David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to extend my best wishes to everyone celebrating the 150th anniversary of Glengallan Homestead, a significant piece of Southern Downs history. It was back in 1867 when pioneer John Deuchar laid the homestead foundations with his renowned Glengallan merino flock. The homestead was built by local tradesmen with local materials, including the exceptional sandstone sourced from the Swan Creek and Yangan areas. The uniqueness of the homestead presents a rare and treasured glimpse into our colonial history and the calibre of the people who lived in that time. The fact that the house stands today is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Australia's colonial era pioneers and the immense hard work so tirelessly put into restoring the homestead in more recent years by the Glengallan Homestead Trust.

The homestead was unoccupied for nearly half of its lifetime and has been preserved with most of its original fixtures and fittings, including a mummified cat. Glengallan Homestead is now a major tourist attraction on the Southern Downs. I was very pleased to be able to attend the celebration of the 150th anniversary with many people who share in the history of Glengallan, including supporters, descendants of owner families and the broader community. Glengallan Homestead is a significant heritage tourism attraction and is yet another reason to visit the Southern Downs.