Community & Business
10 February, 2026
Fine craftsmanship on display at museum
The Pittsworth Pioneer Historical Village is now home to a very unique display - an entire miniature village made from thousands of individual matchsticks.
The miniature village “Matchwood” comprises a hotel, primary school, timber and hardware store, public garden, Governor’s house, church, rectory, cemetery, general store, butcher’s shop, bakery and other miscellaneous buildings.
The village was created by the late Terry O’Neill from Brisbane.
On Sunday, his wife Kaye travelled to Pittsworth with family to see Matchwood Village, a project that had been a true labour of love for Terry, displayed at the museum.
His passion for miniatures began after a visit to the Cockington Green Gardens (miniature houses and international landmarks) in Canberra.
Then in 2013, inspired by childhood memories and his travels around Australia, Terry embarked on his largest project, Matchwood Village.
For over ten years he poured his creativity and passion into the project until he passed in 2024, aged 79 years.
Mrs O’Neill said Terry always hoped Matchwood Village would one day be displayed for others to enjoy, and cherish memories of days gone by.
Museum curator, Mary Sullivan, said the Pioneer Village volunteers were over the moon to receive the miniature as a new exhibit.
She admitted it did take some rearranging inside the museum to find the right place for it.
The Crimson Flash room was not big enough for the dimensions of the entire village, and samples of Lady Enid Fletcher’s lace collection will have to be moved to allow adequate space for the display.
The attention to detail in Matchwood Village is to be admired, right down to the lamb chops in the butcher's shop and sweet treats in the bakery.
All of the buildings are made from headless matchsticks except for the roofs, and Kaye has assisted with the intricate interiors and gardens.
Visit the Pioneer Village to see the full display including the LED lights in the miniature church and hotel.
Open hours are Thursday and Friday 10am to 1pm, and Sunday 10am to 2pm. Other times can be arranged by appointment. Phone 0436 399 168.
ABOUT THE CREATOR
Terry O’Neill was a man of many skills who took on numerous roles throughout his life.
Growing up in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Manly, he was a devoted family man - a loving husband, son, brother, father of three, grandfather of five and great-grandfather of 12.
He served as a Vietnam veteran from 1967-68, contributed to the building industry and later became a storeman for Trans Australia Airlines (TAA).
He embraced his life as a traveller, artist, inventor and problem-solver. He shared stories, enjoyed a good joke and had an appreciation for nature.
