By Cameron Weston
REMINDERS of sporting glory past and present went on display at the Williamstown Mechanics’ Institute recently, a tribute to more than a century of local participation on the international stage.
The “3 Cheers Exhibition” was inspired by the Commonwealth Games, an event that has reminded many of Hobsons Bay’ s rich sporting history.
A remarkable collection of Olympic, Commonwealth and local sporting memorabilia has been assembled including some rare, highly collectable items.
The Williamstown Historical Society put a call out to the public, looking for sporting memorabilia from the last century in its regular newsletter.
Offers began to flood in from the community, as sporting treasures, hidden in homes throughout Hobsons Bay, began to emerge.
A unique Harley Davidson motorcycle used in the Sydney Olympics opening ceremony and a copy of the official submission for the failed Melbourne 1996 Olympic bid are among the many significant pieces on show.
A fascinating signed photograph of Williamstown’s Peter Norman, on the podium at the 1960 Mexico Olympics as American runners John Carlos and Tommie Smith famously made their black-gloved protest, is also part of the collection.
Williamstown Historical Society president Joan Ridley said such a high quality exhibition was possible because of strong local participation in elite sport and people’s willingness to donate items.
“We got so much, we couldn’t put it all out,” she said. “People have been so generous.
“I’m proud of this display. The quality of the pieces is excellent.”
The exhibition is open every Sunday until April 30, 2pm to 5pm, in the Williamstown Historical Society rooms at the Williamstown Mechanics’ Institute.
