The University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy campus successfully concluded its journey through time, captivating hundreds of visitors during the History Month exhibitions.
The ‘Made in Gawler’ and ‘Roseworthy Collection’ exhibitions were open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, 18th and 19th May, with resounding positive feedback from families, history enthusiasts and alumni who attended.
Ronald Oliver was one of the guests and one half of the first couple to be wed at the campus chapel on 1 February 1958, returned to the cherished site where he and his late wife, Lynette Selway, exchanged their vows.
Local State Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, worked with the University of Adelaide, Gawler Machinery Restorers Club (GMRC) and Roseworthy Old Collegians Association (ROCA) to help piece this event together, and was pleased the dedication and hard work paid off – so much so that he attended both days.
“The exhibitions have been a phenomenal success, bringing together the community to celebrate our rich history,” Mr Piccolo said.
“It’s not every day you can see such a wide collection of history through the years of this campus and the Gawler community.
“It’s been a privilege to witness the joy and wonder on the faces of attendees as they explored the technological marvels of yesteryear, and I hope it can continue in future years.”
GMRC President Daniel Aunger said his club were “very happy with the outcome of our weekend open days of celebrating the University of Adelaide's 140th year.
“Our displayed theme for history month this year was the Made in Gawler display, with a wide range of items that were both museum collection and private collection,” Mr Aunger said.
“A Lot of effort from our club members went into getting the museum and all the items up to scratch and put on display for people of all ages to marvel at what an important part that the town of Gawler played during the industrial age from building farming / agricultural equipment to mining and even steam locomotives.
ROCA President Dale Manson said the event was “a celebration for the entire community to mark the unique and pivotal role the current Campus and former Roseworthy Agricultural College has had on society and rural enterprises since 1883, a period of over 140 years.”
“World changing people ranging from pioneer local Gawler veterinarian Hon Dr Bruce Eastick AM and the Barossa man who saved the nation’s wine industry from certain decimation, Dr Ray Beckwith OAM, through to WWII RAAF Dam Buster hero Flight Lieutenant Robert Claude Hay DFC & Bar would normally go unrecognised, had it not been for History Month’s focus on the incredible influence of these graduates of Roseworthy Agricultural College, the first agricultural college in Australia and located only a short distance from Gawler.”