Museum of the Riverina

Call Directions Website Contact the museum

Museum of the Riverina Social history museum with two sites featuring our permanent collection and temporary and travelling exhibitions

Over two sites, the Museum of the Riverina tells stories about the people and events which have helped shape Wagga Wagga and the Riverina region. We’re responsible for collecting and caring for more than 15,000 objects, photographs, textiles and paper-based materials which help to tell those stories. The Museum of the Riverina is a cultural facility of Wagga Wagga City Council.

⭐⭐Instead of a Friday Flashback Photo, today we are going to provide the answers to two of our recent mystery objects. W...
23/10/2026

⭐⭐Instead of a Friday Flashback Photo, today we are going to provide the answers to two of our recent mystery objects. We actually didn't know what either of them were (a bit cheeky of us, I know!) but we now have the answers!

You'll remember back on 30 September, we shared a photo of three cast iron pieces with long handles? Well, everyone seemed to be stumped as to what they could be, despite there being some good suggestions.

Thanks to Jeff Cornford, who paid us a visit from Temora to take a closer look, we can now confidently state that they are, in fact, tools that were used in replacing, laying and shamfering fibro cement water pipes. The bottom parts (that are round) are for levering the pipe up to connect to a joiner in the trench.

We can all be forgiven for not knowing what these were, because Jeff is of the opinion that these tools were one-offs, probably made by Council's engineering department, and used by their employees. Jeff's first job as a young lad was replacing the water pipes from Illabo to Junee... and it only took him and his team 11 weeks! Might have been quicker had they been using tools like these ones? 🤔

A gold star to Jeff ⭐

Last week, we presented you with two unidentified wooden pieces. Again, some great suggestions as to what they could be. I added a hint that they were used by a coachbuilder / wheelwright, in fact, they belonged to Willie Ellis, a local coachbuilder who worked for John Gelme Ltd., also known as John Gelme Carriage and Waggon Manufactory.

Located at 34-36 Tompson Street, the firm specialised in building sulkies, wagonsand fitting rubber tyres. The MoR is lucky to possess a wonderfully diverse collection of Willie's tools that he used in his professional life.

A gold star to Ian Stewart-Koster ⭐ who supplied us with a very detailed answer: They're called boxing gauges, used to gauge how off-centre the box (axle bushing) inside the hub is, before wedging it tightly in place.

(I had actually photographed the larger of the two with the gauge upside down!)

Here is a video link which shows Ian working with a boxing gauge, thanks to Ian for sharing this information:

https://www.facebook.com/ian.stewartkoster/videos/1622536909416369/

We will reveal this week's mystery object answer first thing tomorrow morning!

Watch this space...

You may have noticed that we haven't yet posted the answer for last week's mystery object 👀The reason being, we are just...
22/10/2026

You may have noticed that we haven't yet posted the answer for last week's mystery object 👀

The reason being, we are just not sure exactly what it is! So watch this space...

In the meantime, here is this week's!

It is made of cast iron and is 15.5 cm long, 7.5 cm at its widest tip and 3.5 deep.

What could it be!? 🤔

We will post the answer on Saturday.

This morning we hosted some wonderful artists from Urban Sketchers Canberra who were joined by members of the Wagga and ...
15/10/2026

This morning we hosted some wonderful artists from Urban Sketchers Canberra who were joined by members of the Wagga and Albury Art Societies.

The participants set up throughout our Botanic Gardens site and sketched, painted or drew items that took their fancy, from buildings to artefacts and everything in between!

Before they departed, staff were treated to a showing of their wonderful creations.

It's that time of the week again!Today's mystery object(s) are wooden, and appears to have been handmade. The top piece ...
14/10/2026

It's that time of the week again!

Today's mystery object(s) are wooden, and appears to have been handmade. The top piece moves on a single screw and bolt.

The larger one is painted, and measures 107cm x 51cm

The smaller one measures 88cm x 33cm.

What could they be? 🤔

HINT: These tools belonged to Willie Ellis, who was a local coachbuilder.

As usual, the answer will be posted tomorrow!

🌊 56 nations. One treaty. And a Southern Ocean still waiting for protection.Did you know the Antarctic Treaty, signed in...
12/10/2026

🌊 56 nations. One treaty. And a Southern Ocean still waiting for protection.

Did you know the Antarctic Treaty, signed in Washington on 1 December 1959, is one of the most remarkable examples of international cooperation in history? Born from the scientific collaboration of the International Geophysical Year, it set a precedent for nations coming together to protect our planet's most remote places.

ICE PACT tells that story through over 30 works of art, and asks what comes next for the Southern Ocean, an ecosystem increasingly threatened by climate change and human activity.

📍 Museum of the Riverina – Historic Council Chambers Site
📅 On display until 29 November
🎟️ Free entry

FRIDAY FLASHBACK PHOTO!This week, we head back to 1956, where we are privy to a dorm party taking place in the 'Kabi' Do...
09/10/2026

FRIDAY FLASHBACK PHOTO!

This week, we head back to 1956, where we are privy to a dorm party taking place in the 'Kabi' Dormitory on the old South Campus, Wagga Wagga, the birthplace of the Wagga Wagga Teachers' College (WWTC).

The Wagga community had been presssing for a teachers' college for over 20 years when the former site of the No. 1 RAAF Hospital near the Showground in the fledgling suburb of Turvey Park was chosen shortly after WWII.

This provided the WWTC with a 65 acre block on which to be established.

Students attended their first lectures at the new College on 9 June 1947, with the official opening taking place a year later, on 29 September 1948.

