Step back in time at Temora Rural Museum and experience life through the past two centuries. The museum showcases the rich heritage of not only Temora Shire, but agriculture, gold mining and many other facets of country life in general.
One of Australia’s most outstanding rural museums, it will take you on a trip down memory lane, providing an insight into the lives of pioneering rural families.
The museum is managed by a section 355 committee of Temora Shire Council in co-operation with a dedicated group of local volunteers. Regular working bees by museum volunteers over the past 30 years have added many features to the display including a cottage of hardwood slabs that was Sir Donald Bradman’s first home, a one room public school, bush church, country dance hall, printery, flour mill and ambulance station.
The memorabilia of noted boxing promoter, Jimmy Sharman, along with a comprehensive working display of sound technology and a fully furnished pioneer cottage, complement a gallery dedicated to the impressive rock and mineral display created for Temora by the late Athol Stean.
Decades of collecting and restoration have provided the museum with an outstanding collection of tractors, stationary engines and agricultural machinery, many of which are maintained in working order.
The most recent addition to the precinct is the Temora Ambulance Museum, a display which is described as a wonderful reflection of the heritage of one of the country's most respected organisations.
Each year on the second Saturday in March, the museum celebrates its anniversary with a packed program of live exhibitions featuring cottage crafts, bush trades, music and vintage machinery demonstrations. A highlight of the day is the grand parade of classic tractors led by a Fowler steam traction engine.
The museum also houses the Temora Family and Local History research centre, which is a great resource for anyone interested in investigating their family’s roots.
You can browse the museum’s displays on your own, or take advantage of the extensive knowledge of volunteer guides who can provide that extra level of local knowledge on each exhibit.
This amazing ever changing exhibition takes us back to the mid 1800s. The garments, all in perfect condition, range from baby wear through underwear, work wear, and ballroom to wedding apparel.
The first home of Sir Donald Bradman, world famous cricketer. The delightful cottage of hardwood slabs was moved to the museum from its original farm location at Yeo Yeo siding, near Stockinbingal.
A special feature is the comprehensive display of restored farm tractors and oil engines, some going as far back as the 19th century.
Tractors in a range of makes and models include orchard, general agriculture, crawler and steam operated. Almost all of the Museum's exhibits are in working order.
A special section of the museum is devoted to a large and varied collection of rocks and minerals from all parts of the world, as well as an emphasis on the local goldmines, and an exhibit of local rocks, claimed as some of the oldest on earth.
Displayed in a two story replica flour mill, explains the history of wheat from 3000B.C. to the highly sophisticated breeding programmes of the present day. Samples of popular varieties are exhibited.
This building has been moved to the museum. It is home for a large and interesting display of working telephones, antique wireless, gramophones and cinema equipment, mostly in working condition and operated on special occasions.
The first to be established in Regional NSW is used to store and conserve, under very favorable conditions, a wide range of documentary material, photographs, Local Government records, maps, newsprint, etc.
The very large machinery building covers the many types of implements used in farming operations. The range covers soil working, grain sowing, fodder conservation, and grain harvesting, as well as other machines.
At the Bundawarrah Centre
29 Junee Road (PO Box 181) Temora NSW 2666
Open 9.30am to 5pm daily
Phone: (02) 6977 1291
Fax: (02) 6980 1138
Email: ruralmuseum@temora.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.temoraruralmuseum.com
