Historical restoration a worthwhile project

The blokes at the Geraldton Menshed have given a historic rabbit baiting machine a much-needed facelift and restored some local history.

The machine was sanded and painted, thanks to a $2000 grant from the City of Greater Geraldton.

The horse-drawn rabbit poison bait layer was originally used by farmers in Greenough to manage a rabbit epidemic around 1905 and has returned to its rightful home at the Greenough Museum.

Before its makeover, the piece of machinery had been collecting rust for more than 40 years in the outdoors at the museum.

Menshed president Ross Barden said the project was a positive activity for many of the shed’s members, especially those who would have been restricted due to health issues.

“This long-term project has been a really good task for the men and it has been a good way for everyone to get involved, ” he said.

“Sometimes members don’t want to make something new, or are unable to because of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, but it didn’t matter with this project because everyone was able to help refurbish the bait layer.

“It has been great therapy for many men and even small jobs have helped to put a smile on their faces.”

The team almost completely restructured the machine, building a platform for the driver’s seat from recycled timber.

Greenough Museum curator Gary Martin said the transformation of the historic item was “outstanding” and a tribute to the Menshed.

“The men have done a fantastic job. We delivered them rusted iron and rotting timber, which had been sitting outside for 40 years, ” he said.

“Now we have an object that tells a story about the rabbits in Greenough and an important piece of history here.

“We have to say a big thank you to the shed and to the City of Greater Geraldton for making this possible and contributing to the history of the region.”