George Smith and his friend, 92-year-old former Hydro Tasmania engineer Stan Mather have created an amazing diorama, viewed through portholes in the vintage control panels, as you enter the mobile power station.

The meticulously crafted scene shows a snapshot of the construction of our first hydropower station, Waddamana, in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Hydro Tasmania – at the time, the Hydro-Electric Department – purchased Waddamana Power Station in 1914, and the station roared to life two years later.

Waddamana Power Station is now heritage-listed and free for visitors to explore.

George built the diorama using detail from Stan’s wonderful knowledge of Waddamana history, having worked 40 years for Hydro Tasmania from 1950!

A sneak peek at the diorama of Waddamana Power Station.

“Because computer screens are so familiar to children these days the diorama is an interesting point of difference for them."

“It’s more of a feeling of what was there. And kids love miniature things,” said George.

The 'Water to Wire Power Station' is like a living history of hydropower in Tasmania, showing how we’ve powered generations for over one hundred years. It even includes the original control panels from the Lake Echo Power Station, dating back to the 1950s! 

The Soda Projects team constructing the Water to Wire power station

Keen to see it in action? Visit us at Agfest site M85 to see what we do day-to-day to keep the turbines humming and check out how we’re adapting and innovating for the future.

Our friendly team will be on hand to have fun and answer any technical questions you might have, and our awesome Generation Hydro team will a range of STEM activities and games especially for school-aged children on-hand.

Out in the marquee, you can chill out and watch the big screen. Or, for those still thirsty for more hands-on hydropower activities, play a game to get water from the dam to the station by the shortest route possible.

Click here to read more about our time at Agfest!