Celebrate 150 years of Tungamah!

By Emma Prior

Feb 11, 2025

Horses cleared the way for the Tungamah Bridge - Before the bridge was constructed, horses were enlisted to clear the creek, preparing the site for the structure that would become such a vital part of the community. This incredible work was essential in shaping the infrastructure that has supported the town for generations. Photo by Photos courtesy of Tungamah 150th Back To Facebook page.

For those who love a good celebration, history and the nature and hospitality of small towns, visit Tungamah this weekend and take part in their biggest celebration yet, the town’s 150th birthday!

This Friday, Saturday and Sunday Tungamah will be bustling with activities and reminiscing factors with the excitement to kick off from 7pm on Friday with an outdoor movie night at Boyd Street Reserve sponsored by the Mulwala Water Ski Club.

Tungamah’s Railway Station - the station was a bustling hub, before the surrounding buildings changed the landscape. (Photo from: Tungamah Tales of the Good Old Days).

Join in for a family-friendly classic, Despicable Me 4, under the stars with BYO chairs rugs and blankets.

Throughout the movie night, children can add some colour to the night with creative face painting whilst also enjoying treats from an ice cream van, snow cones and popcorn with further food available for purchase from 6pm.

Ladies took to the field – Tungamah Hoppers style! Back in the day, when itchy woollen footy jumpers were the norm, a group of fearless local women decided to show the boys how it was done—all in the name of charity and good old-fashioned fun! Wearing the colours of Yarrawonga, Tungamah, Rennie, Mulwala, and Devenish, these women played for more than just bragging rights—the real winner was always the cause. (Photo from: Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society)

Why not also purchase some tickets into the raffle for a chance to win some fantastic prizes.

To start the full day of activities, the action begins at 11am on Saturday from the Tungamah Hotel with a parade featuring Clydesdales, the community and vintage vehicles.

Peter Peters' shop - Peter Pannagiottis Baveas arrived in Australia from Greece in 1911, eventually settling in Tungamah around 1930. He ran his beloved store until the 1980s, with the building standing until 1986 – a full 100 years after its original construction. Peter Peters' Shop was a place where memories were made, as told by local residents.

Once back at Jubilee Park, from 12pm there will be fun for the kids with a jumping castle, FREE waterslide with temperatures predicted to be in the high 30s, and more. Tungamah Lions and Tungamah Kickstart Committee will be providing food from 12pm to 3pm.

Make sure to be at Jubilee Park at 1pm for the official opening ceremony with a historical reel exploring Tungamah’s rich history to be playing throughout in the football changerooms.

A bet you'd never see these days! In 1976, local policeman, Lindsay Chambers (nicknamed Chubby), made a bet that would never be forgotten. He promised to swim the Boosey Creek if Tungamah won the Grand Final. Well, things didn’t quite go according to plan! The result? A cold, muddy creek, a kettle, a dirty umbrella, and a cop in full uniform taking the plunge—what a sight! Photo by (Photo from: Peter and Pat King)

From 2pm to 5pm there will be traditional horse demonstrations, a shearing exhibition SES displays and more before the food vans arrive at 4pm with a variety of tasty options available.

Settle in for the evening and enjoy the atmosphere of Tungamah with live music from Daniel Barrett from 5pm with live band Liam Blunt’s Funky Rhythm Train to entertain the night away from 8pm.

To round out the weekend, coffee and breakfast will be available from 8am at Jubilee Park with a 2km fun run sponsored by ClubMulwala to kick off at 9am.

From 10am, come down and admire classic vehicles and custom cars in an exciting display at the show and shine or if larger vehicles are more your style, explore vintage tractors and engines on display.

Tungamah Primary School - From first days to lifelong friendships, this school has been a part of so many treasured moments in the community. Photo by (Photo from: Tungamah - Tales of Good Old Days)

The last activity for the weekend will be novelty races starting at 10am, where all ages are able to participate in exciting 100m sprints, sack races and more.

Tungamah Kickstart Committee President John Tyrell said across the whole weekend, there is something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate 150 years of the beloved town.