Fri 10 Feb 2012 - Sun 19 Feb 2012
The lifestyle and treasures of village life are often not apparent to outsiders and need a local to help you discover them.
The Oberon and Villages Summer Festival is a chance for visitors to rediscover these simple pleasures, sharing the lifestyle, history, culture, produce, secrets, stories and hospitality of the Oberon Circle of Villages, a part of The Tablelands Way experience.
Summer in the high country is the season of bounty. Fruits are in season, trout are in the streams, mushrooms in the forests and adventure is in the air. Village life brings its own flavour to summer, with the pleasures of the home made and home grown.
Check out the full range and detail of the Festivals by clicking on the link and find the festival you would most like to visit ... then find out what else Oberon has to offer in this cool high country of the Tablelands.
The Oberon and Villages Summer Festival is a chance for visitors to rediscover these simple pleasures, sharing the lifestyle, history, culture, produce, secrets, stories and hospitality of the Oberon Circle of Villages, a part of The Tablelands Way experience.
Summer in the high country is the season of bounty. Fruits are in season, trout are in the streams, mushrooms in the forests and adventure is in the air. Village life brings its own flavour to summer, with the pleasures of the home made and home grown.
Check out the full range and detail of the Festivals by clicking on the link and find the festival you would most like to visit ... then find out what else Oberon has to offer in this cool high country of the Tablelands.
Fri 10 Feb 2012 - Sun 12 Feb 2012
For a relaxed, enjoyable and fun event, come along to the 2012 Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th February.
Be thrilled and amazed at the exhibits that highlight Oberon’s and Australia’s past.
See tractors and trucks from a bygone era, cars that your parents used to drive and machinery that was at home on the farm some 50 years ago. The Road Steam Engines will delight with their spectacle; the steam, the smoke and the smells will heighten every sense. Country Energy Show’N’Shine has it!
Have you ever seen a tree felled, milled and turned into a cottage? How about woodcarving with chain saws, or logs cut with cross cut saws; axemen in action and woodturning on lathes?
Oberon’s local tradies and artisans at the Forests NSW Heritage Timber Display have got it all covered.
If a delightful day resting under the trees and listening to Australian colonial, country, folk and Celtic music is your go, the 2LT Oberon Music Festival at the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair has it!
A wonderful addition to this years Highlands Steam and Vintage Fair is the presence of a Keyless Fairground Organ..
Event Programme
The Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair is being presented on 10th 11th 12th February 2012 and has a full program with something for everyone. (More details to be added soon ..)
Friday 10th February
(This day is mainly for entrants)
Australia Fair Grand Concert Organ – Jenolan Caves
Shannon's Classic Car & Truck Run to Jenolan Caves ** Note that the Tractor Trek and associated world record attempts at Jenolan Caves have been cancelled (as at 14/12/11) due to safety concerns
Tractor Trek
Community BBQ at the Rally Ground 5pm onwards
Saturday 11th February
Australia Fair Organ – Oberon Rally Ground
Market Stalls at Rally Ground
Grand Main Street Rally
Junior Tractor Pull at Rally Ground
Open Tractor Pull at Rally Ground
Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Open
Welcome & Presentation Dinner – 1950s theme
RSL Sub-Branch Museum Open
Free Bus between Venues
NSW Forests Heritage Timber Display
Sunday 12th February
Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Open
Market Stalls at Rally Ground
Open & Junior Tractor Pull at Rally Ground
RSL Sub-Branch Museum Open
Free Bus between Venues
NSW Forests Heritage Timber Display
Be thrilled and amazed at the exhibits that highlight Oberon’s and Australia’s past.
See tractors and trucks from a bygone era, cars that your parents used to drive and machinery that was at home on the farm some 50 years ago. The Road Steam Engines will delight with their spectacle; the steam, the smoke and the smells will heighten every sense. Country Energy Show’N’Shine has it!
Have you ever seen a tree felled, milled and turned into a cottage? How about woodcarving with chain saws, or logs cut with cross cut saws; axemen in action and woodturning on lathes?
Oberon’s local tradies and artisans at the Forests NSW Heritage Timber Display have got it all covered.
If a delightful day resting under the trees and listening to Australian colonial, country, folk and Celtic music is your go, the 2LT Oberon Music Festival at the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair has it!
A wonderful addition to this years Highlands Steam and Vintage Fair is the presence of a Keyless Fairground Organ..
Event Programme
The Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair is being presented on 10th 11th 12th February 2012 and has a full program with something for everyone. (More details to be added soon ..)
