Robinvale Centenary Celebration – Proposed Program

Plans for Robinvale’s Centenary Weekend are finally coming together, although there’s still a way to go. The Draft Program is still being tweaked as the Committee waits for confirmation on certain events.

As well as events of the weekend of October 26 and 27, some things are in place to commence prior to the weekend itself.

Thursday, October 24

The Rural Life Museum will open, as normal, on Thursday from 9.00 a.m.  Robinvale Senior Citizens building, Robin Street, will be open on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, to view displays by both Patchwork and Senior’s groups, with lunch available on Thursday only.

Friday, October 25

Robinvale College will conduct a one-only, fully-guided tour of the College, commencing at 10.00 a.m. on the Friday morning.

You will also be able to view photographs at the College and Community Library, situated in the College grounds. The Library is open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Opening times for those days are available on the Library website.

The Rotary Club of Robinvale-Euston will host a barbeque lunch at “The Cliffs” on Friday, October 25, commencing at 12 noon.

Saturday, October 26

Saturday morning will begin with formalities on Caix Square, starting at 9.00 a.m. Following the short, formal proceedings, the Street Parade will take place. The actual length of the Parade will not be known until all entries have been received (the cut-off date will be advised later). It is to be hoped that many locals will participate, especially local businesses who might like to decorate a truck or ute to promote their business and join in the festivities, or just enter a branded work vehicle! You can ride your bike, walk in a group or by yourself. The more people, the bigger the Parade – and more fun!

Following the Street Parade, Robinvale-Euston Football Netball Club has offered to open their Clubrooms, from early afternoon. The bar will be open so, if it’s a hot day, you could enjoy a cool drink. There are lots of football photos displayed in the Rooms and the Club also has a big screen, which will be able to show historic photos and “moving images”.

Commencing late afternoon, there will be live entertainment on the oval and the Football Club has very kindly offered to cook a barbeque tea (and possibly also spaghetti for those who might be barbequed out!)

Sunday, October 27

Sunday morning and your day can start with breakfast. One coffee shop has already confirmed they will open early for anyone who would like to have breakfast. The Committee is waiting on confirmation from the other shops as to whether they are able to open as well.

St Mary’s School has advised it will open at 8.00 a.m. for anyone who would like to visit the school to see how much things have changed.Mass will be conducted at St Mary’s School Gymnasium at 9.00 a.m.

Robinswood Homestead will then be open from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon. You can enjoy the lovely gardens, walk through the House, check out the Villers-Bretonneux Room, the Cuttle Room and view the Migration Memories display. Morning Tea will be available. Bookings for morning tea will be essential, and contact details will be provided later.

At 12.00 noon, there will be a short ceremony in Bill McGinty Park. This will include planting a ‘Centenary Tree’ and burying a ‘Time Capsule’.

Following that, you will be able to walk the short distance to Robinvale Euston Memorial Park, where there will be another short, dedication ceremony to recognise all Robinvale’s early pioneers; the early Aboriginal people, those who settled here from very early 1900’s and all those who followed, including the many who served their country in times of need.

It is proposed to have the weekend wind up with a ‘Black Tie Gala Event’ which would be held at Robinvale Community Centre. This will be a pre-booked, “ticket only” event and numbers will be strictly limited. Further details for this event will be advised later.

The Centenary Committee is waiting on confirmation from a number of organisations, particularly sporting groups, as to whether they will open their Clubrooms at some stage over the Centenary weekend. The Rural Life Museum will be open during the weekend with specific times yet to be confirmed, as will the Euston Courthouse (home of the Euston/Robinvale Historical Society), with times also to be confirmed.

Final details pertaining to all groups will be advised once the Committee receives confirmation.

Robinvale looks forward to a huge influx of visitors on the weekend of October 26 and 27, 2024.

Let’s celebrate in style!