would be nice. We had a look a decade back and were hoping to go that way on a fishing trip to
Karumba next year.
Maybe a train ride this time. Been on others and had a great time. They are a bit hard to "stop and smell the roses from" but you don't have to worry about slow pokes, speed limits and stupid drivers or driving to the conditions. All in jest guys.
Yep Should be good.
Phil
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Reply By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 15:34
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 15:34
Hi Bob
Thanks again for the update and I bet even now after all this time, it would still be the talk of the town.
Now that they are into the cleanup process, did they ever find out what caused the fire?
We would love to be up there again for the opening of the new building and displays.
Cheers
Stephen
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Reply By: The Landy - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:04
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:04
Book me in for the opening. A great town and great people...!
Cheers, Baz
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Reply By: Member - Tony H (touring oz) - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:16
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:16
There are (at least) three things you must DO in
Winton
1. A visit to Mr Searles
shop (left hand hand side towards Tattersells Hotel)
2. A seafood feed @ Tattersells Hotel....yes a LONG way from the coast.....but soooo good.!
3. A visit to the
Waltzing Matilda Centre
So we cant go to the 'WMC' at the moment so don't forget the auto museum or the
Gregory Hotel.
Outback Qld .......so much to see & experience.....enjoy!!!
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Follow Up By: Member - Stephen L (Clare SA) - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 18:19
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 18:19
Hey Tony
I can think of at least 3 other important things that are a must when in
Winton.
Australian Age of Dinosaurs
The Open Air picture theatre.
Drop in and say g'day to Bob and his nice wife.
Winton sure is a top little town and one that any outback traveller should never miss.
Cheers
Stephen
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Follow Up By: mike39 - Tuesday, Nov 10, 2015 at 08:26
Tuesday, Nov 10, 2015 at 08:26
Don't forget Arno's wall either.
That has to be unique in Australia, not just
Winton!
mike
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860720
Reply By: Member - Terry W4 - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:24
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:24
Thanks for the update and the pics. Was there in June this year. Great little town.
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Reply By: Slow one - Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:53
Sunday, Nov 08, 2015 at 17:53
Thanks
Young Bob,
Good to see a little green from the storms.
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Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Monday, Nov 09, 2015 at 15:47
Monday, Nov 09, 2015 at 15:47
Hello Folks,
Here's an update on an update. Took this photo this morning, and everything is gone.......
well, except Banjo and the windmill. The excavator was loading useful scrap steel into the trailer parked on site. Probably drafted out as he cleaned up all the other waste.

WMC - All gone!
About midday, I drove past and there were a number of holes dug into the slab, and the excavator was using his bucket to break the slab into sections, ready to be carted away.
Bit sad to see it now, but it'll be back, bigger and better, I'm sure.
Bob
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