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House of Assembly - Fifty-Second Parliament, First Session (52-1)
2011-03-23 Daily Xml
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MITCHELL ELECTORATE

Mr SIBBONS (Mitchell) (16:09): I would like to talk about my electorate of Mitchell. I have to say that it is full of unique reminders of the past, from the Marion Historic Village in the north to the many historic features of Old Reynella in the south, and many thousands of years of Indigenous and natural heritage in between.

One historic place worthy of further explanation is the former Reynella Horse Changing Station, which is located on Old South Road at Old Reynella, in the car park of the shopping complex. Built in the 1850s, the changing station and stables were used as a halfway changing station on the Cobb & Co coach run from Adelaide to Willunga. It was set close to a permanent water well at the end of Smithy Lane and the Crown Inn Hotel, on the other side of what was known as the Great South Road, for the convenience of passengers. It is believed to be the only known changing station in South Australia which was not attached to a hotel.

Changing stations were usually sited at hotels where horses and drivers were changed. Old Reynella's changing station is also probably the only one of its kind still standing. The building is built of brick and stone with corrugated iron roofing. The former stables are situated beside the main building. The stables were used as a changing station and the dwelling was used as accommodation for the ostlers who took care of the horses. The building is also believed to have been used at one stage for Methodist church services.

The changing station ceased to operate in February 1915 with the introduction of train services from Willunga to Adelaide. The property was purchased in 1916 by Walter Reynell, son of wine industry pioneer John, after whom Reynell and Old Reynella are named. It was to be used as housing for winery employees.

The Old Reynella Horse Changing Station was in very poor condition prior to the restoration work starting in 2005. The station is managed by dedicated volunteers, and I would particularly like to thank Geoff King, Mal Thiele and others for their tireless efforts in opening up the changing station to local schools and the public, as well as their work for the Reynell Business and Tourism Association in restoring this amazing piece of our local history.

The horse changing station has a fantastic collection of historical artefacts, heritage displays, photographs and information. A visit to the station allows you to rediscover the rich fabric of the history of our southern region. Local wine, heritage walking booklets and mementos can also be purchased with money raised assisting the future restoration work and promotion of the station.

To celebrate History Week this year, the horse changing station will be open from Friday 21 May to Sunday 30 May. A barbecue and other celebrations, including music and poetry, are being planned by the Reynell Business and Tourism Association over the week.

I invite members to my electorate to celebrate the ongoing restoration work. I am particularly proud of the extra financial commitment the Rann government is making to History Week, or rather History Month, in the 175th anniversary year of European settlement in South Australia. An extra $175,000 will go on top of the $54,000 already set aside in response to overwhelming public interest in celebrating this important milestone for our state.

As I have already suggested, the additional funding means History Week will expand into a month-long festival throughout May of more than 400 events involving around 90,000 people. I would encourage all members present to take part in one or more of the wide-ranging events which will be run across our great state, celebrating the things, places and people who have helped South Australia become what it is today.

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