In recent years, the town of Dimboola has undergone a fabulous regeneration, with several out-of-towners creating unique shopping experiences to draw travellers off the highway. Mark Gebhardt, a resident of Dimboola, is particularly grateful to the volunteer firefighters who saved his home and livelihood during a recent bushfire. The transformation of the town started with Chan and Jamie Uoy, who opened an “Imaginarium” in the old bank building, and has since seen the opening of various unique shops and attractions, culminating in the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, now in its third year.
The Wimmera Steampunk Festival, started by Chan and Jamie Uoy, is a celebration of the steampunk fashion and literature movement. The festival features a wide range of activities, including a costumed street party, art exhibitions, machinery displays, live music, and a vintage diesel train from Seymour doing round trips between Dimboola and Horsham. Chan Uoy estimates that up to 5000 people from around the country and the globe will attend the festival, showcasing the town’s transformation from one of Victoria’s most disadvantaged places back in 2007.
Among the visitors to the festival is event promoter Annemarie Sloane, also known as “DJ Lilith Nirvana Fairygothma.” Sloane, who is passionate about gothic, steampunk, vintage, and rockabilly styles, sees the festival as a unique opportunity to express her creative identity in a safe and family-friendly environment. Despite her gothic attire, Sloane finds steampunk to be a medium that allows people from different walks of life to come together and express their creativity through fashion, literature, and mechanics. She was particularly grateful that Dimboola was spared during the recent bushfires.
The highlight of this year’s festival will be a multicultural parade during the official opening on Saturday night, honoring the firefighters who protected the town during the bushfire. For Mark Gebhardt, the festival presents an opportunity to showcase his store filled with steampunk gear and to extend trading hours, bringing more visitors and vitality to the town. The resilience and gratitude of the residents and visitors to Dimboola, along with the creativity and uniqueness of the town’s offerings, are a testament to its transformation into a town of endless curiosities.
The evolution of Dimboola from a disadvantaged place to a thriving town with a burgeoning steampunk festival is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and community spirit of its residents. Through the efforts of out-of-towners like Mark Gebhardt, Chan and Jamie Uoy, and various artists, shop owners, and event promoters, Dimboola has become a destination for travellers looking for unique experiences. The Wimmera Steampunk Festival, with its diverse range of activities and multicultural parade honoring the firefighters, symbolizes the town’s ability to overcome challenges and come together to celebrate its transformation.
As the town of Dimboola continues to reinvent itself as a place of endless curiosities, residents like Mark Gebhardt and visitors like Annemarie Sloane are embracing the opportunity to express their creativity and gratitude. The upcoming steampunk festival promises to be a powerful weekend of celebration, art, music, and community spirit, highlighting the town’s journey from adversity to prosperity. With its unique shops, attractions, and events, Dimboola is poised to attract even more visitors and establish itself as a vibrant and welcoming destination for those seeking new and intriguing experiences.
