A diorama depicting the early days of Wondai township was unveiled at the Wondai Heritage Museum’s Open Day on Saturday morning.
The display, which depicts Haly Street and the adjacent railway line in 1913, was created by former local resident – and railway enthusiast – Kevin Dixon.
Kevin, who died in December 2021, became a keen volunteer at the museum after he and his wife Judy moved to Wondai.
“He never looked back,” Judy told the crowd at the opening.
Kevin ran the idea of creating a diorama by Council – which operates the museum – and was given the go-ahead, so he began working on the project in June 2018.
“He created all the buildings and pictures himself but when it was 99 per cent complete, he died suddenly,” Judy said.
Judy said their son Reed completed the diorama after he came back to Australia from the UK for the funeral.
She said the diorama was Kevin’s legacy for the people of Wondai to enjoy.
“I know that it would be (Kevin’s) wish – and mine – that this will inspire others to volunteer and continue to research Wondai’s wonderful history,” Judy said.
Acting Mayor Gavin Jones stressed the importance of volunteers and praised Kevin’s vision to create the diorama.
“Council was pleased to provide the additional funding so his family could complete it on his behalf and establish it here in the reception area of the museum,” Cr Jones said.
“It’s my great honour to dedicate the diorama to Kevin Dixon and extend the community’s appreciation to him and his family for his vision and passion to record an important part of Wondai and the South Burnett’s story.”