Farewell to highway curiosity

One of the more curious roadside welcomes to Western Highway travellers entering Horsham is set to become a thing of the past.

Curiosities representing a variety of subjects and themes have long been on display on and alongside a shack and caravan on a corner block on Stawell Road.

They are the product of Horsham personality Clarrie Mackley, who with his late brother Wilfred, used a sense of quirky fun to build their display on the family block.

But Mr Mackley has decided to move on and sold the block, which has attracted attention from district residents and visitors to film-makers, to pursue other interests.

“It belonged to my parents and when my father died I bought it back through the family,” he said.

“I lost my brother and the children didn’t want it so that’s why I’ve let it go.”

Mr Mackley, who enjoys tinkering with old vehicles, tractors and collectables, agreed the display had become an iconic part of Horsham.

“Just about everyone – from right across the state – has been in and out of the place at some stage,” he said.