Driving into Binalong more than 2000 visitors were greeted by a scarecrow bushranger, warning to enter at their own peril. The streets nonetheless were teaming with activity, stalls selling bric-a-brac, clothing and an array of different foods. 

Stagecoaches, horses and many bearded faces littered the streets as visitors were whisked back to the 1800s. The poetry of Banjo Paterson also echoed through the crowds, accompanied by the sound of banjos and flutes. 

Whilst the township put on a spectacle of activities at both Friday night’s Last Supper and throughout Saturday, including the historically accurate displays in the street parade, the crowd was full of anticipation for the big event; the reenactment of the shooting death of ‘Flash’ Johnny Gilbert. 

On the outskirts of one of Binalongs many paddocks, bodies crammed together eager to get a good view of the performance. A collective hush fell across the crowd as George Elliot opened the reenactment with a brief history of John Gilbert. 

John Gilbert arrived on scene and was greeted by townspeople, ushered into the little cottage whilst the troopers galloped down the hill and surrounded the outskirts. A small boy appeared collecting firewood, he spots the troopers and flees back into the cottage. 

Shouts were heard and John Gilbert and John Dunn emerged onto the paddock. Gun shots cracked loud through the gully, onlookers jumping in reaction and small children from the crowds began to wail. 

Gilbert was forced down the hill with gunshots and finally taken down in front of hundreds of wide eyes. 

Silence replaced the flood of gunfire and Robyn Sykes strode out onto the paddock, gripping a microphone like a weapon, she began to recite How Gilbert Died by A.B. (Banjo) Paterson.

An eruption of applause followed, visitors and locals showed their appreciation; and for organiser Adrian Sykes, the event far exceeded expectations.

With no negative comments the community was thrilled with the outcome.  

“The highlight was the reenactment,” Adrian said. 

“Jan Giles was the one that got the reenactment team there, directed the reenactment and instructed them on what we wanted.

“She did such a wonderful job, which was really the key to making the weekend so memorable.”

When asked what their forefathers would have thought about the reenactment Adrian laughed.  

“If they were looking  down they would would be saying you guys did a great job, made us proud.”

Adrian explained the weekend success should be attributed to the small but active committee, including Jan Giles, Libby Elliot, the Binalong Arts Group (BAG) and the artists on the mural; Donna Reid, Yvette Gilroy and Janet Dawson Boddy. 

“Also the many community members that pitched in and made the event all the more special. It was sensational, without mentioning everyone, the whole community really just came together,” he said. 

“You know it’s only every 50 years - so we had to make it memorable.”