The University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus is set to take the public on a remarkable journey through time come Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of May 2024.
As part of the History Month in May, the Gawler program will extend to Roseworthy with two different exhibitions on offer – ‘Made in Gawler’ and the ‘Roseworthy Collection’.
Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, has been working closely with Gawler Machinery Restorers Club, the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association and University of Adelaide to make this event possible.
“It’s been a learning experience, but also a trip down memory lane while wandering through the years of machinery and equipment on display,” Mr Piccolo said.
“These exhibitions contain something interesting for the whole family, and it’s amazing to have it open for the community to explore the fascinating stories and see how far we’ve come with technological advancements.
“A lot of hard work has gone into putting these exhibitions together, not just now, but maintaining the equipment over the years, and I thank everyone involved for their efforts.”
Gawler Machinery Restorers Club president Daniel Aunger said his club is, “proud to be hosting the Made in Gawler display at the Roseworthy Agricultural Museum.”
“This exhibition will showcase all the manufacturing companies that we established in the town of Gawler from 1870s to 1930s, with some smaller manufacturers still operating until the late 70s,” Mr Aunger said.
“Items on display from different manufacturers from James Martin, May Bros, Perry, Roberson, and Eagle Foundry plus a few more ranging from Agricultural to machining equipment and model layouts.
As part of The University of Adelaide’s 150-year celebration, the Gawler Machinery Restorers Club has joined with the Roseworthy Old Collegians Association and University of Adelaide to create the Roseworthy Collection exhibition at the Roseworthy College Hall.
The display will feature agricultural, science and laboratory equipment from yesteryear, and as “the first agricultural college in Australia”, Roseworthy Old Collegians Association president Dale Manson said, “the campus is the jewel in the Adelaide University’s crown.”
“The campus is 141 years old this year, and Adelaide University is celebrating 150 years,” Mr Manson said.
“A lot of history has gone through Roseworthy as many of the buildings here were built in the 1800s and haven’t been recognised as historic sites.
“We’ve still got the old draft horse stables, used to have the old cow barns and used to have an old dairy factory that was used to train people to make butter.
“In the recent history, they’ve trained over 550 veterinarian surgeons in the last decade since the course has been going.
“People like Bruce Eastick (former Gawler Mayor, and former Leader of the Opposition) went through here and did agriculture, then did veterinary surgery and he, as an individual, set up the first veterinary practice north of Adelaide.
Adelaide University’s Associate University Librarian, Collections and Discovery, Kate Sinclair said, “the Special Collections, Archives and Recordkeeping team are very happy to work with local groups to continue to build strong College history displays at Roseworthy Campus which we can share.”
“The exhibitions as a part of History Month are a great opportunity to engage the community with the rich history that Roseworthy Campus has to offer.”