Our Story
The Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. was established thirty years ago during a meeting in a garage, brought together by a group of individuals sharing a passion for collecting and restoring machinery from the past. Since its inception, the Club has steadily expanded, acquiring its own grounds that are continually enhanced with new facilities each year. These grounds now host the Club’s Annual Old Wheels In Motion Rally, which takes place on the third weekend of July. In 2003, the Club proudly organized its 6th Annual Rally, featuring a wide array of displays including stationary engines, tractors, an operational drilling rig, balers, a gold stamper, blacksmithing, horses with horse-drawn machinery, as well as vintage trucks and cars. Attendees enjoyed various activities such as chainsaw wood sculpting demonstrations, grand parades, tractor balancing, slow tractor races, a tractor pull, and a tractor trek, among others. The success of the 6th Annual Rally marked a significant milestone as the Club eagerly took on the role of organizer and host for the Inaugural Queensland Heritage Rally, which was held in July 2004. However, the Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. was more than just hosts for the Inaugural Queensland Heritage Rally; they were instrumental in bringing this much-discussed concept to fruition, leading to the successful execution of the inaugural event in July 2004. Building on this success, the Club was selected as the Official Host for the 11th National Historical Machinery Association Rally held in 2007. This rally attracted approximately 1,500 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors to Biloela and the surrounding Banana Shire, celebrating the nation’s rich history and pioneering heritage. Many attendees regarded this rally as the “best ever,” creating lasting memories for those who participated. During this time the Club members also focused on constructing a new display shed that included a workshop for future restoration work, along with a new theatrette and interpretive displays in the main display area. In 2009, the Club celebrated its 10th Anniversary Rally, and in 2012, it again hosted the Queensland Heritage Rally in conjunction with the National Historical Machinery Association Inc. Tractor Trek, marking further milestones in its journey. The Club has since hosted the Queensland Heritage Rally in both 2018 and 2024. These events, along with their annual rally held in the intervening years, have contributed to the Club's ongoing success. As it builds on its past accomplishments, the Club continues to advance its mission of promoting the restoration and preservation of machinery within the local community and beyond.Our Members
The Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. boasts a diverse team of enthusiastic and talented members who are dedicated to advancing the ideals of the machinery preservation and restoration movement. Drawing on the unique skills of its members, the Club has gained significant experience in organizing events of various sizes, including: The Club’s Annual Rally (“Old Wheels In Motion”) Smaller exhibits and demonstrations at local shows, carnivals, and festivals The Queensland Heritage Rally (2004, 2012, 2018 & 2024) The 11th National Historical Machinery Association Rally The 2012 National Historical Machinery Association Tractor Trek Several of our Executive members and Club members currently hold or have previously held positions on State and National organisations: Mrs. Cindy Cooper has served as Secretary and Queensland Representative on the National Historical Machinery Association Executive Committee and is the Secretary of the Australian Collectors & Restorers Association (Qld) Inc. Mr. Craig Cooper is currently the President of ACRA (Qld) Inc. and has held roles such as Queensland Representative on the National Historical Machinery Association Executive Committee, Vice-President of the Australian Collectors & Restorers Association (Qld) Inc., and Chairman of the Queensland Heritage Rally Steering Committee. Leading the Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club is a highly talented and experienced Executive that continues to inspire and support its members as the Club grows each year. The current Executive Committee includes: Presdient: Mr Craig Cooper Vice-President: Mr James Mergard Secretary: Mrs Cindy Cooper Treasurer: Miss Amanda MastroieniAs Volunteers, What We Have Done & What We Continue To Do . . .
In late 2006, the Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. assumed management of the Queensland Heritage Park, formerly known as “The Silo” (Primary Industries Exhibition Inc.), preventing the permanent closure of this vital community asset. By taking this initiative, the Club embraced several new roles, entering the realms of tourism, hospitality, and accommodation services. They implemented a forward- thinking strategy aimed at generating the necessary funds to maintain, develop, and enhance the complex’s amenities and appeal for both locals and visitors. The main building of the complex is now a treasure trove of historical machinery and artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich agricultural and industrial past. It also houses the Post & Rail Cafe, the accredited Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre, a gift and souvenir store. and a conference room for hire. There are also a variety of displays housed in the first Presbyterian Church and original Railway Station buildings, machinery sheds and associated buildings scattered around the grounds, including the new Ruston Hornsby engine shed. Further to this the complex also houses the Queensland Heritage Park 48 Hour Rest Area, the Kurrajong Amphitheatre and the CDMPC Inc. Club Shed, amenities that are enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. So, as Club Members, we are: Curators and preservers of history. Tour guides, Event organisers and caterers. Local ambassadors. Builders and handymen. Retailers. Baristas. And, the list goes on!! More importantly, we are all volunteers united by the shared goal of preserving and collecting historical and heritage items, ensuring that future generations have a window into the past.
If you feel that what we do appeals to you, why not join the Club, become a volunteer and start your journey with like-minded people
who share your passion and enthusiasm? You’ll have the opportunity to make a real difference, contribute your skills, and be part of a
welcoming community that values every member’s input.
Membership, or volunteer enquiries can be directed to our Club Secretary, Mrs Cindy Cooper.
