Historic additions to our riverfront to celebrate Mildura Day
Published on 24 May 2017
Two very special projects representing Mildura’s colourful past will be officially opened on Monday, 29 May ahead of Mildura Day.
The George Chaffey-designed Tangye ‘Billabong’ engine, which was relocated to the riverfront last year, and a mural depicting the infamous 1956 floods, will be officially unveiled at 10.30am on Monday.
The community event is among a raft of activities planned to mark Mildura Day, which falls on Wednesday, 31 May.
The Billabong engine, built in Birmingham, England by Tangye Pty Ltd, was designed by George Chaffey and brought to Mildura in 1889. It was the first of four engines used to pump water to the early farmers in our region.
Lower Murray Water donated the pump engine to the Psyche Bend Historic Reserve Committee seven years ago, who with the support of a Council grant and $50,000 in Federal Government funding through the Regional Local Community Infrastructure Program, had the engine aesthetically restored and painted in its original colours.
The pump engine was relocated to its new home on Mildura’s riverfront in September last year.
Chaffey Trail Reference Group Chairman and Mildura Rural City Councillor Mark Eckel said the pump was an iconic symbol and reminder of the region’s irrigation foundations.
“Our region was built on irrigation, and the iconic Tangye pumps, designed by one of our district’s founding fathers, George Chaffey, were central to the successful development of our municipality as an irrigation district,” Cr Eckel said.
“It’s only fitting that this historic piece of machinery, with such strong ties to our past and our foundation, is on display where the community can appreciate it, right alongside the Murray River, which has been the lifeblood of our district for more than a century.”
The 1956 Flood Mural meanwhile was created this year by members of the Mildura Art Group as a lasting reminder of what many have described as the greatest Murray River flood event in history.
Now an integral part of our region’s story, the 1956 floods inundated large swathes of the district, triggering a massive effort by the community to establish infrastructure including levee banks to protect homes, infrastructure and businesses.
Councillor for Arts and Culture Jason Modica said the mural, painted onto the Old Mildura Pump House, was a shining example of community working together.
“The mural is representative not only of a major event in our history, but also the fantastic sense of community that has underpinned our region for decades,” Cr Modica said.
“During the floods themselves, our community banded together in a massive undertaking to protect our towns from the record-high Murray River levels.
“And now, with this magnificent piece of public artwork, we’ve seen about 20 people volunteer their time, working with Council to produce something that both visitors and locals can enjoy along our iconic riverfront.”
The mural is the result of six months planning and took about four weeks to complete.
The community is invited to celebrate next week’s officially opening of the Billabong Chaffey engine and 1956 Flood Mural, which will get under way at 10.30am on Monday, 29 May and include morning tea.
Media enquiries
Ben Piscioneri
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) ben.piscioneri@mildura.vic.gov.au