Judy Dixon with Acting Mayor Gavin Jones at the opening of the 1913 diorama at Wondai Heritage Museum on Saturday … Cr Jones dedicated the diorama to the memory of Judy’s late husband, Kevin, who created the displayA photo of the late Kevin Dixon, who created the diorama, hangs on the wall of the museum overlooking the display
August 15, 2023
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.”
The diorama recreates Haly Street in Wondai, the railway station and local houses as they would have looked in 1913SBRC Visitor Enhancement Officer Samantha Beaumont with Wondai Heritage Museum volunteer Kerry Lloyd and SBRC Tourism Officer Roz McKiterickJudy Dixon and her son Reed, 3rd and 2nd from right, with, from left, Cr Scott Henschen, Cr Kathy Duff, Wondai resident Beryl Smith (who started the museum with former Wondai CEO Alan Keates), Cr Kirstie Schumacher, Cr Jane Erkens, Acting Mayor Gavin Jones and SBRC CEO Mark PittWondai Lions Club members put on a sausage sizzle … from left, Janet Mergler, Karen Chambers, John Bobridge and president Dale LangleyGil and Michelle Smith returned to Wondai for the Open Day … they inspected a display board featuring Les and Vi Smith, part of a collection focussing on pioneer families from the Wondai districtPat Eagleson, from Mon-Dee Coffee 2 Go, brought along her coffee van for the Open DayWondai Hospital Auxiliary also had a stall … at back, Marion Barnes and Kellie Walker, with Henry, 2; and at front, Margaret Beuck and Leona KnipeCr Jane Erkens with Martin Lloyd, from McEuen Rural Fire Brigade … the RFB had a display, and Martin also introduced youngsters at the event to Bushy, the RFB’s mascotNoel Selway, from Wondai, inspects a 1960s olive Queensland Police uniform in the museumMembers of the Goomeri Chrome Bumpers car club brought along their vehicles as part of a display in front of the museumThere were also several stalls for visitors to browse at the rear of the museum
