New shelter opened

By Kath Gannaway
CYPRESS trees, which once grew along the old railway line at Wandin, have been reincarnated into a magnificent shelter on the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail at Wandin.
The Wandin Interpretive Shelter was officially opened in June.
Design and construction of the shelter was taken on as a project by the Rotary Club of Wandin and evolved into a true community project.
Rotary president Keith Corbett said the building which was designed by local architect Mark Burns evolved from an offer made by the club to provide a “small shelter” at the intersection of the trail and the Warburton Highway at Wandin.
“Input from the committee enlarged the concept to include tourist-type information and the Rotary Club took up the challenge,” he said.
Rotary members pre-fabricated the components under the supervision of Rotarian Gavin McIntyre and local business and tradesmen donated materials and services to get the job done.
Rotarians were joined by Shire of Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan and Chandler Ward’s councillor Graeme Warren as well as members of the former Rail Trail Committee and representatives of Mont De Lancey Historic Homestead to celebrate the official opening.
“Thanks to the community spirit of the people of Wandin, part of the local heritage will be preserved and the trail will continue to provide enjoyment into the future,” Mr Corbett said.
Mr Corbett said the project reflected Wandin Rotary Club’s role as a community leader.