A pair of 100-year-old steam engines will be shipped back from Victoria to Tasmania with funding support from the National Cultural Heritage Account.

Built in 1926 by John Fowler & Co in Leeds, the two engines, ‘The Lion’ and the ‘The Lioness’ are believed to be the last known pair of Fowler winding engines under the same ownership anywhere in the world. 

Used in the last significant infrastructure project undertaken by steam power in Australia, the engines will go on display at Pearn’s Steam World Museum in Westbury. 

The engines were used for large construction projects including hydroelectric infrastructure at a time when steam power was the only practical option in remote areas of Tasmania.

The engines have survived to the present day despite many being melted down during the Second World War for ammunition. 

Volunteers of the Westbury Preservation Association intend to return the engines to working order for enthusiasts to experience in their former glory.

Minister for the Arts, Tony Burke, said the acquisition was protecting cultural heritage. 

“The wonderful thing about the National Cultural Heritage Account is that it pieces together unique parts of Australia’s history, that would otherwise have been lost.

“I’ve been to Pearn’s Steam World Museum as a tourist, and I’m so pleased now that the government is able to further enhance the incredible collection in Westbury.”

Federal Member for Lyons, Rebecca White said the return of the historic steam engines was a proud homecoming for Tasmania.

"The return of The Lion and The Lioness is a proud moment for Westbury and for Tasmania. These remarkable engines helped shape some of our state's biggest infrastructure projects and are an important part of our history.

"Thanks to the dedication of local volunteers, future generations will be able to see these engines up close and experience a piece of Tasmania's industrial heritage that might otherwise have been lost."

The Westbury Preservation Association said this would not have been possible without the generous assistance of the National Cultural Heritage Account

“After 50 years of these two engines being on the mainland, we are thrilled to be able to return these engines to their Tasmanian home where they made a huge contribution to Tasmania at the end of their working lives. The late Pearn brothers would be thrilled to see these engines returned.” 

The Lioness will go on display from 17 August 2026, with the Lion to follow when shipment back to Tasmania can be arranged. 

The National Cultural Heritage Account was established to assist Australian cultural organisations to acquire significant Australian cultural heritage objects for display and safekeeping.

Images and their correct attributions can be found here.