On track to protect railway heritage building

Maintenance to protect the heritage-listed Bundaberg Railway Museum for future generations has been made possible thanks to a Federal Government grant.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt congratulated the Bundaberg Railway Historical Society which received $4,100 under round three of the Stronger Communities Program.

“It’s important to preserve our history and the railway society does a fantastic job at sharing their knowledge with the local community and visitors to the region,” Mr Pitt said.

“The roof maintenance and rehabilitation will prevent deterioration of the gutters on the building, so it is there for generations to come to learn about.

“The Stronger Communities Program has been very successful for community groups and organisations like the Bundaberg Railway Historical Society that would otherwise struggle to fund these types of projects.”

Bundaberg Railway Historical Society secretary Gary Fletcher said the maintenance would help protect the building so people can learn about the region’s railway history.

“Bundaberg’s first railway station was built in 1881 as an outlet for the Mt Perry railway bringing copper from the mines. School groups will be able to use the museum as a teaching tool in transport for years to come,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The society wants to thank Gutter-Vac for the great job that they did and the Stronger Communities Program for the grant which enabled the guttering work to be done.”

The museum includes photos, uniforms and catering items from dining rooms to the Tilt Train, as well as books, tools and a 1921 guard’s van and a butter car, insulated with cow’s hair which stays cool.

The museum is open Tuesday’s, Thursday’s and Saturday’s from 9am – 3pm and is located at Wilmot and Station Streets, North Bundaberg (just outside the Botanic Gardens and right beside the North Coast Line).

In the Budget a fourth round of the Stronger Communities Program was announced and it is expected to open soon. The program offers eligible community groups grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 for small capital projects. All applications need to commit at least matching funding or in-kind contributions.

For more information about the Stronger Communities Program please contact the Hinkler electorate

office on 07 4152 0744.