Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Step Back In Time With The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists

A warm welcome from the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Inc. (BMP).

This club provides the community with active social involvement. With a membership of around sixty, many of whom are retired machinery enthusiasts, fifteen or sometimes twenty meet weekly to restore and maintain historical machinery and enjoy a good yarn.

The museum and working displays are open and available to the public from 9am-3pm each Monday. During the tourist season (April to September) we are also open on Wednesday and Saturday. You are all welcome to call in during those times and one of our knowledgeable members will be pleased to introduce you to the collection and share a few interesting stories about their history.

BMP Inc. was established in 1984 as a not-for-profit (NFP) group of individual machinery enthusiasts with private collections. The Club leased buildings at the Brandon Heritage Precinct from Burdekin Shire Council, and its charter is to collect and display historic machinery pertaining to the local sugar industry. Notable items in that category include the historic Marshall Colonial Tractor, Pioneer No.1 Steam Locomotive, Inkerman No.1 Steam Locomotive, Walkers No.1 Diesel Alternator Set, Ruston Diesel Alternator Set and 3 Diesel Pumping Engines. Aside from maintaining a working museum, the Club operates well equipped fitting, machine and blacksmith shops.

Each year, we hold an Open Day during which we operate the machinery for the public’s enjoyment. The Club also participates in local agricultural shows, and the hand sugar cane cutting event, during which we display the fascinating antique engines and machinery.

This year, our Open Day will be from 9am to 3pm on Saturday 10th May at the Brandon Heritage Precinct. We extend a cordial invitation to you all – do come and join in the exciting huffing and puffing of the historic steam and diesel engines.

There’s something for everyone – the Iron Works Brewery will be open after 1:00pm - and the old Gardner Engine and furnace will fire up about 3:00pm!

If you would like to know more about the club’s activities or if you are interested in becoming a member, please give Lex a call on 0488 366 443.

BMP Marshall Colonial Tractor
BMP Marshall Colonial Tractor and Vice President John Hanson. Photos supplied

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