LAKES COAST VISITOR GUIDE | PAGE 41 MAFFRA A fascinating display of hard-working vehicles, old and new From ambulances to tow trucks, most of us have had some exposure to specialised working vehicles during our lives; vehicles that have been built to do a specific task, or carry out a special job. And until the end of February 2024, you'll be able to see a fascinating array of these vehicles – spanning the past 120 years – at the Gippsland Vehicle Collection in Maffra. The museum's 'Working Wheels' exhibition showcases the long and interesting history of how the automobile evolved from horsedrawn buggy, to horseless carriage, to modern vehicles that every day perform a vital role in our communities. Early local connection The 1903, curved-dash Oldsmobile on display, shows that when it was first released, it was very much still a buggy, but with an engine fitted. This Oldsmobile display includes a written storyboard detailing the compelling background of the vehicle, and its ties to the early history of Traralgon. Revolutionising work and leisure The early 20th Century brought the automobile – a game-changer in the world of transportation. From Ford's Model T, to modern luxury cars, these vehicles have revolutionised work and leisure. For instance, the 'Working Wheels' exhibition features the first dedicated Dodge motor ambulance – which was stationed in Yarram. This practical, life-saving vehicle is displayed with later-model ambulances built in Sale by Schubert and Staff, from the early 1950s to the late 1960s. Hudson hearse You'll also have the opportunity to marvel at the massive scale of a vintage Hudson hearse, generously loaned to the Gippsland Vehicle Collection by the Old Gippstown museum. The hearse shows how vehicles were created for a very specific purpose, and this one is especially ornate and fascinating. Rugged and ready Over the years, specialised off-road vehicles and heavy machinery – from bulldozers and tractors, dump trucks and tow trucks – were developed to take on the rugged and challenging tasks involved in building our modern world, and keeping it running. The 'Working Wheels' exhibition includes a variety of trucks, ranging from flat-tray delivery vehicles and mail delivery trucks, to a tow truck. There's even a lineup of miniature tractors, used to do orchard work, which look like they've shrunk from being washed too many times! There are lots of other working vehicles on display – with their own unique stories to tell – that might just surprise you too. The 'Working Wheels' exhibition is now on at the Gippsland Vehicle Collection, 1A Sale Road, Maffra, and runs until the end of February 2024. To find out more, visit gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au Pictured clockwise from top-left: A 1922 Albion mail bus. A beautifully restored Ford flatbed delivery truck on display at the exhibition. The Working Wheels exhibition includes a 1924 straight-six Hudson hearse...complete with funeral director! An early French-made De Dion-Bouton, which resembled a horse buggy with an engine. 1A Sale Rd, Maffra www.gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au $17 per adult | $12 concession | Under 15s FREE GIPPSLAND VEHICLE COLLECTION PB11835 WORKING WHEELS Exhibition through to the end of February 2024. MODEL WORLD MAFFRA features more than 3500 model vehicles – one of Australia’s largest public displays! Open Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10am to 4pm, and every day in the school holidays.
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