Community members will step back in time and take in the history of Childers during its Heritage Weekend next month.
The doors to some of Childers most historical buildings will open throughout the two-day event, allowing public access and showcasing the area's unique heritage.
Childers Heritage Weekend attractions will give locals and visitors a chance to glimpse inside some rarely seen buildings, take a stroll with cultural and historic walks and enjoy a family fun day.
Organised by the newly formed Childers tourism group Experience Childers, formerly known as Stay in Childers, the members have been active in developing strategies to promote tourism in the local district.
Member Scott Stedman said the exciting weekend of activities and attractions was part of a nation-wide celebration of regional local heritage, celebrating the rich cultural and historical roots of the charming area during the Australian Heritage Festival.
Scott said the influx of visitors would support museums, businesses, tourism operators and the general community.
“All ages will be catered for, from under eight story-reading at the library to checking out all the patchwork quilts or the different cars and trucks on display for those a bit older,” Scott said.
Childers Heritage Weekend will be held on 14-15 May and include an historical complex and building open day, walking tours, and evening entertainment.
Childers Heritage Weekend experiences
Saturday 14 May
- 7am – noon: Markets will be held at Apple Tree Creek Sports Grounds.
- 9am – 2pm: Vintage display and collectable vehicles, including blacksmithing demonstrations and rope making at Childers Historical Complex, 2 Taylor Street.
- 9am – 10am: Historical Walking Tour, with local historian Scott Stedman, at 24 Macrossan Street. Starting at Church of England, gold coin entry.
- 9am – noon: Open House with the Childers and District Orchid Society and the Childers Patchwork Quilters Group, at the Church of England Hall, 24 Macrossan Street.
- 9am – noon: Story telling for Under-8s at Childers Library, 49 Churchill Street.
- 9am – noon: Open House former Apple Tree Creek school, enjoy Devonshire tea with Childers CWA.
- 9am – noon: Open House Former Ladies Only Bowling, showcasing its history with displays of old bowls photos and building models, in the West Street Hall at 13 West Street.
- 9am – noon: Open House Firehouse Potters at the former fire brigade. Members will hold demonstrations and sales will be available.
- 9am – noon: Open House Childers Masonic Lodge, members will serve up the famous Childers mock chicken legs, at 18 Macrossan Street.
- 9am – noon: Open House, Sacred Hearts Catholic Church will open its doors at 40 Churchill Street.
- 11am – noon: Military Walking Tour with local historian Warren Martin, at Childers RSL, 53 Churchill Street, gold coin entry.
- Saturday night entertainment will be at the Isis Club and the Grand Hotel will host Chad Morgan, the Whiskey Boys and 130-year celebrations.
Sunday 15 May
- 10am: Theatre Tour, go behind the scenes of the Paragon Theatre with a tour conducted by owner Merissa Craft, at 75 Churchill Street. Cost is $20 and includes a Mamminos ice cream or coffee.
- Cultural Walk, stroll along Churchill Street and check out the many sculptures, mosaic pieces and artwork, before visiting Childers Art Space and the Backpacker Memorial in the Palace building.
- Historical Walk, starting at the Childers Historical Complex in Taylor Street, community members will step back in time when they visit Bakers Military Museum, Clockwork Curiosity Museum and the Old Pharmacy Museum.
- Families are encouraged to check out one of Childers’ popular tourist facilities, including Flying High Bird Sanctuary, Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo, or pop into Vintners Secret Winery or Hill of Promise and try one of their tantalising drops.
You can find out more about Experience Childers and the Childers Heritage Weekend here.