Mrs Cooper can be contacted on (07) 4992 2400 or via email to cdmpc@bigpond.com
Our Story
The Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. was established thirty years ago during a meeting in a garage, brought together by a group of individuals sharing a passion for collecting and restoring machinery from the past. Since its inception, the Club has steadily expanded, acquiring its own grounds that are continually enhanced with new facilities each year. These grounds now host the Club’s Annual Old Wheels In Motion Rally, which takes place on the third weekend of July. In 2003, the Club proudly organized its 6th Annual Rally, featuring a wide array of displays including stationary engines, tractors, an operational drilling rig, balers, a gold stamper, blacksmithing, horses with horse-drawn machinery, as well as vintage trucks and cars. Attendees enjoyed various activities such as chainsaw wood sculpting demonstrations, grand parades, tractor balancing, slow tractor races, a tractor pull, and a tractor trek, among others. The success of the 6th Annual Rally marked a significant milestone as the Club eagerly took on the role of organizer and host for the Inaugural Queensland Heritage Rally, which was held in July 2004. However, the Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. was more than just hosts for the Inaugural Queensland Heritage Rally; they were instrumental in bringing this much-discussed concept to fruition, leading to the successful execution of the inaugural event in July 2004. Building on this success, the Club was selected as the Official Host for the 11th National Historical Machinery Association Rally held in 2007. This rally attracted approximately 1,500 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors to Biloela and the surrounding Banana Shire, celebrating the nation’s rich history and pioneering heritage. Many attendees regarded this rally as the “best ever,” creating lasting memories for those who participated. During this time the Club members also focused on constructing a new display shed that included a workshop for future restoration work, along with a new theatrette and interpretive displays in the main display area. In 2009, the Club celebrated its 10th Anniversary Rally, and in 2012, it again hosted the Queensland Heritage Rally in conjunction with the National Historical Machinery Association Inc. Tractor Trek, marking further milestones in its journey. The Club has since hosted the Queensland Heritage Rally in both 2018 and 2024. These events, along with their annual rally held in the intervening years, have contributed to the Club's ongoing success. As it builds on its past accomplishments, the Club continues to advance its mission of promoting the restoration and preservation of machinery within the local community and beyond.Our Members
The Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. boasts a diverse team of enthusiastic and talented members who are dedicated to advancing the ideals of the machinery preservation and restoration movement. Drawing on the unique skills of its members, the Club has gained significant experience in organizing events of various sizes, including: The Club’s Annual Rally (“Old Wheels In Motion”) Smaller exhibits and demonstrations at local shows, carnivals, and festivals The Queensland Heritage Rally (2004, 2012, 2018 & 2024) The 11th National Historical Machinery Association Rally The 2012 National Historical Machinery Association Tractor Trek Several of our Executive members and Club members currently hold or have previously held positions on State and National organisations: Mrs. Cindy Cooper has served as Secretary and Queensland Representative on the National Historical Machinery Association Executive Committee and is the Secretary of the Australian Collectors & Restorers Association (Qld) Inc. Mr. Craig Cooper is currently the President of ACRA (Qld) Inc. and has held roles such as Queensland Representative on the National Historical Machinery Association Executive Committee, Vice-President of the Australian Collectors & Restorers Association (Qld) Inc., and Chairman of the Queensland Heritage Rally Steering Committee. Leading the Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club is a highly talented and experienced Executive that continues to inspire and support its members as the Club grows each year. The current Executive Committee includes: Presdient: Mr Craig Cooper Vice-President: Mr James Mergard Secretary: Mrs Cindy Cooper Treasurer: Miss Amanda MastroieniAs Volunteers, What
We Have Done &
What We Continue
To Do . . .
In late 2006, the Callide Dawson Machinery Preservation Club Inc. assumed management of the Queensland Heritage Park, formerly known as “The Silo” (Primary Industries Exhibition Inc.), preventing the permanent closure of this vital community asset. By taking this initiative, the Club embraced several new roles, entering the realms of tourism, hospitality, and accommodation services. They implemented a forward-thinking strategy aimed at generating the necessary funds to maintain, develop, and enhance the complex’s amenities and appeal for both locals and visitors. The main building of the complex is now a treasure trove of historical machinery and artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's rich agricultural and industrial past. It also houses the Post & Rail Cafe, the accredited Rural Hinterland Visitor Information Centre, a gift and souvenir store. and a conference room for hire. There are also a variety of displays housed in the first Presbyterian Church and original Railway Station buildings, machinery sheds and associated buildings scattered around the grounds, including the new Ruston Hornsby engine shed. Further to this the complex also houses the Queensland Heritage Park 48 Hour Rest Area, the Kurrajong Amphitheatre and the CDMPC Inc. Club Shed, amenities that are enjoyed by locals and travellers alike. So, as Club Members, we are: Curators and preservers of history. Tour guides, Event organisers and caterers. Local ambassadors. Builders and handymen. Retailers. Baristas. And, the list goes on!! More importantly, we are all volunteers united by the shared goal of preserving and collecting historical and heritage items, ensuring that future generations have a window into the past.
If you feel that what we do appeals to you, why not
join the Club, become a volunteer and start your
journey with like-minded people
who share your passion and enthusiasm? You’ll have
the opportunity to make a real difference,
contribute your skills, and be part of a
welcoming community that values every member’s
input.
Membership, or volunteer enquiries can be directed
to our Club Secretary, Mrs Cindy Cooper.
Mrs Cooper can be contacted on (07) 4992 2400 or
via email to cdmpc@bigpond.com
