Walzing Matilda Centre, Winton destroyed by fire

Happywanderer · The Master

Walzing Matilda Centre, Winton destroyed by fire

Santa · Guru

Buildings and infrastructure can be replaced, art works by the late Hugh Sawrey and others are gone forever https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hugh_Sawrey

Fortunately there was no loss of life or injury.

Yes we spend some time there last year, very interesting. smile

JayDee · Guru

This disaster really hits home as we have visited the centre twice in the last 5 years. What a loss it will be to the town and the traders etc etc. Why it was only a month ago when the Chinchilla town people ( fairy god mother) delivered truck loads of goods and fodder to Winton, " or was it Longreach" anyway now this on top of the already shocking conditions that they have had to endure during the drought.
If they are seeking donations to help rebuild our Matilda, I will throw a couple of bucks to help. Every little bit helps.
Yep!! I guess if the Grey Nomad community all kicked in, it would be much appreciated by the town fathers etc.
Jay&Dee

JackieP · Senior Member

we left Longreach this morning on our way to Winton and the Waltzing Matilda Centre was on the top of my list of places to see. We heard on the news while driving what had happened, so so sad. Fire trucks and police were still there when we arrived this afternoon and you can still smell the smoke in the air. Locals are saying the centre can be rebuilt but there was so many things in there that are irreplaceable

JayDee · Guru

Any ideas as to how this fire started.
I hope it was from what I am thinking????
Will not print my thought here, but !!!!!
Jay&Dee

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Well, I heard there was some old reprobate camped wif a campfire, cookin' a bitta mutton ... coulda misheard it .. but dunno .. sounds familiar

But I also heard the local trooper was on the job.

cheers - John

JackieP · Senior Member

everyone around town is hoping it was accidental but the police are guarding the place. I was talking to a young police officer tonight as she was collecting their dinner and she referred to it as a crime scene but I don't know if she was just being over zealous or they do think it was suspicious. I certainly hope it wasn't done intentionally

Happywanderer · The Master

I would imagine they would have to call it a crime scene until they know otherwise. That will take finding the seat of the fire and probably interviewing everyone in town about their whereabouts on the night.

brickies · Guru

Police have made a statement that there is no Suspicious cause of this fire

Happywanderer · The Master

That's good news Brickies. Would hate to think someone could have done that deliberately.

brickies · Guru

Just pleased to had visit it twice hope they get it rebuilt soon .

Ontos45 · Guru

They had just created a WW1 exhibition to coincide with the troop train arrival in Winton. Local channel 7 reports fire not suspicious but exhibition destroyed.