WWTC was the first wholly residential co-educational tertiary institute in Australia. When the college opened, a total of 150 students were enrolled. This initial session (known as the 'Pioneers') was drawn from across the state of NSW, and included a number of ex-servicepeople and mature-age students.

"One of the most impressive areas is the sleeping quarters. These rival the rooms of a first-class hotel with every modern convenience. Central heating has been installed through the male and female dormitories. The rooms occupied by the girls are of three-bed, four-bed and five-bed types. All rooms have hot and cold water installed."
(Daily Advertiser, 10 June 1947)

By 1948 the WWTC campus comprised three blocks of women's dormitories, approximately ten male dormitories, three lecture blocks, a gym, assembly hall, administration block, dining room and common room.

The original dormitories were cream huts of tiimber and Masonite construction with no insulation. Inside, students often baked in summer and froze in winter. These huts were linked by covered walkways and the grounds were landscaped with attractive rose gardens.

The men's and women's dormitories were separate and the average male dorm comprised five rooms with three beds per room. Female students were housed in large blocks situated closer to the main college buildings.

"Our accommodation block was an old WWII airforce base! I was to learn later, that the room I was in, was the largest room (6 beds) - had been the hospital morgue!! We each had a single iron-framed bed, a small bedside cupboard and a tiny wardrobe."
(Jan Saunders, WWTC student, 1955-56)

Back to this week's photo. It shows the female residents of the 'Kabi' dorm enjoying an elaborate (and delicious!) dorm party. If you take a good look at the table, the spread is seriously impressive! There are cut sandwiches, sponge cakes and a whole host of goodies that were no doubt homemade.

At the centre of the table is a cake with ribbons on a maypole, and surrounding this, 10 plastic dolls wearing mortar boards, hinting that perhaps this celebration was held prior to or after graduation.

The girl in the foreground has been identified as Anne Myott, who had an extensive teaching career and remembered her two years at WWTC as the happiest and most formative period of her life.

This photograph comes from an album of mementoes carefully put together by student Jan Saunders (nee Gallagher) who also thoroughly enjoyed her two years at the college (1955-56).

After graduation, Jan taught for five years before leaving to raise a family.

Do you recognise anyone in this photo, or have memories of the college?

Thanks to everyone who had a go at identifying this week's mystery object.We think it was a tricky one, and there were p...
08/10/2026

Thanks to everyone who had a go at identifying this week's mystery object.

We think it was a tricky one, and there were plenty of good suggestions.

Gold stars to Bruce Wright, Chris Heckenberg and Ben Wright who knew what it was! 🌟⭐🌟

It is an adjustable cast iron fireside 'Good Luck' trivet featuring a horseshoe and gate.

These trivets were designed (and patented in the late 19th century in Australia) to hold kettles, pots and saucepans at the front of an open fireplace in the home. This is why there is an adjustable feature on the back, so the trivet could be moved back and forth to allow for pot size.

Much like the trivets designed for irons to sit on, these fireside trivets were made in a range of designs, and from different metals, including cast iron, wrought iron and polished brass.

Ours has obviously had a fair bit of use, as down the bottom of the horseshoe are the words 'GOOD LUCK', which have almost worn away!

Stay tuned next week for another mystery object! 🧐

It's time for another mystery object, hopefully a little easier than last weeks!? This weeks object is cast iron, and we...
07/10/2026

It's time for another mystery object, hopefully a little easier than last weeks!?

This weeks object is cast iron, and we are sharing photos showing both front and back.

It measures approximately 10 cm across, and is 15 cm high.

There is an adjustable bar on the back which can be slid horizontally.

What could it be? 🤔

As usual, the answer will be posted here tomorrow.

07/10/2026

The Wagga Wagga District and Historical Society has thrown its support behind the campaign to conserve the historic Kangaroo March Banner.

Their donation of $2000 was presented to Museum Manager, Tim Kurylowicz at the Museum of the Riverina's recent Remembering the ANZACs event.

It is a significant step towards the $7500 target and will help keep the region's ANZAC history alive for future generations.

The Kangaroo March banner is one of only three known WWI recruitment banners held in museum collections, making it both rare and irreplaceable.

You can play a vital role in its preservation.

Donations are being accepted until Remembrance Day, 11 November 2026.

To find out more, visit museumriverina.com.au/kangaroo.

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL DAY ONE ✒️What a fantastic first day of our Rare Trades Weekend | Spring Session!If you missed...
03/10/2026

THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL DAY ONE ✒️

What a fantastic first day of our Rare Trades Weekend | Spring Session!

If you missed today’s workshops with Heidi Phillpot from Quill Fine Art Creations, there’s still plenty to enjoy tomorrow at the Museum of the Riverina.

Join us on for our Calligraphy Demonstration & Come & Try Activity, where you can watch Heidi personalise beautiful cards, gift tags and ornaments before trying the tools of the trade for yourself.

You can also browse Heidi’s Pop-Up Personalised Calligraphy Shop, featuring greeting cards, Christmas ornaments, note cards, gift tags, letterpress stationery and calligraphy starter kits.

Tomorrow | Sunday 4 October
⏰ 10am–2pm
📍 Museum of the Riverina – Botanic Gardens Site

Bring a friend and drop in to experience the timeless art of calligraphy.

Address

Corner Of Morrow And Baylis Streets
Wagga Wagga, NSW
2650

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 2pm

Telephone

+61269269655

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Museum of the Riverina posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Museum

Send a message to Museum of the Riverina:

Shortcuts

Share

Category