Queensland Transport Museum extends display of rare military vehicles

To commemorate Anzac Day and honour military service, a special display at the Queensland Transport Museum (QTM) has been extended until the end of May.

As part of Lockyer Valley Regional Council's commitment to keeping the Anzac spirit alive, Council approached owners of the military giants exhibition, Russel and Carol Tattam, seeking to extend the military vehicles display, currently on exhibition at the QTM in Gatton.

“There are some really unique and rare pieces of history in the exhibition,” Mr Tattam said.

“We are proud to display them and to have had the opportunity to restore them to their original military condition.”

Mr Tattam said that in years gone by, people have been able to see the vehicles in the Gatton Anzac Day Parade.

“Sadly, the rising costs associated with public liability insurance has meant that we’ve had to make the difficult decision not to run vehicles in this year’s Anzac parades in the Lockyer Valley,” he said.

Lockyer Valley Mayor, Tanya Milligan said while the decision was tinged with sadness for Mr and Mrs Tattam, the decision to extend the display gave residents and visitors more time to appreciate a small part of their impressive collection.

“Not only have these vehicles been meticulously restored, they are also complete with the necessary equipment used in the field, in the periods between the beginning of WWII to the peace-keeping force in East Timor,” she said.

“The rare collection includes a 6x6 GMC hitched to an ammunition limber and 25-pounder artillery piece, as well as an M4 Diamond T Half Track, LP1 Bren Gun Carrier and Mark 1 and Mark 2 Ferrets, a Saracen plus several others.”

The QTM is just one of many activities families can enjoy when they visit Gatton, with the Lake Apex Parklands at the backdoor.

“These school holidays, families are encouraged to enjoy the autumn weather, plan a day out and explore the skatepark, walking tracks, playground, Art Gallery, Library, QTM and café or do some bird watching,” Mayor Milligan said.

The QTM is open daily from 9am to 4pm except for public holidays. It is housed within the Lockyer Valley Cultural Centre, 34 Lake Apex Drive, Gatton.

Museum details: Queensland Transport Museum | Visit the Lockyer Valley (luvyalockyer.com.au)