A collection of trophies showcasing champion rock drillers is on display at the Herberton Mining Museum and Visitor Information Centre.
From the early days of Herberton, rock drilling competitions were a part of the social scene, with champion rock drillers the heroes of the town.
Formed in 1983, the Herberton and District Rock Drill Club held competitions during the annual Herberton Tin Festival.
It’s now 10 years since the last competition was held and an entire collection of trophies from the club have found a permanent home at the Herberton museum.
The annual ‘Battle of the Pubs’, a face-off between the Royal Hotel in Herberton and the Australian Hotel in Irvinebank, is one of the plaques on display, with local driller Smiley (Kevin) Wharton featuring many times as champion.
