At 10:00am on Saturday 11 February 2012, Mayor Brad Carter officially opened the Kianga Shearing Shed at its new location at the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

Simone and Mark Howard, of Kianga Station (near Moura) donated the Shearing Shed to the Rockhampton Heritage Village when their property became part of the Dawson Mine.

The Shearing Shed makes a great contribution to the collection at the Village and to preserving the history and culture of the Rockhampton and Central Queensland community.

The Kianga Shearing Shed, originally constructed in 1946, was dismantled and re-built at the Rockhampton Heritage Village by a group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers and staff.  Undertaking the enormous task of re-locating the building, volunteers and staff took four weeks to dismantle the shed, and faced some challenges meeting modern specifications when the rebuilding commenced.

The shed was re-built to meet current cyclone specifications, insulation was installed underneath the steel roof to protect exhibits and provide comfort for visitors, and a ramp and stairs were added so that all residents have the opportunity to experience this part of our history.

Anglo American has donated $5000 to assist with the project.

Mayor, Brad Carter is thankful for the assistance and dedication of volunteers and staff of the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

“This project would not have been possible without dedicated and passionate individuals within our Region,” said Cr Carter.

“I would like to thank Simone and Mark Howard for donating this wonderful part of our history and for taking part in preserving our local culture and history.”

“I would also like to thank the dedicated staff and volunteers who have given up much of their own personal time to re-locating this building, and helping create a Heritage Village that is filled with local relevance.” said Cr Carter.

The opening was well attended by staff, volunteers and local residents. Simone Howard attended the opening, along with Ian Curtis, Rural Property Manager from Anglo American.

Volunteer, Jim Besley showed just how the Shearing Shed was used back in the day by demonstrating shearing a sheep. The demonstration was done using a 1946 Lister CS (Coal Start) Diesel Engine that ran the shears through the old pulley system.  The Lister Diesel Engine has been restored by volunteers at the Heritage Village.

Volunteers on the project include Dave Ireland, Stan Webber, Graham Whitfield, Phil Augustine, Trevor Lawrence, Bob Dunn, Ralph Walker, David Carige, Tom Dwyer, Lester Casey, John Milne, Pete Finnigan, Norm Howkins, Dave Shaw, Wayne Wooler, Barry Hancock, Jim Parker, George Carige and John Black.

Two huts are the next project that will be completed by staff and volunteers at the Rockhampton Heritage Village.

For residents interested in taking part in this project, or simply visiting the Heritage Village to experience the building please visit www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au or call 07 4936 868. The Rockhampton Heritage Village is open 9am-4pm daily.

History of the Kianga Shearing Shed

Originally built in 1946.

Building was constructed of unique folded steel members, which were pre-drilled and bolted  together.

Kianga Station sits on the vast Bowen Basin coal deposits. Originally the mine was known as the Kianga or Moura Mine.

Now the Dawson Mine, it is owned by the Moura Joint Venture and operated by Anglo Coal Australia Holdings Pty Ltd.

In 2006 mining began to encroach on the station.