Historic shed opens six days
An increase in vistor numbers to Murtoa’s historic Stick Shed has prompted a mangagement committee to extend opening hours.
Murtoa Stick Shed management committee chairwoman Judith Welsh said visitor numbers during the past 12 months ‘clearly’ indicated the Stick Shed was a huge attraction to people in the region as well as visitors.
The heritage-listed building is now open to the public six days a week.
The Stick Shed, previously only open on Sundays, will now be open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 12.30pm each day and on Sundays from 10am to 2pm. It will be closed on Mondays.
“Being open on Sundays only has meant that many potential visitors have been unable to view this magnificent icon,” Ms Welsh said.
“People touring the Silo Art Trail have become aware of the Stick Shed during their tours and have been disappointed when making an inquiry that the shed is not open.
“Our secretary David Grigg reports that he receives 10 to 15 calls a week from tourists who wish to visit the shed outside advertised opening times.
“By extending our opening times it is hoped that many more people can experience this magnificent building.”
The Murtoa Stick Shed, a dominant feature of the eastern edge of Murtoa, was constructed as temporary grain storage during the Second World War.
Known then as The Murtoa No1 Grain Storage, it received its first delivery of grain in January 1942.
Constructed in three months, the shed is an example of bush-carpentry ingenuity.
An imposing building, the Stick Shed is 265 metres long, 60 metres wide and is 19 metres high at its apex.
Due to the unavailability of steel during the war, construction involved 560 unmilled mountain ash timber poles in its construction.
The dramatic interior view of the building and its hundreds of poles has led to it being referred to as ‘the cathedral of the Wimmera’.
The Stick Shed is listed by Heritage Victoria and is number 101 on the National Heritage Register.
The listing has provided recognition to a significant part of Australian history associated with the wheat industry and the impact of the Second World War on a rural and remote Wimmera of the time.
Ms Welsh encouraged large groups keen to visit the structure to continue to book their visit.
She said groups could book via e-mail address thestickshed@ gmail.com, where they would receive confirmation and further information regarding attractions and facilities available in Murtoa.