Celebrating Heritage at the NHMA National Rally 2025

In August 2025, our Operations Manager attended the NHMA National Rally 2025, the 19th National Historical Machinery Association rally, held at Kingsthorpe Park in Queensland alongside Steaming Under the Southern Cross. Over three packed days (23–25 August), the largest event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere brought together 600+ exhibits: vintage tractors, stationary engines, classic cars, and more than 60 steam engines all fired up and working. The atmosphere felt electric as engines chugged, steam hissed and crowds gathered to watch meticulously preserved and well maintained machinery in action. Post-event reports suggested around 10,000 visitors across the full program, underscoring the growing passion for keeping history alive.

A man and child ride a miniature steam traction engine with large red wheels and brass fittings at an outdoor rally. Other participants stand nearby under blue tents and the area is fenced with metal barriers.
A vintage green steam road roller with a canopy reading “Ruston & Hornsby Ltd.” The machine features large metal rollers and a tall black chimney, displayed outdoors at a heritage machinery rally under clear blue skies.
A beautifully restored red and black Burrell 7 horsepower traction engine built in 1910, with large spoked wheels and a canopy labelled “Three Speed Traction Engine.” The steam engine is displayed at an outdoor heritage rally with onlookers in the background under clear blue skies.
Steam traction engine driving along a dirt track during a heritage machinery rally, with spectators watching under a clear blue sky.
Green and black steam roller labeled “R.F. & W.F. Ives Contractors” being driven along a dirt track at a machinery rally under clear blue skies.
Black steam roller with a red canopy reading “E.J. Ritson Shannondale Steam Sawmill Co” driven along a dirt track during a heritage machinery rally.
Bright red and black vintage steam roller driving along a dirt track during a heritage machinery event, with spectators and tents visible in the background under clear blue skies.
Beige and brown vintage steam lorry with a timber tray driving along a dirt track during a heritage machinery event, with spectators and other steam vehicles in the background.
Blue steam-powered lorry with an open cab and metal drum load driving along a dirt track at a heritage machinery rally, with other steam vehicles and spectators in the background.
Close-up of a black steam traction engine with red wheels and a green flywheel in motion, operated by two people during a heritage machinery event under clear blue skies.
Red steam traction engine labeled “Horton & Morris Threshing Contractors” driving along a dirt track at a heritage machinery event, with an operator standing at the controls and spectators watching in the background.
Green and red steam traction engine labeled “Aveling & Porter No. 6803” driving along a dirt track at a heritage machinery event, with operators on board and spectators watching from the side.
Green steam roller with canopy driven along a dirt track during a heritage machinery event, with operators standing on the platform and spectators watching under clear blue skies.
Vintage steam traction engine with a green boiler and red wheels driving along a dirt track during a heritage machinery event, with two operators under a canopy and spectators in the background.
Dark green steam traction engine labeled “Queensland Main Roads Board – Toowoomba No.128” driving along a dirt track with operators on board and spectators watching at a heritage machinery event.
Olive green steam roller labeled “Carr & Company” driving along a dirt track at a heritage machinery event, with operators on board and spectators watching nearby.
Red and black steam traction engine with gold trim driving along a dirt track at a heritage machinery rally, with operators standing on the platform and spectators watching in the background.
Vintage black and gold steam traction engine named “Sooty” driving along a dirt track with operators on board and spectators watching at a heritage machinery event.

One of the highlights of the NHMA National Rally 2025 for us was seeing so many of our long-standing customers proudly exhibiting their machinery. Many of these engines have been kept in top condition thanks to the water treatment solutions and technical support our team provides, backed by over 50 years of experience in Australian water treatment. Seeing them operate reliably throughout the event, as steam puffed and engines hummed while crowds gathered to admire their power, was a powerful reminder of why these partnerships matter. It was a chance to see the results of years of collaboration brought to life: machines running smoothly, preserved for future generations, and celebrated by thousands of spectators who share the same passion for heritage machinery.

One of the highlights of the NHMA National Rally 2025 for us was seeing so many of our long-standing customers proudly exhibiting their machinery. Many of these engines have been kept in top condition thanks to the water treatment solutions and technical support our team provides, backed by over 50 years of experience in Australian water treatment. Seeing them operate reliably throughout the event, as steam puffed and engines hummed while crowds gathered to admire their power, was a powerful reminder of why these partnerships matter. It was a chance to see the results of years of collaboration brought to life: machines running smoothly, preserved for future generations, and celebrated by thousands of spectators who share the same passion for heritage machinery.

The NHMA National Rally is held every two years, offering enthusiasts, collectors, and the public a chance to come together to celebrate our shared heritage. For anyone wanting to learn more about the Association, its members, and upcoming events, you can find more information on the NHMA website.

The NHMA National Rally is held every two years, offering enthusiasts, collectors, and the public a chance to come together to celebrate our shared heritage. For anyone wanting to learn more about the Association, its members, and upcoming events, you can find more information on the NHMA website.

Events like the NHMA National Rally 2025 highlight how important ongoing care and maintenance are for machinery of all ages. That’s why we’re proud to support not only our local clients but also those in regional and rural areas through our remote testing program. This service provides simple and convenient access to expert water treatment analysis, regardless of location.

We look forward to the next rally and to continuing our role in helping customers preserve and operate their engines for years to come.

Events like the NHMA National Rally 2025 highlight how important ongoing care and maintenance are for machinery of all ages. That’s why we’re proud to support not only our local clients but also those in regional and rural areas through our remote testing program. This service provides simple and convenient access to expert water treatment analysis, regardless of location.

We look forward to the next rally and to continuing our role in helping customers preserve and operate their engines for years to come.

Published On: November 1st, 2025Tags:
Published On: November 1st, 2025Tags: