July 25, 2023
The Proston and District Heritage Association has unveiled some of the activities planned for the town’s huge Centenary weekend!
The Proston and District Centenary, “100 Years Down The Track”, will be held on the King’s Birthday long weekend, September 30-October 1.
Guests and former residents of Proston and surrounding districts have been invited to come back for the two days of celebrations.
The main events will take place in Railway Park and the adjoining State School precinct, with accompanying exhibits at Proston Showgrounds.
The weekend is commemorating 100 years since the railway came to Proston and the opening of the Proston State School, two historical developments that transformed the Proston district.
Association president Nicholas Blanch said volunteers have spent the better part of the last decade planning and preparing for this event, which falls between the centenary of the arrival of the railway and the centenary of Proston School.
“We have planned a very family-orientated weekend, and currently face the task of ensuring all past residents know about the celebration,” Nicholas said.
“Additionally, all South Burnett and surrounds community members are more than welcome to attend and are encouraged to make the most of the planned schedule for the weekend.
“We would love each and every person to ever have been impacted by Proston, its districts or its schools, to return, bring their families and catch-up with past friends and make a few
new ones.”
Across the weekend, there will be railway tours, a dressmakers’ exhibition and bus tours as well as markets, amusements and food in Railway Park.
Other events scheduled so far include:
- Saturday morning – Street parade and the official launch of the Centenary book, “Proston – 100 Years Down The Track”.
- Saturday evening – Centenary Ball at Proston Town Hall with dinner, music and dancing. At The Platform stage in Railway Park there will be a film presented by former members of the Proston Apex Club (winners of the 1980s TV game show. “It’s A Knockout!”) and Bill Keys’ cultural heritage film of life in and around Proston in the 1950s-1970s.
- Sunday – Launch of the Proston Heritage Trail, the opening of Proston Village, naming of Apex Park, interschool sports re-enactment, music and recitals at The Platform.
- Sunday night – Centenary fireworks followed by live music at The Platform.
Regular activities such as the Railway park run, social bowls at Proston Bowls Club, social golf at Proston Golf Club and the Friends of Reinke Scrub walking group will also be happening.
District Schools bus tours – which cover Proston, Kinleymore, Hivesville, Abbeywood and Speedwell – must be pre-booked. Seats can be booked online
Anyone interested in running a market stall or becoming a food/drinks vendor can also apply online
The Proston and District Heritage Association has thanked the sponsors who are already supporting the event, including the South Burnett Regional Council. To become a sponsor, contact Janee Crane on 0419-029-949 or Nick Volk on 0407-628-508.
Have an idea or suggestion for the centenary? Email the association at prostonheritage@gmail.com
- External link: Proston & District Heritage Association
