Community & Business
26 June, 2025
Clifton’s 150th: A very special birthday
This Saturday, 28 June the grounds of Clifton Museum will be transported into yesteryear to pay homage to the past 150 years of our town.
From 10am, displays, demonstrations and presentations will be taking place until mid-afternoon.
Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald will be taking part in the proceedings for the official opening.
Admission to the Museum grounds is free and admission to view the museum is by donation.
There will be a variety of refreshments available, including freshly made damper, assorted soft-drinks and a Coffee Van.
The wider community has come aboard, with twenty exhibitors plus five from the Clifton Museum taking part, including blacksmithing and corn-shelling demonstrations.
The blacksmithing demonstration will be making objects such as triangle dinner bells, available for purchase.
Other parts of the day’s events include:
• Music by Tilberry Greens
• Classic Cars and Historic Motorcycles 10am -12 noon
• Five raffle draws for Meat Trays of Lamb, $2 per ticket throughout the day. (Meat Trays kindly donated by John and Lynda Bishop)
• Horse-shoe throwing
• Face Painting for Children
Of interest to many locals will be the timeline display “Looking from then ‘til Now” 1875 - 2025”. which features local businesses, buildings, organisations, hotels, hospitals, schools and “The Father of Clifton” James Mowen.
Since its re-opening four years ago, the Clifton Museum has been constantly updating its numerous displays as new historical items are being donated by generous members of the community.
Funds raised on Saturday will be beneficial for one of the museum’s next big projects, the restoration of the last remaining building from the Clifton dairy factory - its old office.
The building will be named in honour of the Bell family who have been great contributors to the museum’s collection.
On Saturday, members of the public will be able to purchase many items for sale in this building.
The range of items will include old glass bottles, typewriters, telephones, flat irons, salt and pepper shakers and a 1920s washing machine.
The items are all duplicates and triplicates that have been donated to the museum.
Publicity officer Linda Nicholas said volunteers who would like to lend a helping hand setting up on Friday or helping out on Sunday would be much appreciated - call President Kath Brown on 0427 136 908 for details.
“Clifton and District Historical Society Inc. would like to thank everyone who is helping us support this momentous day and are particularly grateful to a generous donation of $500 from Clifton Community Op Shop, to go towards expenses incurred in putting the event on,” Ms Nicholas said.
The first land sale for Clifton was conducted on 29th June 1875.
ITINERARY
10.00 Open to Public
10.30 Corn-shelling demonstrations
10.50 First Raffle draw - Lamb Meat Tray $2 per ticket
11.00 Official Opening - formal welcome by Clifton & District Historical Society President Kath Brown
Official Opening by TRC Mayor Geoff McDonald
Cutting Celebration Cake - Clifton & District Historical Society Patron Graham Berry
Tracey Brooker will be acting as M.C. for the day.
12.00 Second Raffle Draw - Lamb Meat Tray
12.30 Second Corn-shelling demonstration
1.00 Third Raffle draw - Lamb Meat Tray
Bruce Hamilton, former proprietor of Bruce Hamilton’s Garage reflects on life in Clifton
Other locals may also want to say a few words afterwards.
2.00 1939 Black and White Movie “The Flying Deuces” will be screened at the New Tivoli Theatre, Fisher Street, courtesy of proprietress Ruth Hungerford. Admission by donation with proceeds to the Clifton Museum
Fourth Raffle draw - Lamb Meat Tray
Final Corn-shelling demonstration
3.00 Final Raffle draw - Lamb Meat Tray.
