The pumps were designed by George Chaffey and were the district's main functioning pump from 1891 to 1951 before being replaced by an Electric variety. Thry still stand in the original building that was built by our district’S founding family the Chaffeys.
The building and pumps were left derelict for some 25 years before the dedicated bunch of volunteers from the Sunraysia Steam Preservation Society began the restoration works.
Nowadays, the Society has several open days throughout the year where the public can see this awesome piece of machinery in full flight, just as it did over 100 years ago.
Mildura holds the status of having the oldest running pump of this configuration in the world and witnessing it in action is something to behold.
The engine was delivered from England and as the region’s main transport industry was via paddleboat at the time, the engine came in parts via paddleboat from Echuca.
The open day will run from 10.30am until 3pm this Sunday (29/9) and directions can be found below.
For more information phone 0403320686.