Wycheproof Community Museum
The Wycheproof Community Museum, which is located in the former Wycheproof State School built in 1875, displays a significant collection of items and artifacts that tell the story of the community at work and at war.
Amongst its collection is memorabilia from 'Waltzing Matilda', the world's first jet powered truck. Built around 1977-1978 and based on a Ford LNT 7000' Louisville' prime mover, it was powered by an ex-RAFF Rolls-Roys Avon mk1 jet engine taken form a Canberra Bomber. It was the first truck to ever exceed 200mph (322km/h) in 1979.
Significant in the collection is the Autograph Flag. The Autograph flag that commemorates WWI volunteers was created by the local Patriotic Guild, a group of women who raised money to send parcels of clothing and food to soldiers on the front in Europe during WWI.
The embroidered silk flag has a red background with cream embroidered lettering. On one side is listed the names of all the soldiers who enlisted from the Wycheproof district and on the other side, the names of the volunteer women and those who had donated to the Patriotic Guild fund during war period.
The flag is colourful and shows our links to Britain. The Autograph flag was originally presented to the Shire of Wycheproof and was later stored away and virtually forgotten until rescued by local historian Mancel Giddings around 20 years ago. Wycheproof Historical Society received an ANZAC Centenary grant from the Department of Veteran's Affairs to restore and conserve this beautiful flag, lovingly created by the women of Wycheproof. The flag was restored by a team at the University of Melbourne.
Location
Mount Street, Wycheproof 3527 Map
✆ 0409 937 525
