Wayne Hawthorne, Naracoorte Community News

“Out of sight, out of mind” it is said, yet this idiom can be transformed to “seeing is believing” when visiting museums. Times gone by, but now here to see again.

Memories stimulated and nostalgia invoked. Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club members recently visited two lesser-known gems of the South East. The Nangwarry Forestry Museum and the Kalangadoo Railway Station Museum.

For these two gems, GEMS stands for: Great Exposure of Meaningful Sites; as well as Grand Efforts of Memorable Significance. Two lesser-known, terrific tourism attractions that should be better acknowledged. Nangwarry is maintained by only seven volunteers led by Vic Smith, and Kalangadoo by only one, Peter Savage.

What a great job they do with limited funding. History of the forestry industry and the railways is being preserved and protected for all to view.

Probus members were quite nostalgic, having owned some of the seemingly ancient chain saws on display at Nangwarry. No chain brakes, but back breaking. Outside was an array of equipment used to cut and haul logs. While forestry progresses rapidly now, the past relics and machines that were used are truly amazing. A giant grab loader now faces the main highway to attract those passing by. There is more to be seen than what appears to be a small building.

The Railways have been well and truly gone from the South-East, the last goods train running in 1986. Railway history is incredible when now witnessed firsthand.

Dis-used railway lines and derelict sidings are the only reminders for most. However, the Kalangadoo Railway Station and its display of property, photos, paperwork and equipment used over a century of railways is astounding. It must be seen to believe.

Peter Savage has done a brilliant job to have single-handedly kept original documents and items, whilst expanding with other railway memorabilia. His presentation is one to behold as well.

We all need to have a greater awareness and promotion of these two museums and other lesser-known attractions in the Limestone Coast. We all need to take the time to learn of our local history and view it. As now we live in a disposable, digital world, it is important to remember and be show how it was before. Well done to the Nangwarry and Kalangadoo Museums for preserving history and helping keep the past alive.

This article appeared in the  Naracoorte Community News.