Shear Outback was officially opened on Australia Day, Saturday 26th January, 2002.

The official opening was carried out by Kay Hull, the Federal Member for Riverina.

There were an estimated 3,000 people in attendance for the opening ceremony.

An easy-to-read transcript of this article appears below the picture.

Murray Downs Woolshed

Transcript

Murray Downs woolshed was built in the 1920s from sawn river redgum with heavy square piers which run up through the shed floor to the roof.

Where the piers were exposed to sheep over the years, they have been completely rounded off to add to the character of the 80 year-old building.

The shed is in excellent condition and was successfully dismantled at historic Murray Downs near Swan Hill, transported to Hay in 1998 and reconstructed last year by Craig Windsor.

The internal design of the shed makes it an ideal interactive museum where visitors will be able to

witness and participate first hand in the shearing process.

It is ideal for shearing competitions as part of it can be altered into an ideal venue without disturbing the character of the shed.

The shed was purchased in August 1998 by the inaugural Shearers’ Hall of Fame committee with assistance from Hay Shire Council.

 Caption: (under top photo)

The Murray Downs woolshed above while being used as a traditional workplace on historic Murray Downs Station near Swan Hill and below as an Aussie icon and monument to shearers – part of the Australian Shearers’ Hall of Fame – Shear Outback complex.

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Extracts reproduced with permission from The Riverine Grazier