General News
28 October, 2025
Gears to Glory: Wimmera Steampunk Festival named state tourism finalist
HOPING for a good result next month for the Victorian Tourism Awards will be the Dimboola-based Wimmera Steampunk Festival, recently named among the finalists for the November 27 Gala Ceremony event at Melbourne Park.
Other local tourism attractions also hoping for recognition will be Pomonal Estate, Mount William Station, and Nook on the Hill – all part of the Grampians region.
In discussing helping to bring Steampunk into the town a few years ago, Dimboola Imaginarium owner and Hindmarsh deputy mayor, Chan Uoy, said it wasn’t every day a Wimmera event was nominated as a finalist for this kind of recognition.
The eclectic and ahistorical combination of brass, clockwork gears and mechanisms, waistcoats, top hats, goggles, lace, corsets and dark leather boots is instantly recognisable, and with the third festival in five years held earlier this year, has created its own momentum from townsfolk and visitors alike.
Considering the festival for a state tourism award was not Mr Uoy’s idea; he was asked to consider it by Hindmarsh Shire Council tourism officer, Jeff Woodward, with a caution.
“He mentioned that the process was quite detailed, requiring thorough answers,” Mr Uoy said.
“He offered to help if I got stuck, and there were moments I needed support from Jeff and the Grampians Wimmera Mallee team. The Wimmera Steampunk Festival grew naturally from my gut feeling, so I hadn't considered these structured questions before.
“However, by answering them, I gained a clearer understanding of what makes an event professionally managed.”
Mr Uoy said the length – 7500 words – of the submission was a challenge.
“Since it was my first time completing the requirements, I was 8500 words over the limit,” he said.
“Imagine the night before it was due – I was cutting out 8500 words. By 3 am, I was left with 390 words, so I went to bed and picked it up again in the morning.
“It was a huge task to answer their questions, taking me over three months while running a business and managing council work.”
He said starting the festival was a risk, but he was pleased with its success so far.
“What excites me about the festival's recognition is that it shines a spotlight on Dimboola and the Wimmera,” Mr Uoy said.
“The festival demonstrates that our region is creative and imaginative, and it highlights community spirit. As a volunteer-run event, small communities can band together to create something special.”
He said he was confident of the Steampunk Festival’s ongoing improvement and increased recognition.
“A professional event organiser recently told me that it takes five attempts before you get it right,” Mr Uoy said.
“We learn from each effort as we strive to improve and grow.”
He said Visit Victoria had told him they wanted to see it “elevated” in tourism status, and the 2027 event was already in preliminary planning.
“What can be revealed is the theme – The Starfarers' Jubilee,” Mr Uoy said.
“Imagine 19th-century space travel or a 19th-century Star Wars!”
Read More: Dimboola