Shepparton, start your engines: Museum of Vehicle Evolution revs up with opening celebration

Glistening vehicles, trucks with acres of polished chrome, motorcycles, the Loel Thomson Clothing Collection, Farren Bicycle Collection and the iconic Furphy Museum are all housed under one gigantic roof.

MOVE chair Frank Papallo said the rows of legendary pieces of transport told a wonderful story of hard work, endeavour, sacrifice, family and loyalty.

He said the willingness of the community to give back had underpinned the expansion of MOVE.

“If the community needs something done, the community comes together to make it happen. That is the story of MOVE,” he said.

“I am so proud to have been a part of building MOVE because it exemplifies the goodness that is the heart and soul of our community.”

Peter Hill, who served as chair during the project’s inception and has now joined MOVE as executive officer, said the project benefited from industry, community and business support as well as funding from the Federal Government, Victorian Government and Greater Shepparton City Council.

Jim and Angela Andreadis were recognised for their significant contribution to MOVE, including the gifting of the land and buildings to ensure its ongoing success as a community asset.

“I can say without absolutely any fear of contradiction that without Jim's drive, persistence, and connections within the community, we would all be standing in a paddock tonight and not talking about the Museum of Vehicle Evolution,” Mr Hill said.

The Andreadis family was bestowed the number one MOVE membership in perpetuity.

Mr Andreadis then officially declared MOVE open.