On Sunday, February 16 a mechanical part from a one-of-a-kind steam beam engine was stolen from the Goulburn Historic Waterworks Museum.
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Three original solid brass oil well covers were stolen on the day. The objects formed part of a rare 1883 Appleby Beam Engine.
The oil well covers are part of a nationally significant historic site and extremely rare.
The Waterworks Pumphouse contains the only steam beam engine in the Southern Hemisphere still operational in its original location. This particular Appleby Beam Engine is the only one of its type in the world.
Engineer Ken Ainsworth, who helps maintain the engines, said he couldn't believe it when the parts were stolen.
He said they were significant and branded with a 'G' for Goulburn. He said an adult would've had to lean across the safety fence to reach the covers.
A spokesperson from Goulburn Mulwaree Council said they had not received any further information after the theft.
"Community members are asked to contact council directly, and we will accept anonymous information," they said.
The theft has been reported to police.
If you have any information about the history of the beam engine please contact Hannah Neale at hannah.neale@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
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