By Abbey Cannan
The Allora 150 Years Programme has been announced as the town gets ready to celebrate a huge milestone.
Coinciding with Warwick’s much-loved Jumpers and Jazz in July Festival, the Programme features highlight events that will celebrate the country town’s rich history and small town charm.
From demonstrations and vintage displays to storytelling and talent quests, Allora will mark 150 years of local government, since the proclamation of its municipality, with a huge line-up of special events over two full days from 20-21 July.
Hosted by Allora and District Historical Society, friends, residents and family members from near and far are invited to “come home to Allora” to help mark the occasion and share in generational tales of the much-loved town.
Allora 150 Year Celebrations will not only mark 150 years of local government and the connection of the Southern Railway Line from Toowoomba to Hendon in 1869, the Allora and District Historical Society will also celebrate its 50th year.
Allora and District Historical Society President Lyn Wright said sport is a huge factor in the history of Allora.
“We have a great Sports Museum which is quite unique,” Lyn said.
“Allora as it is known today will be preserved for future generations with the burying of a new time capsule at the Allora Sports Museum on Saturday, 21 July, before the two day celebrations are headlined by The Pioneer Dinner that night and a Bush Poet’s Breakfast on Sunday morning.
“We had a competition where we nominated the greatest sportsmen from our district and we will be honouring them, including former professional rugby league footballer Shane Webcke, who was originally from Leyburn in the Southern Downs Region.”
Lyn said her favourite thing about Allora was the friendliness of the people.
“The history of the town is so important to us because we just love our town and a lot of us have a long association with the original pioneers of the district,” she said.
“The town has changed over time and it’s becoming a popular place for retirees to come to.
“They’re coming from the largely populated areas such as the Gold Coast and Brisbane, as this is a quieter area and we have the facilities right there with Warwick only 15 minutes away and Toowoomba only 45 minutes away.”
His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland, will travel from Brisbane to officially open the event at Allora’s recently renovated Old Shire Chambers, while the award winning, Southern Downs’ Town Crier, Bob Townshend will issue a cry to the town’s locals and visitors.
An important part of Allora’s founding story, a re-enactment of a bullock team crossing Dalrymple Creek will hark to yesteryear and is set to be a crowd favourite.
A parade will take to Allora’s streets and the Roll Call of Sportsmen and Women and the Memorial to Fallen Soldiers will shine a light on its best characters and finest heroes, while Bangers by the Bonfire and the 50 year Reunion of Allora State School’s Class of 1969 will be a chance for old friends to reminisce and reconnect.
Pop in to the historic Mary Poppins house, childhood home of famous author P.L Travers, for wine and cheese and a look back at fashion from bygone eras, or pay a visit to historic Talgai Homestead for afternoon tea.
Take a stroll around town and spot the penny farthings and vintage cars, enjoy street musicians and maypole dancing, as well as some of Allora’s charming heritage architecture, including a look through beautiful St David’s Anglican Church.
Take-away coffee, drinks and tasty eats will be available with food vans in town all weekend and Allora Butchery will be on hand to turn a pig on the spit.
To view the full Programme or for more information visit: allora150.org.
