Plans to celebrate Minyip’s milestone
Minyip’s population is set to swell ‘by the thousands’ next year as residents and visitors participate in a range of activities to celebrate the town’s 150th anniversary.
Community leaders are planning a long weekend of festivities, from March 11 to 14.
After the township was established in the early 1870s, Minyip flourished as a service centre for the region’s productive wheat growing district.
In 1984, Crawford Productions ‘rediscovered’ the town, turning Minyip into the fictional location of ‘Coopers Crossing’ in long-running television series, The Flying Doctors.
Organising committee chairman Peter Niewand said the town featured many buildings of historical significance, which people would be able to view during a walking tour.
“We’ve got all these plaques on all the old buildings,” he said.
“The historical society will do a walk and explain some of the history of the town.”
Sesquicentenary celebrations will kick off in Minyip Memorial Hall on the Friday night, with a reception organised by Yarriambiack Shire Council.
The evening will also feature the launch of a Minyip 150 book.
“Then we roll on to Saturday for our normal show ’n’ shine,” Mr Niewand said.
“On the Sunday there will be an ecumenical service along with a cemetery walk by Wayne Jackson.
“There’s 150 or something children’s unmarked graves out there and they’re opening a monument up with a special walk – it’s going to be quite large, I believe.”
Mr Niewand said there would also be a fishing competition for children at the wetlands, with festivities to conclude with a town breakfast on the Monday morning.
He said there was plenty of excitement surrounding the milestone weekend.
“Rupanyup had thousands turn up, so we are envisaging something similar,” he said.
He said he hoped there would no longer be COVID-19 restrictions, with more people vaccinated.
“Once we hit summer, we’ll be better off,” he said.
Mr Niewand said the town’s caravan park, football oval and golf club would be opened up to caravans due to a lack of accommodation options.
People can follow a ‘Minyip’s 150 Years Celebration’ Facebook page for updates.