Allora Regional Sports Museum
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When you think of "museums", you usually think of historical artefacts and antique documents or items from years ago, however, right here in Southeast Queensland, I came across the
.
This
museum has an incredible amount of memorabilia in a combination of sports uniforms, media catalogues, advertisements, photographs, signed XXXX cans, trophies, medals, a signed flag, signed jerseys, video clips, film footage and much more, which are displayed in classy cabinets and on walls throughout the museum. Also featuring "The Greatest Game Never Played" Allora Legends vs Wattles Legends – Game called by Pat O'Shea. Entry is by donation and you are encouraged to sign the visitor's book on leaving.
This museum captures the life of the sporting legends of Allora and its surrounds. You would be surprised to know just how many of our great sporting Australians lived in the area. The idea to create such a place, where visitors could honour past and current sportspeople, came from President Perry Cronin. Perry's father was a referee and refereed important rugby league games against other districts throughout the late sixties. Having retained all of his father's uniforms, the idea to showcase these and other townspeople's collections was the beginning of the museum. Donations have also been given by various people whose relatives lived in the area and were known for their service to sport.
After reading the flyer, I set about researching the sportspeople featured at the museum and learnt a lot about people I did not know existed, as well as now understanding the importance of such a museum for our future generations and to the respective sports.
The current line-up in the Hall of Fame Legends includes Thelma Holmes (Vigoro), Murray Robin (Boxing), Cameron Hamblin (Rugby League),
Gilmore Brothers (Jim, Stuart, Gary, Derek and Andy) Polo, Ken Telford (Polo), Carmen Batterham (Endurance Riding),
Greg Platz (Rugby League) , Percy Gartner (Shooting),
Max Phelan (Rugby League & Union), Brian Phelan (Rugby League), Rohan Hancock (Rugby League), Les Lane (Rugby League),
John Cowley (Rugby League),
Lew Platz (Rugby League), Vince Bermingham (Rugby League),
Fred Laws (Rugby League),
Col Laws (Rugby League),
Steve Gibson (Rugby League),
Laura Geitz (Netball) and
Shane Webcke (Patron of the Museum and Rugby League Retiree).
A banner stands tall outside the museum with a photograph of Allora's First Olympian,
Matthew Denny who came fourth in the Men's Discus Throwing at the Toyko 2020 Olympics with a throw at 67.02m, which was just five centimetres from the podium. At that time, he has been noted as saying, that he was "short the width of a beer can".
Whether you know them all or only some, by the time you have read all their stories, you will feel proud to be an Aussie living in Southeast Queensland. This is by no means a museum where you have a limited time schedule - you will need plenty of time to read and gain an understanding of each sportsperson's credits for their respective sport.
Recently, Wayne Bennett popped into the museum to sign his portrait, which was painted by talented brothers, Kerry and Malcolm Nicholson. Saturday 16th July 2022 will be an important occasion at the when the Laura Geitz statuette will be unveiled along with the opening of the Geitz/Bennett Park. It is not uncommon to see one of your heroes popping in for a visit, so the July weekend may be just the time for you to visit also.
Allora is a rural town in the
Southern Downs Region and only two-hours' drive from Brisbane CBD. If you are wishing to stay overnight, accommodation in Allora can be obtained from the
Railway Hotel which has meals for lunch and dinner or choose one of the B&Bs for a homely stay. If you have your own van and looking for a spot to free camp, you can pull up at the park or for a reasonable fee, head towards the
Allora Showgrounds.
If you want to keep up to date with the upcoming events at The , go to their
Facebook page . The museum is located at 78 Herbert Street Allora. For more information, please call 07 4666 3653 or Perry on 0407 034 320. The museum is open each Sunday from 12 Noon to 4.00pm or by appointment at other times.
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215705 - 2023-06-16 07:19:25