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Gears in motion for Bunbury motor museum October opening

Ailish DelaneySouth Western Times
Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum chair Paul Stubber is looking forward to the opening.
Camera IconBunbury Geographe Motor Museum chair Paul Stubber is looking forward to the opening. Credit: Ailish Delaney/South Western Times

The Bunbury Geographe Motor Museum is shifting into gear, with work almost complete for the official opening ceremony.

The old South’s Furniture building has been gutted and transformed in preparation for the museum’s big debut on October 11.

Petrol heads are not the only ones expected to benefit from the new museum, with chair Paul Stubber saying it would have flow-on effects for the Bunbury community.

It’s anticipated the museum will bring some 18,000 visitors and more than $4 million in economic benefits to Bunbury each year, with any classic car meets estimated to bring more than $350,000 in additional spending.

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A comprehensive security system involving 12 CCTV cameras has been installed to ensure the protection of the precious cargo.

“We’ll have a rack of seven rare Czechoslovakian motorcycles on display — one being the only one in Australia, and it will live here in Bunbury,” he said.

Every six months a new vehicle will be displayed in a special section of the museum, with Mr Stubber saying they want to display vehicles that have a connection to Bunbury.

We want to highlight not just the cars, but the people behind them and the reasons they are here.

Paul Stubber

The museum will also display an exciting feature vehicle on a turntable rotating platform — the first of which is soon to be announced.

About 30 cars, 30 motorcycles and more than 200 models will be on display. Mr Stubber encouraged everyone to head along to the opening and celebrate the history and cars which will be on display.

“It’s not so much about supporting the museum but supporting the town,” Mr Stubber said.

“It’s about bringing a world class tourist attraction to Bunbury.

“Our goal is to fill the boutiques and cafes on Sundays and I hope people will visit the museum and then enjoy spending some time in town.”

Changing Spaces owner Gavin Hawke and motor museum director Tom Dillon on site.
Camera IconChanging Spaces owner Gavin Hawke and motor museum director Tom Dillon on site. Credit: Shannon Verhagen

The opening ceremony will see a show and shine car show park up from 7am at the South’s carpark and along Wellington Street.

The show will include special high performance cars that will do engine start ups and a grand opening of the museum at 9am.

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