Toganmain woolshed celebrates 150 years
Honouring the shearing legacy at Toganmain
BY TERTIA BUTCHER
Poetry, bush music and a festive long table seating 180 guests on the board set the scene for the 150th anniversary celebrations of Toganmain woolshed on Saturday night.
The weekend celebrated the sesquicentennial anniversary of the completion of the legendary woolshed which has weathered the elements for a century-and-a-half.
Toganmain, between Darlington Point, Carrathool and Hay, ran 110 blade shearing stands at its peak, with 150 men needed for the shearing season.
The last shearing took place in 2002 and the shed, shearer's quarters and other buildings started to fall into disrepair.
Renowned heritage conservation architect, Peter Freeman (OAM) who is well-known in Hay through his involvement in the preservation works of Bishop's Lodge Historic House, and Graeme Nalder, owner of historic Mooloomoon at Moulamein, came to the rescue.
They negotiated a lease of the 20-acre precinct in 2012 in a bid to save this important part of Australia's heritage.
Two years later the Friends of Toganmain group was formed with a vision to preserve and restore the iconic woolshed.
The following year a Master and Business Plan was prepared.
Volunteers travel from throughout Australia for working bees, working long and hard to preserve the legendary Toganmain woolshed.
A highlight of the weekend was the launch of a book by Lexie Keane, Toganmain Woolshed: Then and Now.
A limited number of copies are available for purchase at The Riverine Grazier bookshop.
Bill (Wig) Ryan has been a near neighbour of Toganmain all his life and shared some of his memories of the place during the 150th anniversary dinner inside the woolshed on Saturday night. He is pictured with Bronwyn and Gordon Turner.
Shear Outback was represented by Board Chair, Sam Barnes and Administration Manager, Kathy Finn.
Volunteer Dougie Newton practically lives at Toganmain and received a special mention on Saturday night for his dedication to the task of preserving the woolshed.
Key organiser of the event, Christine Chirgwin.
Woolgrowers, David and Andrew Davies inside the 150-year-old Toganmain shed.
Former Hay residents, Kym and Jackie Hannaford returned to the district as part of the Friends of Toganmain group for the 150th anniversary celebrations over the weekend. With them inside the legendary Toganmain woolshed is fellow volunteer, Jenny Cooper.
