Engine club volunteers bring pump back to life

A critical component of Warragul’s development in the early decades of last century is gradually being returned to life.

The pump that brought the town’s water supply from the Tarago River is being restored to working order by members of the Baw Baw Old Engine and Auto Club.

By the time the task is completed it is estimated members will have volunteered about 2000 hours on the project.

The old pump station building on the bank of the Tarago River at Rokeby is still there but in a derelict condition.

The pumping equipment was salvaged about 30 years ago with a view to its eventual restoration.

The Old Engine and Auto Club formed in 2005 and which has grown to more than 100 members is now custodian of equipment at its Darnum workshop and clubrooms after receiving a Federal government grant to mount the engine and return it to a running condition.

The equipment includes a 1920s era Ronaldson and Tippett engine as well as gear boxes and several pumps.

Much of the materials so far used in the restoration have been donated.

A purpose built heavy steel mounting base has been constructed on a foundation of 10 cubic metres of concrete and the crankshaft and four-ton flywheel have been reunited with the engine.

It is hoped to have the engine running in the near future.

At the former Darnum rubbish site where the club is located members are also working towards developing a heritage centre with shedding, meeting facilities and storage facilities for numerous items of historical machinery.