Gippsland Vehicle Collection turns 20

Twenty years ago, a casual comment at a car display on the main street of Maffra inspired a group of passionate people to create a unique transport museum in the eastern Victorian town.

What’s known today as the Gippsland Vehicle Collection (GVC) is located at ‘The Maffra Shed’ and differs from other automotive museums with its regularly changing displays, ensuring a diverse array of cars, motorcycles, trucks, scale model vehicles and even trains.

On 10 November, 2024, the GVC will celebrate 20 years of transport-related exhibitions at The Maffra Shed and the opening of their latest themed display.

“Our museum is unique, presenting rolling displays with a completely different theme every four months,” GVC display manager, Chris Henry, explained. “This diversity has given a wide and varied insight into the vehicles, the popular culture of the time and how people have worked with and lived around the vehicles we know and love.

“Over the years, we’ve displayed everything from farm vehicles to exotic classics, vintage, veteran and working vehicles. Motorcycles have always been part of the displays, too.

“Added to this is a model vehicle display that’s second to none and a special section dedicated to railway history throughout Gippsland. Another recent complement is a model train display - a dedication to one man's lifetime research into building model railway dioramas.”

Each themed display is predominantly made up of locally-sourced vehicles and related memorabilia, with Henry stating there is an “endless array” of collectable and desirable cars, trucks and motorcycles available throughout Gippsland and Victoria.

Run entirely by volunteers, the GVC has grown to become a destination for enthusiasts and car clubs alike, both from within Victoria and interstate. Anyone with an interest in Australia’s transport history is invited to the 20th Anniversary celebrations on 10 November.

The Gippsland Vehicle Collection is located at 1A, Maffra-Sale Rd, Maffra. The collection is open Friday to Monday from 10:00am to 4:00pm, every day during (Victorian) school holidays and by appointment for car clubs and group bookings.

For more information, go to: gippslandvehiclecollection.org.au