May 12, 2026

Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day Delivers Strong Boost For Brandon And The Burdekin

Marshal Tractor and Public

The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Open Day held on Saturday, 9 May attracted visitors from across the region and beyond, delivering a welcome economic boost for Brandon and the wider Burdekin district.

An army of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day, beginning preparations before sunrise and continuing well into the evening as machinery, displays and equipment were packed away after another successful event.

BMP Open Day Candy Floss

The event attracted strong support from both locals and travelling visitors, with nearly 10 per cent of attendees coming from outside the district. Local tourism promotion played an important role in drawing visitors to the event, with Visitor Information Centres screening the club’s promotional video during the previous week.

The influx of visitors also provided benefits for local businesses. Hotel Burdekin recorded 15 visitor man-nights during the event period, while the Iron Works Brewery reportedly enjoyed a particularly busy evening as visitors and exhibitors gathered after the day’s activities.

Exhibitors travelled from a number of regional areas to take part in the event, including representatives from Townsville and the Pioneer Valley near Mackay.

Blacksmith Furnace

The club’s raffle was another popular feature of the day, with prizes won by Neil Marchin, George from Five Ways Fish Bar, David Brown, Angie Fabbro and C. Fox from Mackay. The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists expressed their appreciation to raffle sponsors About Town Bait and Tackle, Autopro, Repco, Supercheap Auto and Burdekin Communications for their generous support.

Club representatives also acknowledged the contribution of major sponsors Burdekin Shire Council, Liberty Rural, Wilmar and Roncato Helicopters, whose assistance helped ensure the event ran smoothly with effective traffic management, fuel supplies and operational support throughout the day.

Blacksmith Hammer

While members were pleased with the success of the event, some expressed disappointment that local officials were unable to attend this year’s Open Day.

The Burdekin Machinery Preservationists thanked everyone who attended and supported the event and said they looked forward to welcoming visitors back again in the future.

SweetsVille

Contributed with thanks to the Burdekin Machinery Preservationists Photos supplied