Friday 10th February
(This day is mainly for entrants)
Australia Fair Grand Concert Organ – Jenolan Caves
Shannon's Classic Car & Truck Run to Jenolan Caves ** Note that the Tractor Trek and associated world record attempts at Jenolan Caves have been cancelled (as at 14/12/11) due to safety concerns
Tractor Trek
Community BBQ at the Rally Ground 5pm onwards
Saturday 11th February
Australia Fair Organ – Oberon Rally Ground
Market Stalls at Rally Ground
Grand Main Street Rally
Junior Tractor Pull at Rally Ground
Open Tractor Pull at Rally Ground
Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Open
Welcome & Presentation Dinner – 1950s theme
RSL Sub-Branch Museum Open
Free Bus between Venues
NSW Forests Heritage Timber Display
Sunday 12th February
Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway Open
Market Stalls at Rally Ground
Open & Junior Tractor Pull at Rally Ground
RSL Sub-Branch Museum Open
Free Bus between Venues
NSW Forests Heritage Timber Display
Fri 10 Feb 2012
Jenolan Caves is the destination for the Classic Car rally and also the Classic Tractor trek. Each rally departs Oberon and plans to arrive at 11am at Jenolan Caves. This is a must for lovers of vintage cars and tractors; cars and tractors can be viewed from 11 am – 4 pm. Also on display is the Grand Concert Organ, the music evokes a carnival atmosphere and is often referred to as "the happiest music on earth".
Caves Tours run all day.
Bookings essential 02 6359 3911/1300 763 311 then follow prompts for cave tours
Sat 11 Feb 2012
Don't Shoot Me, I'm the Piano Player "He is as funny as any, wittier than most, and, uniquely, a concert pianist of international stature... He stands alone, in a class of his own." [BBC Arts Review, London]
"The cleanest, funniest show in London...perfect timing, delicious pausing for maximum effect" [The Stage, London]
"A unique combination of classical piano and comedy. The audience was enthralled from start to finish" [WGAM (CBS) TV, USA]
David Scheel's one-man show, the smash hit, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player, has now been touring the world for 15 years. Don't Shoot Me... sold out in London's West End, then at 3 consecutive Edinburgh Festivals.
In David's concerts, classical music is turned on its head. At any time you may hear a popular folk song played in the styles of Mozart, Rachmaninoff, a iPod Mini (!) and a blues, or he may play a piece by Bach in the right hand and one by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the left, at the same time. A miniature concerto based on the 20 worst tunes ever written is another favourite. But in between times he will unwrap one of the classics, or one of his own highly lyrical compositions, and reveal his true quality as a pianist.
And among all this, side-swipes at the icons of modern living; Junk food, Supermarkets, Computerised voicemail and politics, plus a hilarious translation of the lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, all delivered in a huge variety of comic voices and accents.
"The cleanest, funniest show in London...perfect timing, delicious pausing for maximum effect" [The Stage, London]
"A unique combination of classical piano and comedy. The audience was enthralled from start to finish" [WGAM (CBS) TV, USA]
David Scheel's one-man show, the smash hit, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player, has now been touring the world for 15 years. Don't Shoot Me... sold out in London's West End, then at 3 consecutive Edinburgh Festivals.
In David's concerts, classical music is turned on its head. At any time you may hear a popular folk song played in the styles of Mozart, Rachmaninoff, a iPod Mini (!) and a blues, or he may play a piece by Bach in the right hand and one by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the left, at the same time. A miniature concerto based on the 20 worst tunes ever written is another favourite. But in between times he will unwrap one of the classics, or one of his own highly lyrical compositions, and reveal his true quality as a pianist.
And among all this, side-swipes at the icons of modern living; Junk food, Supermarkets, Computerised voicemail and politics, plus a hilarious translation of the lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, all delivered in a huge variety of comic voices and accents.
Sat 11 Feb 2012 - Sun 12 Feb 2012
FORESTS NSW AND THE FAIR
Once again Forests NSW will be the sponsoring partner of the Forests NSW Heritage Timber Display in 2012. The Forests NSW Heritage Timber Display is a truly interesting look at Oberon’s heritage and present day association with the New South Wales timber industry.
The display is again co-ordinated by The Wood Guys, a local business specialising in sourcing and recycling native timber mainly for the timber hobbyist. John and Holly are promising an interesting and diverse display in 2012 including many active demonstrations.
