A pillar of Dandenong’s rich history as the Gateway to Gippsland could so easily have been lost.
The livestock market on Cheltenham Road was a weekly tradition for decades, drawing farmers from across the South East until it closed just before Christmas in 1998.
A committed group from the Show committee didn’t allow the market to dissolve in time.
For posterity, they have preserved its auction sale ring, signs and relics under the roof of Jack Rae OAM Pavilion at Dandenong Showgrounds.
The sales ring is still used to train budding livestock auctioneers
Lining the walls are more than 110 perpetual signs with the names of the region’s great farming families, as well as the market’s milking plant, milk cans, butter churns and holding yards.
Graeme Marriott was one of the original group who saved the old stalls, ultimately donated by Greater Dandenong Council.
“It was all going to be destroyed, no one wanted it so we stepped in,” Mr Marriott says.
“Seven of us pulled it to pieces and transported it here.”
He surveys the museum with some relish such as a photo of a plump prize-winning pig entered by his great-uncle at the 1939 Dandenong Show.
A poster advertises a Clearing Sale of a former Narre Warren farm, with a tractor, plough, 35 cows and 15 springers up for grabs.
Asked for a highlight among the collection, Mr Marriott says: “All of it – it’s a wonderful collection of memorabilia.
“It’s our pastoral heritage. A lot of people don’t know it’s here.”
Many of that group have departed, including the late Graeme Allan, Rob Bowman, Geoff Carson and Alex Morgan.
Jim Ferris and his son Ricky – the current Dandenong Show president – as well as many who were part of the Dandenong Show committee were also involved.
This month is a chance to step back into the history at a Back to Dandenong Saleyards Day.
Recreating the auctions of yesteryear, all sorts of general items will be put under the hammer for the public.
Pastoral families, who mingled at the stock markets every week, are invited back to reconnect.
Back to Dandenong Saleyards Day is at Greaves Reserve, Bennet Street, Dandenong on Saturday 14 September, 11am-2pm. Includes a free sausage sizzle and a fun auction. All welcome.
