Countdown for Murchison celebrations

In 1876, Thomas and Henry Newman worked their way up the Hope Saddle and completed the first mail run from Nelson to Murchison – then known as Hampden.

Over Easter weekend 2026, Murchison will be bustling for the 150th anniversary of the Newman’s efforts with a multi-day celebration.

The decision to celebrate the intrepid official mail run in 1876 by the Newman brothers was made for the 100th celebrations in 1976, and organisers are eager to get the word out to those with connections to the Murchison area for another good old-fashioned get together.

Committee member Vicki Harrison-Jones says the sesquicentennial celebrations are open to anyone with a Murchison connection, or anyone eager to learn more about “a little town where so much has happened”.

“We plan to share knowledge and memories of old Murchison while providing attendees with new experiences that they’ll carry through to the next celebration just as we have been doing with everything from the 1976 celebrations.

“Part of the sharing process will be through visual, static and interactive displays where we will tell the original stories, bring back the founder’s voices, and connect people and times within the rich history of Murchison”.

Murchison Area School kicks off the celebrations with a school-wide fun day on Thursday April 2.  

On Easter Friday, the Mobil Murchison Mix n’ Mingle takes place in the afternoon before Hodgson Store’s own anniversary celebrations and old Murchison film screenings at the theatre.

Saturday sees the vehicle and float parade at the Recreation Grounds and the official opening before a celebration dinner at the gymnasium, then on Sunday is an Easter Carnival with an easter egg hunt, Family Picnic and an evening of music at the theatre.

“Friday’s events allow attendees to catch up with old friends and make new ones, with guided tours of Murchison Area School available, late-night shopping, and movie screenings of bygone Murchison”, says Vicki.

“On Saturday it’s fun and laughter with the parade an official opening followed by the crazy Top Team display and finished off with dinner before a full community day on the Sunday”.

“For those who would rather just take in the rich and varied history at their leisure, we’ll have independent Museum visits, historic town walks, and self-drive Valley Tours will be available.”

Fellow committee member Sarah Peacock says the celebrations are for the wider Murchison community, not just in the town, but in the numerous valleys that surround it.

“The population doubles when you include the valleys - people driving through just see the town, but those of us who live here know it as a big area and every valley has its own community.

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