The Kyabram and District Historical Society has been hard at work in Kyabram Fauna Park over the past 12 months, adding updated features to Hazelman’s Cottage.

Among the new additions to the property is a brick well cover, which recreates what wells used to look like around the region.

An historic pump was recently sourced to complement the well, organised by the Parsons, who secured it at an auction.

The outhouse was relocated closer to the cottage, and its door was given a fresh coat of varnish, with more work to come.

Some of the antique farm machinery on the property has been moved into more prominent and secure locations, making the items features for guests to enjoy.

The entrance to the cottage has been levelled and tidied, and donated bricks now mark the perimeter of footpaths and different features on the property.

Kyabram and District Historical Society president Clive Toms said the changes were the first of a two-phase plan to revamp the cottage.

Among the next changes planned will be an extension to the shed at the property’s rear, which will serve as an historical display area.

“I’ve designed it in such a way that it would have a series of windows around it, so people could come up and look in the window at an item,” Mr Toms said.

“You might be looking at old tools. You might be looking at a collection of crockery items, or old clocks.

“Even other organisations could cycle some of their memorabilia through it.”

A few citrus trees are planned to be planted at the cottage’s front, and a clothesline will be set up to its side.

The entry gate to the cottage will be moved, and further items of farm machinery will be restored and displayed around the property.

Mr Toms said Zoos Victoria had generously offered to provide signage for the machinery displays.

“You’ll walk around, and they’ll say ‘this is a so-and-so, out of the 1920s through to the 1940s’, and there’s a bit of a story on it,” he said.

With additional changes flagged across the site, including in fencing, tree removal and pathways, Mr Toms said the estimated completion times were “in God’s hands”.

There is, however, strong enthusiasm and energy from the society’s six active members, most of whom are octogenarians.

Mr Toms said the projects had helped to keep him occupied since his wife passed two and a half years ago.

“I’ve found that I’ve been able to do more volunteer work since I’ve been in that state than when I was married,” he said.

“I found it’s a good outlet. So while I’ve got the energy and the ability and a clear mind, I’m just happy doing it.”

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Sunday, 23rd July 2023

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