Update No.2-Waltzing Matilda Centre, Winton.
Submitted: Monday, Jul 31, 2017 at 11:15
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Bob Y. - Qld
Back in April this year, when I posted about the beginning of construction, I hinted that there might be regular updates.
Well, I've been more slack and this is the first of those. You've missed out on photos of machinery, trenches and footings, but these few images should be just as exciting?
Apparently, construction is on time, and the opening will still be in April, 2018, after the Commonwealth Games. Mark your calendars now!

"Tradesmen's entrance" - View from the truck bypass.

At the Post Office end, on Elderslie St.

Another front view.

This might be the entrance?

Looking from the Opal Shop end.

And a crane too!

View down the service lane, towards the rear.

The new structure stands out on Elderslie Street.
Hope the images do it justice? Shaky hands and an iPad aren't conducive to studio quality photos.
Bob
Reply By: Member - Robyn R4 - Friday, Aug 04, 2017 at 21:21
Friday, Aug 04, 2017 at 21:21
Thanks for the update Bob.
We're fans of
Winton.
How's the loss of such a drawcard affected the town? Of course tourist numbers would be down but by what percent? Any idea?
I read (a few years ago now, and I don't recall where) of the devastating affect the drought was having on businesses and the financial domino effect from one business to the next.
We've been stuck in the land of "sea breezes" for the past 2 years and can't wait to pass through again when we next escape through western Qld.
Robyn :)
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Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Aug 06, 2017 at 16:31
Sunday, Aug 06, 2017 at 16:31
Thanks Robyn.
At first there was a noticeable slump and perhaps a bit of depressed spirit around town, but some of the dozen or so Centre staff got jobs elsewhere in town, so that helped. As it was in middle of the drought things weren't too crash hot anyway.
Even though the current season can only be rated as fair, I'd say the feeling around town would be very optimistic. The Centre is progressing rapidly, the builders, A. Gabrielli Constructions have a large team with a number of locals employed, and are fitting in
well into the community. And to top it off
Winton's rugby league team, the Diamantina Devils, is in the grand final next weekend, with a fair show of winning. If they do, they'll have won the Central West comp Grand Final, 7 years out of the past 8.
So when you do get out here, Robyn, the Centre will be finished and you can join the thousands of others doing the Waltzing Matilda thing. There's stacks of tourists this year, 'vans everywhere!
Bob
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