“Sheds don’t do much for me – it’s what’s in the sheds!”
So says devoted collector, Bernie Daniels, who – along with his wife, Revleigh – have no fewer than seven massive steel sheds on their Chevallum property.
Each is a mini-museum, housing the pair’s impressive collection of machinery and household items from yesteryear: everything from a fleet of vintage tractors and working steam engines, to old-fashioned dial phones and collectible dolls.
Altogether, the amazing assortment makes up the Koogie Downs Museum – a private collection the public can visit, by appointment.
Revleigh and Bernie, retired strawberry farmers, are besotted with collecting things that embody Australian history and its changing culture.
“You name it, I’ve got it – I’ve got everything,” says Bernie. “We’re losing our Australian history in this country so fast, it’s not funny. I want to protect it.”
Bernie plans to buy or build more sheds for his private museum.
His special passion is for the “Little Grey Fergie” – a revolutionary tractor manufactured in the 1940s and ’50s.
“If I had enough time and enough money,” vows Bernie, “I’d build enough sheds so I could collect every ‘Little Grey Fergie’ in Australia.”
You can make an appointment by calling 5445 9100 or visiting the museum’s Facebook page here.
