About our Club

The Ballan District Vintage Machinery & Vehicle Club Inc. was formed in 1987. From the first meeting of people interested in the preservation of old machinery, held at the Ballan Mechanic's institute, the membership has grown from fifteen to over one hundred and forty members, and we now have our own clubhouse accommodation at the Ballan Racecourse Reserve. The club caters for a wide range of interests from collecting and restoring old engines and machinery, tractors and tractor pulling, trucks, steam engines, working horses, motorbikes, vintage and classic cars.

Club Permits (Red Plates) can be obtained by becoming a member of this club with the requirement that the holder must attend at least two club events with the vehicle every year.

We belong to the Association of Motoring Clubs Inc. As well as our own club's events members travel to and exhibit at various events and shows around the country. The club is also a member of The Historical Machinery Association Inc. and members exhibit at the National Rally which is held in a different state every two years.

Membership is open to everyone.

The Collection.

While club members have a wide array of machinery in their own collections, the Club over time, has  acquired or been donated some very interesting items.

The main feature is the large Ruston Crude Oil Engine of 37 H.P. Model No. 7H made in Lincoln, England. This engine was purchased in 1923 along with a twelve inch centrifugal pump made by Robinson Bros., of Melbourne, by Mr Manuel to irrigate his 3500 acre farm on the River Murray at Mallool. The engine and pump were railed by steam train to Echuca. (The engine was completely assembled at the factory in England and shipped as a complete unit).

From Echuca it was loaded aboard a paddle steamer and taken downstream to Mellool. On arrival, the paddle steamer's crane was used to directly place the engine on the base where it remained for the next seventy years. The club purchased the engine and it first ran at it's present site in September 1997 for the Club's Tenth Anniversary.

The engine is housed in what was Ballan's original powerhouse that supplied 32 volts power to the township. The building was moved to it's present site by club members. The workshop, machinery and forge are a combination of items from Whelahan's and Fraser's Blacksmith shops and many various other members of society in the surrounding area.

Contacts.

President
Fred Palmer

Vice President
Lindsay Grey

Secretary
Brian Barry

Treasurer
Ray Meadows

Editor
David & Rosie Howes   dave.rose4@bigpond.com

Website Contact      peteraj36@optusnet.com.au

Useful Links... Just click on any of the links below:
AOMC - www.aomc.asn.au
NHMA - www.nhma.com.au
Yesterday Tractors U.S. - www.yesterdaystractors.com