Community & Business
18 June, 2026
Local history at risk
A successful Queensland Day event on Saturday masked the fact that the Oakey Historical Museum is relying on only two elderly active volunteers to maintain the multi-building complex at Ramsay Street and need some young muscle to keep our local history alive.
These Museum grounds are packed with history of the local region, from our farming heritage to stories of local businesses now long gone, to glimpses of pioneering life.
The complex also features several historical buildings from Oakey’s past, such as the Byers’ family cottage, Dr EAF McDonald’s medical practice and the Lorrimer’s Funeral Parlour.
The main building on site on the right hand side of the grounds as you enter was used by the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II as a nurses quarters.
Information displays tell the stories of pillars of the community like the 19th Century business Hogarth’s Meatworks, which paved the way for later local meatworking families the Hamlyns and the Keongs.
Information, too, about the Oakey Butter Factory which was well known across the Darling Downs in its time.
A visit to the site also teaches you about the Jondaryan Shire Council’s Chairman and Mayors from the likes of Chairman Charles Campbell to the last Shire Mayor Peter Taylor.
For some years now, this rich collection of history has been looked after by a shrinking pool of elderly volunteers.
In recent times, the Oakey Historical Museum has been kept active by the sheer force of will of Secretary Fay Telford, ably assisted by Norma Byers who go in four days a week.
Try as they might, these ladies are simply not capable of doing the heavy lifting and painting work needed to maintain the site.
“It’s only Norma and I,” Mrs Telford explains.
What I can’t do doesn’t get done.
“Norma’s got ten years on me, but she’s got problems of her own.”
“We’re putting it out there that we need some repair work done and painting.”
“We would like to move some exhibits around and the Byers cottage needs half a dozen floorboards done.”
The only other executive member and loyal supporter of Oakey Historical Museum is President Harold Kowitz who is older than both Mrs Byers and Mrs Telford.
At Queensland Day itself, the atmosphere was festive with a steady stream of attendees through the gates.
Oakey Men’s Shed was there as were the Oakey Lions Club, Oakey Art Group and the Toowoomba FX-FJ Holdens club.
Stallholders included Sue Haering, Trish Hedge, Del Reimers and ladies Charmaine and Yvonne who were selling succulents for the Toowoomba Hospice.
Steaming on the Downs’ Nick Geraghty had his mini steam engines up and tooting around the complex providing a novel experience for young families.
Matt the Music Man provided entertainment on the electric organ.
The Queensland Day cake, supplied by New Acland Coal was cut by Mr Kowitz and Cr Carol Taylor from Toowoomba Regional Council.
Also in attendance was economic development advisor Prince Long Lo who had assisted Oakey Historical Museum in promoting the event.
Raffle winners
Load of wood: Lois Thorne;
Basket of Goodies: Mackensie Wicks;
Painting: Peter Cameron;
Huey’s goods: Jenny Henschell.
If you know someone who can help, contact Fay on 0427 623 117.
