Wagon returns to Ky

A bow wagon built in Kyabram has found its way back to the town — after 100 or more years.

Members of the Kyabram Historical Society were excited and extremely grateful to welcome the wagon, a donation from the Nagambie Museum, to the Hazelman’s Cottage Complex at the Kyabram Fauna Park.

It was recently transported to Kyabram by Shaun Peirce, an employee of Salter’s Motor Panel Repairs, and was delivered to the Kyabram Historical Society’s machinery shed at the fauna park where it will be on display for park visitors.

The wagon was made at Mr W Robertson’s Wheelwright and Shoeing Forge business at the east end of Allan St.

It has: W ROBERTSON - BUILDER - KYABRAM written on one side and M CRADDOCK of “EASTFIELD” COOMA on the other side.

William Robertson established his business in Kyabram around 1893-94.

He advertised at the front of his building that he had the district agency for Hugh V McKay’s Sunshine Harvester.

He also ran a flourishing wheelwright and blacksmithing business and was a large employer of labour in Kyabram in its early years.

His Allan St business property, including all the buildings, had a frontage of 66 ft (just over 20m) in Allan St and a depth of 330 ft (just over 100m) through to Fenaughty St.

This property included a six-room weatherboard house with a lovely garden fronting Fenaughty St. The house had a sleep-out, bathroom, water laid on and electric light.

The business was sold in 1927 to a businessman from Melbourne, who erected the Digby Building, which comprised three shops that still stand today.

William died in 1933 and is buried in the Kyabram cemetery.

Welcome falls

Timely rain fell across Victoria last weekend, and Kyabram and district did not miss out.

Between Sunday and Monday morning, 40.8mm was recorded at the Kyabram Research Station.

This is only 1mm below the monthly average for August and the only rain recorded so far this month.

Croppers have welcomed the rain but don’t need any follow-up falls for three weeks or more.

Honouring Peter

The countdown to the Peter Nelson testimonial has started.

The event is on August 22 and, for those who have already purchased a ticket to the function, it is being held at the Kyabram Club. Tickets are available from Kyabram Football Netball Club president John Guinan on 0418 324 020.

The evening is to recognise Peter’s contributions to Kyabram in many fields over many years.

Buy a hotel

The Avenel Hotel — the Harvest Home — has hit the market.

The hotel, which has more than 150 years of history dating back to the 1870s, has maintained its heritage character into the current day.

The hotel was built during a time when Avenel was growing and supporting travellers between Melbourne and Sydney.

Avenel is the childhood home of Australian bushranger Ned Kelly.

If you are interested in buying the historic pub, you’ll need to part with $2.2 million to $2.4 million.

Four-day week

Up in the Riverina, a four-day working week is on the agenda for Murrumbidgee Council workers.

Councillors have backed the workplace shake-up, believing it will save time, cut costs and help the organisation do more with less.

Under the plan, council employees will still work their full weekly hours but over four longer days, Mondays to Thursdays.

Yarn thieves

Benalla’s yarn bombers have met a disappointing response to brightening up the town, with their work disappearing within 24 hours of its installation.

The yarn bombers are heartbroken by the thefts, given the volunteer hours and donations that go into creating the display.

Square dinkum

G’day.

When a woman says “correct me if I’m wrong”, that is not an actual invitation ... for your own safety, do not, under any circumstances, actually do it!

Hooroo!

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Monday, 7th December 2026

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