The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame is a museum located in Longreach, Queensland, Australia, which pays tribute to pioneers of the Australian outback. The centre is also dedicated to Australian stockmen who have shown bravery and courage.
 Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame behind the bronze statue of a stockman called The Ringer | |
 | |
| Established | 29 April 1988 |
|---|---|
| Location | Longreach, Queensland, Australia |
| Type | Hall of fame |
| Founder | Hugh Sawrey |
| Website | www |
The founder of the Hall of Fame was artist Hugh Sawrey, a well-known painter and former stockman, who had the name registered in 1974, put up the initial funding, and enlisted supporters. His vision was to create a memorial to the explorers, overlanders, pioneers and settlers of outback Australia. This dream was shared by other outstanding Australians, including the legendary R. M. Williams.[1]
Longreach was chosen as the location because of its historical role as a stock route junction and because of its current transport links.[2] The original information centre, a sandstone cottage built by R. M. Williams, complete with hand adzed timber and black marble floors, was restored to its original character and now houses the Hall of Fame's growing library collection.
The structure was designed by Sydney architect Feiko Bouman and provides 2,500 square metres (27,000 sq ft) of usable floor space.[2]
History
editIn 1980, an architectural design competition was announced by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.[2] Construction began in July 1985.[2] The Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame was opened by Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia on 29 April 1988.
In 2009, as part of the Q150 celebrations, the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame was announced as one of the Q150 Icons of Queensland for its role as a "location".[3]
In 2021, the museum reopened after a three year makeover that cost $15 million.[4] The museum now features an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure-style experience using headsets and smart devices.[4]
Displays
editGold medals once belonging to legendary sheep shearer Jackie Howe are on display.[5]
A restored Queen Air plane hangs from the ceiling in a display about the Royal Flying Doctor Service.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ About Us. Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. Retrieved on 17 November 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Historical Data". Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on 10 October 2014. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ^ Bligh, Anna (10 June 2009). "PREMIER UNVEILS QUEENSLAND'S 150 ICONS". Queensland Government. Archived from the original on 24 May 2017. Retrieved 24 May 2017.
- ^ a b Grounds, Ellie (3 April 2021). "Stockman's Hall of Fame reopens after multi-million-dollar revamp three years in the making". ABC News. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
- ^ Gibson, Lisanne; Joanna Besley (2004). Monumental Queensland: Signposts on a Cultural Landscape. University of Queensland Press. p. 124. ISBN 0702234656. Retrieved 10 October 2014.
- ^ Arthur, Chrissy (28 February 2015). "Restored Queen Air plane to go on display at Stockman's Hall of Fame". ABC News. Retrieved 17 November 2023.