BRIEF HISTORY
John Smillie from The Wood Guys co-ordinates the heritage timber display
Oberon NSW has always been a timber town. The earliest recordings of timber harvesting are from the 1880’s when timber was harvested in the Lower Kowmung area and floated by river to Penrith NSW for distribution in the Sydney market.
By 1915 two sawmills operated in the Oberon Shire processing native hardwood especially Blackbutt for the local market. By 1929, the Forestry Commission of New South Wales had recognised that the Oberon district was suitable for growing softwoods. The first plantations were the Vulcan and Jenolan State forests.
1941 saw the Broken Hill family, the Cottons move to Oberon to establish a sawmill to harvest local timber and transport it back to the mines at Broken Hill. Operating under the business name of Timber Industries Pty Ltd production and transport of that timber began in 1942. 1954 saw timber plantations double and the industry had begun to mechanise.
The first particle board factory in Australia started operations in Oberon under the name “Pyneboard” a name that became synonymous with the building industry. It was a joint venture by CSR, Timber Industries and Fletchers a New Zealand Company and made use of the “thinnings” of the Pine plantations
In 1966, plantations barely covered 1000 acres and today Forests NSW manages more than 60,000 hectares.
Borg Manufacturing operates the MDF plant in Oberon today
The 1980’s saw Oberon’s timber industry starting to really expand and compete on the global market. That growth contributed enormously to the village’s prosperity and today Oberon boasts one of the highest employment rates in regional New South Wales.
Today there are also small experimental plantations of hardwood and Christmas tree farms are dotted through the district. In times past, Eucalyptus Oil processing was an industry in the region.
FORESTS NSW ROLE
Forests NSW is a public enterprise within NSW Department of Primary Industry. They manage more than 2 million hectares of native and planted forests for a wide range of economic, environmental and social values to internationally recognised standards. They harvest over 2.5 million cubic metres of logs and over 1.5 cubic metres of pulpwood and other products every year ensuring the supply of timber and other products to the industry in New South Wales.
Once again Forests NSW will be the sponsoring partner of the Forests NSW Heritage Timber Display in 2012. The Forests NSW Heritage Timber Display is a truly interesting look at Oberon’s heritage and present day association with the New South Wales timber industry.
The display is again co-ordinated by The Wood Guys, a local business specialising in sourcing and recycling native timber mainly for the timber hobbyist. John and Holly are promising an interesting and diverse display in 2012 including many active demonstrations.
BRIEF HISTORY
John Smillie from The Wood Guys co-ordinates the heritage timber display
Oberon NSW has always been a timber town. The earliest recordings of timber harvesting are from the 1880’s when timber was harvested in the Lower Kowmung area and floated by river to Penrith NSW for distribution in the Sydney market.
By 1915 two sawmills operated in the Oberon Shire processing native hardwood especially Blackbutt for the local market. By 1929, the Forestry Commission of New South Wales had recognised that the Oberon district was suitable for growing softwoods. The first plantations were the Vulcan and Jenolan State forests.
1941 saw the Broken Hill family, the Cottons move to Oberon to establish a sawmill to harvest local timber and transport it back to the mines at Broken Hill. Operating under the business name of Timber Industries Pty Ltd production and transport of that timber began in 1942. 1954 saw timber plantations double and the industry had begun to mechanise.
The first particle board factory in Australia started operations in Oberon under the name “Pyneboard” a name that became synonymous with the building industry. It was a joint venture by CSR, Timber Industries and Fletchers a New Zealand Company and made use of the “thinnings” of the Pine plantations
In 1966, plantations barely covered 1000 acres and today Forests NSW manages more than 60,000 hectares.
Borg Manufacturing operates the MDF plant in Oberon today
The 1980’s saw Oberon’s timber industry starting to really expand and compete on the global market. That growth contributed enormously to the village’s prosperity and today Oberon boasts one of the highest employment rates in regional New South Wales.
Today there are also small experimental plantations of hardwood and Christmas tree farms are dotted through the district. In times past, Eucalyptus Oil processing was an industry in the region.
FORESTS NSW ROLE
Forests NSW is a public enterprise within NSW Department of Primary Industry. They manage more than 2 million hectares of native and planted forests for a wide range of economic, environmental and social values to internationally recognised standards. They harvest over 2.5 million cubic metres of logs and over 1.5 cubic metres of pulpwood and other products every year ensuring the supply of timber and other products to the industry in New South Wales.
Sat 11 Feb 2012
“Australia Fair” is a Belgium built travelling Concert Organ. It was built in the workshops of Verbeeck’s Organ Works (Est 1884) in Antwerp and is the only travelling Concert Organ in Australia. It has entertained extensively at all levels from local functions to “Yarralumla” – the residence of the Governor General of Australia.
