The Carlton Clydesdales who came from Seymour in Victoria for the event.

Binalong hosted the 150th anniversary of the shooting death of Bushranger ‘Flash’ Johnny Gilbert over the weekend.

170 people attended Gilbert’s Last Dinner at the Binalong Golf Club on Friday night, including some of Gilbert’s relatives. Stew and damper where on the menu and guests where entertained with poetry, music and even a humorous dancing competition.

Saturday was jam packed full of action for all the family. With an estimated 2000 people in attendance the main street was abuzz with street stalls, horses, stagecoaches, 1800’s period costumes, music, poetry and a magnificent street parade. Bushrangers rode the streets and gun shots could be heard for miles. There were competitions for the best mannequin, best beard and best dressed boy, girl, lady & gent. People travelled from near and far – some decentants of the bushrangers and the troopers – and what a spectacular celebration it was.

Highlights of the day included the re-enactment of Gilbert’s death followed by the unveiling of the new town mural.

George Elliot kicked off the re-enactment proceedings with a history of the ‘Flash’ Johnny Gilbert . Gilbert (played by Luke Dowell) and his fellow bushranger John Dunn (Brad Piper) showed off their supreme horsemanship and gun slinging skills as did the troopers (played by Wes Leseberg, Tom O’Brien, Mick Batchelor and Rob Baughan) who were hot on their heels. Danielle Leseberg was also heavily involved during the day. Local couple David and Robyn Sykes acted as Dunn’s grandparents, while local school boy Jack Patterson also had a small part.

The new town mural, depicting events leading to the bushranger’s fateful end, was unveiled to the delight of the crowd. Local artists Donna Reid, Yvette Gilroy and Janet Dawson Boddy have spent countless hours creating the new mural and it didn’t disappoint.

The festivities continued into the evening with a good old fashioned ‘Wild Colonial Dance’ at the local hall, where the young and old kicked up their heels well into the night.

The weekend ended with ‘Gilbert’s Wake’ at the Binalong Hotel on Sunday morning. Breakfast was served while many recalled the wonderful events of the weekend.

Adrian ‘Curly’ Sykes was elated with the events of the whole weekend and credited the handwork of the Committee – particularly Jan Giles and Libby Elliot, the Binalong Arts Group and “too many to list” who made the weekend what it was.

[easy-media med=”3537″]