Waltzing Matilda Centre Opening, Winton Qld.
Submitted: Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 at 10:20
ThreadID:
136591
Views:
4285
Replies:
11
FollowUps:
7
This Thread has been Archived
Bob Y. - Qld
A large crowd watched while MC, Peter Lewis, introduced various dignitaries to have their say at the opening of the $23M
Waltzing Matilda Centre. They all referred to the late Mayor, Graeme "Butch" Lenton, whose passion for the Centre, and
Winton, was a driving force in the rebuilding of the Centre, not quite 3 years after the original centre was destroyed by fire.
Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove & Lady Cosgrove were on hand to open the building, and an Indigenous "smoking ceremony" probably helped keep the many thousands of flies away for a few minutes.
The many contractors & sub-contractors are to be congratulated in having the building ready for the opening, on time. Only a week ago, the surrounds were looking like a "dogs breakfast", but scrubbed up okay on the day.
Opening Ceremony, 20th April, 2018.
Wall to Wall People, everywhere you looked!
John Williamson sang "True Blue" & "Waltzing Matilda", with some help from the crowd.
Winton Mayor, Gavin Baskett, giving his speech.
Even the security guard needed a fly veil!
Governor-General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.
The Cosgroves unveiling the Commerative Plaque.
Front view, after the Ceremony.
Banjo welcomes All.
Bob.
Reply By: Idler Chris - Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 at 14:27
Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 at 14:27
I was there last year and you are right Bob, it looked like a "dogs breakfast". The photo's look great but they probably do not do it justice.
I am planning to be in
Winton around mid August this year and will be allocating a whole days to see it all properly. It looks spectacular, I cannot wait.
Been to
Winton a few times, but usually on ones way to somewhere else. This year I will make it a destination and take it all in. The
Tattersalls Hotel has great food and a
good spot to while away an hour or three, and walking distance from several CP's.
Thanks for keeping us up to date Bob.
Chris
AnswerID:
618459
Reply By: Bob Y. - Qld - Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 at 12:55
Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 at 12:55
We took our
Cairns family down to the Centre this morning for a look. Quite impressed, and am sure many others will be too!
Some great displays, with lots to read, so make sure your glasses are clean. The cafe is operational, as is the gift
shop, though it appears to have limited stock at this time.
Inside the Main Entrance
The Cafe.
Video Screen highlighting Local Attractions in Winton Shire
The Reading Room - Bring your own book, at the moment!
Might add some more images, once our internet starts to behave. :-(
Bob
AnswerID:
618474
Follow Up By: Allan B (Sunshine Coast) - Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 at 14:12
Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 at 14:12
.
Rather thought it may have been an electrical fault Bob after my observations on my last visit. Saw some pretty iffy electricals then amongst the exhibits. Maybe it was not one of them but it was just a matter of time.
FollowupID:
890485
Follow Up By: Bob Y. - Qld - Tuesday, Apr 24, 2018 at 21:37
Tuesday, Apr 24, 2018 at 21:37
Few more images of the Centre.
Entrance to the Gallery.
Inside the WWI Exhibit.
Part of the Waltzing Matilda Exhibit. "New" billabong on the right.
More in the Matilda Room.
Heres the Windmill, David!
Bob
FollowupID:
890534