The organ has the equivalent sound of a 20-piece band and operates on air pressure generated by a bellows and regulated by a reservoir. The music is played by way of traditional punched cardboard books that are read by the keyframe, which activates valves that in turn cause the organ to play. The organ has some 442 pipes together with drums, cymbals, bells, woodblocks and animated figures. The organ also has a large library of music and can play all day without repeating selections. The music appeals to all age groups and covers all types from Strauss to Walt Disney including marches, waltzes, musical theatre, children’s and popular music. The music evokes a carnival atmosphere and is often referred to as the ‘happiest music on earth”.
These instruments first appeared in Europe and England in the early 1820′s and soon became very popular as they travelled between towns and villages entertaining at local Festivals, Fairs and events. Manufacturers flourished and large numbers of these instruments were made, as they were the principal source of music for outdoor public entertainment. Unfortunately, all this changed in 1926 when an American company named Brunswick introduced the world’s first electrically amplified gramophone. Sadly, by 1930, amplified recordings and amplified sound were widely and relatively cheaply available. This coupled with the Great Depression; saw manufacturers close and these wonderful instruments slowly fell into disrepair and disuse, until ultimately, the vast majority were lost forever.
The organ has the equivalent sound of a 20-piece band and operates on air pressure generated by a bellows and regulated by a reservoir. The music is played by way of traditional punched cardboard books that are read by the keyframe, which activates valves that in turn cause the organ to play. The organ has some 442 pipes together with drums, cymbals, bells, woodblocks and animated figures. The organ also has a large library of music and can play all day without repeating selections. The music appeals to all age groups and covers all types from Strauss to Walt Disney including marches, waltzes, musical theatre, children’s and popular music. The music evokes a carnival atmosphere and is often referred to as the ‘happiest music on earth”.
These instruments first appeared in Europe and England in the early 1820′s and soon became very popular as they travelled between towns and villages entertaining at local Festivals, Fairs and events. Manufacturers flourished and large numbers of these instruments were made, as they were the principal source of music for outdoor public entertainment. Unfortunately, all this changed in 1926 when an American company named Brunswick introduced the world’s first electrically amplified gramophone. Sadly, by 1930, amplified recordings and amplified sound were widely and relatively cheaply available. This coupled with the Great Depression; saw manufacturers close and these wonderful instruments slowly fell into disrepair and disuse, until ultimately, the vast majority were lost forever.
Sat 11 Feb 2012 - Sun 12 Feb 2012
Our friends at OTHR will be opening their gates and the doors to visitors during the fair weekend.
Your entry ticket will get you access to the Oberon railway station area where you will be treated to a guided to of the 1923 station buildings and the various rolling stock including the 73 Class deisel locomotives, and the historic 1883 End Platform Carriages (American cowboy cars) which were recently (Nov 2011) used in the Sydney filming of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’.
Inspect the progress on the building of the Rolling Stock Shed, examine the collection of trikes and the recently restored S-Truck project.
Volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to show you around, and there will be food and refreshments available.
A great collection of 'trikes' will be on display as well as other historic rolling stock
More information about the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway can be gleaned from the website http://othr.com.au
Your entry ticket will get you access to the Oberon railway station area where you will be treated to a guided to of the 1923 station buildings and the various rolling stock including the 73 Class deisel locomotives, and the historic 1883 End Platform Carriages (American cowboy cars) which were recently (Nov 2011) used in the Sydney filming of Baz Luhrmann’s ‘The Great Gatsby’.
Inspect the progress on the building of the Rolling Stock Shed, examine the collection of trikes and the recently restored S-Truck project.
Volunteers will be on hand throughout the day to show you around, and there will be food and refreshments available.
A great collection of 'trikes' will be on display as well as other historic rolling stock
More information about the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway can be gleaned from the website http://othr.com.au
Fri 17 Feb 2012 - Sat 18 Feb 2012
A unique experience awaits concert-goers. Feel the power and seduction of opera, as the Underground Opera Company presents immortal arias, in Opera in the Caves. It will be a collaboration of popular pieces from opera and light opera's finest moments - Carmen, Figaro, Cosi Fan Tutti, Les Miserables, My Fair Lady and of course the immortal Nessun Dorma from Turandot.
On the Friday, experience The Cathedral Concert, deep underground in the huge Lucas Cave. The Cathedral Chamber has aguably the best acoustics of any performance space in the world. It promises to be an unforgettable experience.
