General News
23 September, 2025
Rally has full head of steam
BALLARAT’S Bill Singleton was glad to be back at Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society’s annual rally at the weekend. He was among hundreds of people at Engine Park where restored machines, works in progress and stalls selling spare...
BALLARAT’S Bill Singleton was glad to be back at Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society’s annual rally at the weekend.
He was among hundreds of people at Engine Park where restored machines, works in progress and stalls selling spare parts were the attraction.
“I was a regular attender for many years but then missed 10 years ... had a grand daughter performing in the Schools’ Spectacular on the same weekend for those years,” said Bill.
“Finally got back to Wedderburn last year and I wasn’t going to miss this year either.”
The retired diesel mechanic’s current project is building a three-inch scale steam engine. “Will probably take me another couple of years to get it finished.” he said. “Hopefully it will pass the pressure test. Otherwise I will have to start again.”
Healesville’s Mal Wilkinson spent the weekend riding Engine Park on a friend’s unique machine. “It’s a 1980s mower with a 1960s diesel engine and a home-made park bench seat,” said Mal.
Society president Trevor Bailey said there had been a good crowd for the rally with many camping at the side for the weekend.
“We even had quite a few come down from the sport grand finals at Donaldson Park for a look.”
Saturday night saw engines on display adorned with lights.