The Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society is busy getting ready for its annual rally. The rally is held over two days and welcomes exhibitors from all over Victoria and Interstate.

Last year the Society had 260 plus stationary working engines on display, some large, some small, but all played an important role on properties in times gone by. Car clubs are welcome to join in the friendly atmosphere and have their vehicles on show. A tractor trek will run on Saturday for those who like to drive around the countryside.

Shearing

There are working demonstrations throughout the weekend. Shearing takes place in the shearing shed. A Lister 5 h.p. “L” (1921) model provides the power for the shearers. Blade shearing is often demonstrated by guest exhibitors. Chaff cutting is popular with the public. Members have cut sheaves and these are thread into the chaff cutter, the chaff separates out and is bagged providing feed for horses.

Power source

The club is home to two 116 h.p. Twin Cylinder Ruston Hornsby engines. One was the original power source for the town of Wedderburn and the second one was donated to the club by the Flour Mill in Bridgewater. These massive machines are a magnificent sight in operation.

This year the Society is lucky to have the model railway trains coming from Ararat. Saturday night entertainment thanks to Trevor Sleeman and a few market stalls will be selling their goods.

The club members will have a large range of food available from barbecue, pies pasties etc, soup, sandwiches, cakes and slices and freshly cooked roast pork sandwiches, not to mention the yummy pancakes.

This is the club’s main fundraiser for the year. Entry is $5 and school children are admitted free of charge. This event is a cash only event. September 13th and 14th, 2025, details as per advert.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 22 August 2025.