Charlotte Varcoe
VINTAGE forestry equipment has made its way across the country to settle at its new home in Nangwarry.
The Nangwarry Forestry Museum received an invitation to accept a full truck load of old style forestry equipment from CBIS Yarralumla Timber Logging Vehicles in the Australian Capital Territory.
Following a brief deliberation, the museum committee agreed to rehome the valuable items at the popular facility which included an old style logging whim, log tram bogies, a log buggy and a number of smaller saws.
Long serving museum volunteer and previous secretary Vic Smith said he was delighted to obtain the items for the community’s ever growing collection.
“The CBIS sent through a number of photos and after a quick chat as a committee we agreed that we would love to have the historic vehicles added to our collection,” Mr Smith said.
“They paid the expenses to have the items delivered here and all we had to do was organise to have it taken off the truck which we did through Williams Crane Hire who did an amazing job and placed each and every item exactly where we wanted it.”
Mr Smith said the donation to the community-based museum was invaluable and added to the experience for visitors.
“We were quite surprised they chose us because the items are an important part of forestry history,” he said.
“A donation like this means so much to us here at the museum because any old artifacts in great condition are valued and are irreplaceable.”
Alongside the grand donation, Mr Smith recently hung up his title as secretary of the forestry museum committee following decades of service.
He said due to health concerns it was time he passed on the responsibility despite it being an emotional move.
“It was a difficult decision but it was the right thing to do for myself and I know the committee and the museum are in good hands,” he said.
New found secretary, Rasma Virtanen said she looked forward to the new challenge ahead following her recent joining of the committee earlier this year.
“I only joined the committee this year so I am very new to the museum but the facilities here are fantastic and a lot of time and effort has gone into the work here and everyone has done a wonderful job,” Ms Virtanen said.
“I am looking forward to getting the hang of things and any new improvements we are able to put together.”
