The history behind the colourful bikes in Burren

COLOURFUL bicycles are brightening up the streets of Burren Junction, and there’s history behind them.

As reported last week, Burren’s Historic Bicycles Walk was launched on Friday 24 July, when the community celebrated memories, history and local talent at the opening of the town’s museum and art exhibition.

Readers might have noticed the red, green, yellow, purple, blue and white bikes popping up around town and the new heritage signs.

The Burren Junction Historic Bicycles Walk is a self-guided journey through 29 historic sites that tells the story of Burren and the people who have helped shape it over more than 120 years.

The walk highlights Burren Junction’s railway heritage, local businesses, churches, schools, the famous Bore Baths and many other fascinating places that have been part of our community’s story.

Locals and visitors can follow the coloured bikes, scan the QR codes, or even explore the walk online from home.

One of the colourful bicycles guiding locals and visitors along Burren Junction’s new Historic Bicycles Walk. Photo: Sarokhan Malla.

“This project actually started with a simple idea from Sharon Shearer and Trena Hoffman, who suggested placing colourful bicycles around town to brighten things up and encourage people to explore Burren Junction,” said Burren Junction Progress Association committee member Kate Schwager.

“From that one idea, the project grew into something much bigger,” she added.

“We realised we had a wonderful opportunity not only to decorate the town but also to tell the stories behind the places that have shaped Burren Junction.

“That’s when the idea of creating a historical walk with QR codes was born.”

When visitors scan the QR code on each sign, they are taken to the Burren Junction website, where they can read the history of each of the 29 sites.

Mrs Schwager thanked Sharon Shearer for painting the bicycles, Saro Malla for designing the signs, local historians Judy Field, Nita Radford and Judith Cameron for sharing their research, Walgett Shire Council for funding the project, and locals who have supported the project in a variety of ways, including sharing images and information.

Burren Junction Progress Association committee member Kate Schwager said the project was a team effort and she has learned a lot through the project. “From the arrival of the railway, to the sheep industry, to the discovery of the bore and the development of our famous bore baths, each piece helps explain how our town became what it is today,” she said. Photo: supplied by burrenjunction.com.

“Personally, I have learned so much about the history of Burren Junction through this project,” said Mrs Schwager.

“Every building, every street and every site has a story to tell.

“From the arrival of the railway, to the sheep industry, to the discovery of the bore and the development of our famous bore baths, each piece helps explain how our town became what it is today.

“Like all historical research, there may be details that can be debated or added to over time, but together these stories paint a picture of Burren Junction’s past and help preserve it for future generations.

“Our hope is that this walk encourages both visitors and locals to slow down, wander through our streets, discover something new and perhaps see Burren Junction through different eyes.

“We also hope it brings more people into our town to enjoy our history, our businesses and, of course, our famous Bore Baths.

“I hope everyone enjoys exploring the Historic Bicycles Walk, learning about our unique history and sharing it with others for many years to come.”