Events like SteamFest are breathing new life into an old story by adding colour, movement and community spirit.
Now in its 23rd year, SteamFest is helping to educate a new generation about the important role steam has played throughout Tasmania’s history.
From the ferries that carried passengers, mail and cargo across Bass Strait to the West Coast Wilderness Railway that once played a major role for our mining industry and across our agriculture and timber industries, steam machines have featured throughout our history.
Held in Sheffield and hailed as the biggest vintage machine show in Tasmania, the three-day event also showcases skills like blacksmithing that were needed in the steam era.
SteamFest also has family-friendly activities like steam train rides, kids verses steamroller tug-o-war and more than 100 art, craft and food stalls; and this year the event adds a new miniature railway.
The three-day event is as popular as ever with crowds typically around the 6,000 mark.
It’s a great celebration of history and regional community and we’re pleased to support it.
Community events can get people moving around our great State and support our plan to grow tourism and the visitor economy which is good for local businesses and creates jobs for Tasmanians.
They are also an important part of community life, allowing us all to celebrate our shared stories and history.
Congratulations to the Redwater Creek Steam and Heritage Society Inc, the Tasmanian Tractor Pulling and Vintage Tractor Association and volunteers on the growing success of this great event.