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Murwillumbah Historical Society Inc. Murwillumbah Museum
2 Queensland Rd, Murwillumbah, NSW
Open 10AM-4PM Wednesdays, Fridays
& 4th Sunday of the Month
(excluding Public Holidays)
School Groups and Tours by appointment

Phone (02) 6672 1865
PO Box 383
Murwillumbah 2484

EMAIL ADDRESS Research Officer:
Joan Fleming

Tweed Shire Council
Murwillumbah History
Pioneer: Bray Family
Theme Displays
Radio Room
Robey Steam Engine
Books For Sale
Membership Form

Robey Steam Engine

A 12 ton Robey Steam Engine arrived in Australia from England approximately 100 years ago. It was located in Sydney, New South Wales for a while then Brisbane, Queensland and then on to Killarney, Queensland, where it slaved away in a sawmill owned by T.C.McIntyre, until a team of bullocks pulled it to Mt Nullum 60 odd years ago.

In 1996 the Tweed River Historical Society (Murwillumbah Museum) were given the opportunity of obtaining the steam engine. The members trudged out to the property at Mt Nullum then sat and looked at the massive piece of rusty machinery. Was it worth the effort to get it to the Museum over creeks, a bridge which would not take the weight and many more obstacles. They decided to give it a go.

After eighteen months the job of removing the engine to the museum had arrived. With the help of many willing hands and the use of a huge truck that had been offered free of charge by the Harding boys of Uki, the engine arrived at the Museum. Hour after hour and day after day the Society's volunteers worked chipping off the rust and restoring the engine to what it is today.

On the 26th May 2002, a plaque was unvieled at the Museum by Mayor Mr Warren Polglaise, followed by damper and billy tea. A very proud day for the members of the Society.

(The above information kindly supplied by author of Tales of our Times, Ron Johansen)

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