Visit… Jerilderie

On Saturday 12 February, Jerilderie will celebrate the Ned Kelly Jerilderie Letter event, which commemorates the Kelly Gang’s 1879 raid on the town.

The event focuses on Ned’s manifesto, the Jerilderie Letter, which he tried to have published at the town’s printery during the raid.

One of only two known surviving original documents by Ned Kelly, and the only document providing a direct link to the Kelly gang and the events with which they are associated, the 8,000 word letter contains pleas of innocence, calls for justice and Ned’s own version of the events at Stringybark Creek where three policemen were killed in 1878.

The Jerilderie Letter event provides fun for the whole family, with many activities taking on a bushranger theme, including:

• The public exhibition of the original Jerilderie Letter, on loan from the State Library of Victoria for the day, and its reading by bush poet, Alec Allitt
• A re-enactment play of the raid
• The official re-opening of the original Jerilderie Printery, where Ned tried to have his letter printed in 1879, after being restored to its former state.
• Ambush exhibition from the Victoria Police Museum, featuring original Ned Kelly artefacts
• Doing the Bolt convicts and bushrangers exhibition
• Vintage Tractor Trek that will make its way through the town,
• Show ‘n’ Shine car showcase
• Automotive swap meet
• Craft market
• Street parade
• Evening activities and entertainment taking place by Lake Jerilderie.

While in Jerilderie, visitors can also take in the self-guided Ned Kelly Raid Trail walk, check out the Jerilderie Mini Rail and explore the surrounds of Lake Jerilderie.

Riverina Regional Tourism Ambassadors are also reminded to take advantage of the deals on offer from Jerilderie businesses.

Royal Mail Hotel: Spend $30 with visiting friends and family and receive a free Ned Kelly sticker.

Ian Sneddon Canvas and Upholstery: Spend $50 in store and receive a free Ned Kelly stubby holder.

For further information on the Ned Kelly Jerilderie Letter event, please visit www.jerilderieletterevent.com.au

Visit... Gundagai

MORE THAN JUST A DOG ON A TUCKERBOX!

Made famous by the lyrics of a 1920s bush song (among others), a poem by Banjo Patterson, and a dog on a tuckerbox, Gundagai is an Australian icon that nearly every Aussie would be familiar with. However, there is more to Gundagai than meets the eye!

Gundagai is rich in history, and the recently re-opened Old Gundagai Gaol is just one of the many heritage tourism offerings available to visitors.

Open daily, the Gaol takes visitors on a journey into the past where they will learn about the history of Gundagai and the Gaol building, its infamous inmates and its eventual closure in the 1970s.

Self-guided audio tours take in the Gaol and exercise yard, hospital (the original gaol), Gaolers residence, external kitchen block, outbuilding, outhouse, a well and archeological remains. Visitors will hear stories of notorious bushranger, Captain Moonlight, and local Gundagai characters such as Old Marvelous. Audio tour sets are available for hire from the Visitor Information Centre and will have the whole family intrigued!

Visitors can also visit the Gundagai Historical Museum and view the collection of farming equipment, a T-Model Ford, the ‘Old Fashioned Shack’ and Phar Lap’s saddle cloth. At the Visitor Information Centre, they can marvel in the workmanship of Rusconi’s miniature marble cathedral and see the copper sculptures of Steele Rudd’s famous Snake Gully characters, Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel.

For building and architecture lovers, the town is full of well-preserved, historical buildings including the 1886 railway station and a number of original bridges.

And of course, no visit to Gundagai is complete without making the short 5 mile journey to Snake Gully to see The Dog on the Tuckerbox monument. The Dog on the Tuckerbox precinct will also be hosting the Dog’s Birthday Markets on Saturday 26 November from 10am, selling quality Australian-made giftware, homewares, jewellery, toiletries and more.

Riverina Ambassadors are reminded that they can also use their key tags at a number of Gundagai businesses and tourist attractions.

Gundagai Wines

Bring your family and friends and receive a free wine or soft drink with your meal.

Coach Lamp Coffee Shop

Buy two coffees and receive a piece of cake or slice for half price.

Gundagai Newsagency

Receive 5% off any toy or giftware purchase (excluding gift cards)

Café on Sheridan

Bring your family and friends and receive 10% off.

Parkview on Sheridan Restaurant

Receive 10% off the total of your bill when dining in the restaurant between 5.30pm - 9.00pm, Monday to Sunday.

Green Dog Gallery

Receive 5 to 20% off selected 'blue dot' items on presentation of key tag for the holder or guest.

To find out more about becoming an Ambassador, please visit Riverina Regional Tourism’s website www.visitriverina.com.au

For further details on what’s happening in Gundagai, please visit the Council’s website, www.gundagai.nsw.gov.au