At Saturday's ‘The Grand Arch Valentines Concert', mighty voices will resonate through the vast cave. Concert-goers will not need to be opera fans to recognize favourites from famous productions. If you seek the perfect combination of romance and culture, bring folding chairs, blanket for two, wine, and nibbles to the Grand Arch.
The Underground Opera Company presents the masterful talents of national and international performers. This is an opportunity to experience artists at the top of their field, in one of the world's finest cave systems. As in the previous 2 years, The Underground Opera Company will give a stunning performance, displaying voices as spectacular as the caves themselves.
Make this Valentines truly special. We offer a range of accommodation, cafe and award-winning restaurant.
On the Friday, experience The Cathedral Concert, deep underground in the huge Lucas Cave. The Cathedral Chamber has aguably the best acoustics of any performance space in the world. It promises to be an unforgettable experience.
At Saturday's ‘The Grand Arch Valentines Concert', mighty voices will resonate through the vast cave. Concert-goers will not need to be opera fans to recognize favourites from famous productions. If you seek the perfect combination of romance and culture, bring folding chairs, blanket for two, wine, and nibbles to the Grand Arch.
The Underground Opera Company presents the masterful talents of national and international performers. This is an opportunity to experience artists at the top of their field, in one of the world's finest cave systems. As in the previous 2 years, The Underground Opera Company will give a stunning performance, displaying voices as spectacular as the caves themselves.
Make this Valentines truly special. We offer a range of accommodation, cafe and award-winning restaurant.
Sat 18 Feb 2012 - Sun 19 Feb 2012
Come and meet the locals at the 112th Oberon Show.
Two days of action and activity. A colourful showcase of country life, featuring quality cattle, prime lambs, a 200-class horse show highlighting majestic heavy horses, championship dog show, poultry, yard dog trials, and a wonderful display of produce, flowers and craft in the pavilion. The children can enjoy sideshow alley and the animal nursery. Saturday's program ends with spectacular fireworks and a thrilling bull ride program. Appetising refreshments are also on offer.
Two Great Days Out For All the Family.
Rides & Sideshow Alley
• Fireworks
• Birds and poultry
• Bull ride
• Yard dog trials
• Pig section
• Reptile display
• Show dogs
• Ute competition
• Stationary engines
• Animal nursery
• Equestrian events
• Motorbikes
• Night entertainment
Two days of action and activity. A colourful showcase of country life, featuring quality cattle, prime lambs, a 200-class horse show highlighting majestic heavy horses, championship dog show, poultry, yard dog trials, and a wonderful display of produce, flowers and craft in the pavilion. The children can enjoy sideshow alley and the animal nursery. Saturday's program ends with spectacular fireworks and a thrilling bull ride program. Appetising refreshments are also on offer.
Two Great Days Out For All the Family.
Rides & Sideshow Alley
• Fireworks
• Birds and poultry
• Bull ride
• Yard dog trials
• Pig section
• Reptile display
• Show dogs
• Ute competition
• Stationary engines
• Animal nursery
• Equestrian events
• Motorbikes
• Night entertainment
Every Week on Saturday
In June, July and August visitors will be able to participate in truffle hunts at the Lowes Mount Truffiere.
Hunts are limited to a maximum of 12 people.
During a truffle hunt you will:-
• Learn about the truffle industry
• See our truffle dogs in action
• Find, smell and taste fresh black truffle
• Fresh and preserved truffle products will be available for purchase.
Hunts will be conducted on Saturday afternoons at 2.00pm, or by appointment.
• Allow 11/2 -2 hours
• Coffee and tea will be available.
• You will need to bring warm clothes, coats and boots.
• The cost of the truffle hunt will be:-
$65 per adult
$20 per Child (under 16)
Payment will be required on or before the day, but Eftpos facilities are not available.
Bookings are essential.
Directions will be provided on booking.
Hunts are limited to a maximum of 12 people.
During a truffle hunt you will:-
• Learn about the truffle industry
• See our truffle dogs in action
• Find, smell and taste fresh black truffle
• Fresh and preserved truffle products will be available for purchase.
Hunts will be conducted on Saturday afternoons at 2.00pm, or by appointment.
• Allow 11/2 -2 hours
• Coffee and tea will be available.
• You will need to bring warm clothes, coats and boots.
• The cost of the truffle hunt will be:-
$65 per adult
$20 per Child (under 16)
Payment will be required on or before the day, but Eftpos facilities are not available.
Bookings are essential.
Directions will be provided on booking.
