The first train steamed into Murrurundi on April 5 1872, and thanks to the passion of members of the community, its important place in the town’s history is still celebrated today.
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Murrurundi could be home to a new attraction – a railway theme park for the whole community to enjoy.
That’s what Murrurundi Rotary Club president Colin Stanford is hoping, with plans already in the early stages with Upper Hunter Shire Council.
Currently, the amenities area at the Murrurundi Locomotive Depot is sitting vacant and fading away.
The core structure remains in good condition, and with a bit of manpower could be put to use.
Mr Stanford envisions a functioning kitchen, toilets and meeting room for Model Train Clubs to come together.
And, eventually the expansion into surrounding land to include a train themed park which would become a tourist attraction for the town, similar to Cockington Green Gardens in Canberra, but on a smaller scale.
However for the project to happen, Mr Stanford says they need the support on the ground.
“We need someone to take on the work,” he said.
“I’m willing to do it, and I know there is a big consensus from the surrounding Model Train Clubs - the only thing that is stopping us is the combined manpower.”
See video of Cockington Green Gardens:
Mr Stanford is passionate about the town’s railway history – so much so that he has dedicated his whole backyard to recreating it and is working on a number of projects dedicated to it.
On Saturday, a commemorative stone was unveiled at one of two beautiful new garden beds surrounding the station home to an abundance of native plants.
The stone marks the completion of the new gardens, which were a Murrurundi Rotary Club project.
The station, painted in heritage colours, is in beautiful condition, and Mr Stanford hopes that the town will be proud of it for generations to come.
Member for the Upper Hunter, Micheal Johnsen MP and Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Wayne Bedggood were in attendance to congratulate Mr Stanford on a job well done.
“It’s a fantastic thing you have done here, and I hope Murrurundi takes the responsibility of looking after it,” Mayor Bedggood said.
Mr Johnsen also commented on the importance of projects such as this one and taking pride in your town.
“I think it’s important on a local level, not only because of the heritage value of the rail but for visitors to the town,” he said.
And, taking pride in your town is what Colin Stanford says keeps him going in retirement.
“A man’s got to have a project to keep him busy – this is mine,” he said.
That’s why he hopes others will have the same passion for Murrurundi’s heritage as the Rotary Club have.
The group is currently short of members and face an uncertain future in Murrurundi.
However as the saying goes, when one door closes another door opens and Mr Stanford is hopeful that if it’s not the Rotary Club that takes on the work, someone else will.
“I hope we can make the train part of the branding of the town – make it part of Murrurundi.”