Rebekha Sharkie (Mayo, Centre Alliance) Share this | Hansard source

One thing you'll find in regional Australia, and it's certainly true of my community, is a can-do attitude. I've seen it during drought, bushfire and COVID-19. Last week I saw it again through the Gilbert's Motor Museum in Strathalbyn. This new museum in our community is the brainchild of a group of volunteers from the Strathalbyn Tourism Organisation who when enjoying a Christmas drink or two a couple of years ago were sad about the closure of the Gilbert's garage on High Street. The garage had been there for 116 years. Many parts of the site were heritage listed, including an old bank building, and it has a secret underground tunnel to the pub and old stables across the road. The owners were going to shut the doors and, as it was located on High Street, a tourist destination for antiques and collectables, the community thought something more could happen. And so they created a motor museum. Seven thousand volunteer hours later, they have created something truly unique. The displays change constantly. When I was there I saw a Rolls-Royce that had featured in the movie The Great Gatsby and a remarkable collection of grand prix memorabilia. The local volunteers call their transformed garage a memory museum, not a motor museum—and it truly is that. There is something for all ages. There are little cars for children to have a look at. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday and it is very affordable to attend. I highly recommend a visit.

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