Maintaining our Psyche Pumps and surrounds Mildura
Donation protected
The Committee of Management of the Historic Psyche Bend pumping station need to raise at least $10,000 in funds to maintain our Internationally significant pumps, housing and surrounds to maintain the Heritage values for local state and Interstate and international visitors to enjoy.
An example of one of the pressing issues is to replace a component of the original Chaffey engine located at Psyche Bend (Built in 1890). click on link
Last year, during a test run, in preparation for a public operating display, the high-pressure cylinder head failed in three places. On inspection it was agreed that due to occasional excessive hydraulic load over the years, it had finally broken into three pieces.
In a sterling effort at the time, the Sunraysia Stream Preservation Society (SSPS) were able to remove the High-Pressure Cylinder Head from the other Chaffey engine (Billabong engine), which is displayed on the lawns near the Rowers Club, and fit it to the Psyche engine. This allowed the engine to keep operating. But as the head is the same age as the one that failed (130 years old) it is in danger of failing at any time as well.
Since then, we have had a quote to re-manufacture the cylinder head ($4500.00) which will allow the second engine head to be returned, thus maintaining the historical accuracy of the Billabong engine, and a new head to be fitted to the running engine to ensure its reliability into the future.
We need to raise $2000.00 towards the project. We are seeking public support as we have received very limited income during 2020 due to Covid Restrictions. We have a corporate pledge for the remaining $2,500. In addition our volunteers contribute over 1000 hours per annum of volunteers effort to maintain this wonder.
We would like you to consider making a community donation as soon as possible towards this amazing project.
The Chaffey engine is a unique attraction to our district as there is no other operating steam driven pump sets like it in the world.
Other items that are in need of upgrade include:
Original pine log railing,
Information signage,
Old bridge stability,
Toilet upgrades and maintenance
Bollards to protect key areas
Plumbing upgrades for water delivery
Walkway upgrade
Access road upgrades.
Seeing all of these items gradually deteriorate through lack of funds is very frustrating for our members.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to partnering in this special part of history. As a group of over 40 volunteers that already contribute many hours and cash the group and broader community would be extremely grateful of your support.
On behalf of the Psyche Bend Historical Reserve Committee Inc
1. https://www.facebook.com/psychepumps/videos/the-chaffey-trail-psyche-pumps/293457628096551/
2. https://www.facebook.com/visitmildura/videos/psyche-pumps-in-action/706768436421097/
3. https://www.facebook.com/psychepumps/
An example of one of the pressing issues is to replace a component of the original Chaffey engine located at Psyche Bend (Built in 1890). click on link
Last year, during a test run, in preparation for a public operating display, the high-pressure cylinder head failed in three places. On inspection it was agreed that due to occasional excessive hydraulic load over the years, it had finally broken into three pieces.
In a sterling effort at the time, the Sunraysia Stream Preservation Society (SSPS) were able to remove the High-Pressure Cylinder Head from the other Chaffey engine (Billabong engine), which is displayed on the lawns near the Rowers Club, and fit it to the Psyche engine. This allowed the engine to keep operating. But as the head is the same age as the one that failed (130 years old) it is in danger of failing at any time as well.
Since then, we have had a quote to re-manufacture the cylinder head ($4500.00) which will allow the second engine head to be returned, thus maintaining the historical accuracy of the Billabong engine, and a new head to be fitted to the running engine to ensure its reliability into the future.
We need to raise $2000.00 towards the project. We are seeking public support as we have received very limited income during 2020 due to Covid Restrictions. We have a corporate pledge for the remaining $2,500. In addition our volunteers contribute over 1000 hours per annum of volunteers effort to maintain this wonder.
We would like you to consider making a community donation as soon as possible towards this amazing project.
The Chaffey engine is a unique attraction to our district as there is no other operating steam driven pump sets like it in the world.
Other items that are in need of upgrade include:
Original pine log railing,
Information signage,
Old bridge stability,
Toilet upgrades and maintenance
Bollards to protect key areas
Plumbing upgrades for water delivery
Walkway upgrade
Access road upgrades.
Seeing all of these items gradually deteriorate through lack of funds is very frustrating for our members.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to partnering in this special part of history. As a group of over 40 volunteers that already contribute many hours and cash the group and broader community would be extremely grateful of your support.
On behalf of the Psyche Bend Historical Reserve Committee Inc
1. https://www.facebook.com/psychepumps/videos/the-chaffey-trail-psyche-pumps/293457628096551/
2. https://www.facebook.com/visitmildura/videos/psyche-pumps-in-action/706768436421097/
3. https://www.facebook.com/psychepumps/
Organizer and beneficiary
Peter Kelly
Organizer
Mildura VIC
Ron Leamon
Beneficiary
