Seymour MP Cindy McLeish, second from right, with YVR members David Ingram and Wally and Faye Mays and Yarra Valley Railway vice-president Brett Whelan, right. 76051
By Kath Gannaway
FAYE Mays can’t wait for the day she sees the Yarra Glen railway station restored as a centrepiece of the town’s identity, and a pivitol part of a Healesville/Yarra Glen tourist railway.
The announcement last week by Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish of a $200,000 heritage grant has seen that day edging closer.
Ms Mays worked as a relieving station mistress in the early 1960s, and her husband Wally is one of Yarra Valley Railway’s (YVR) team of more than 300 volunteers.
She shared memories of an exciting era of the station’s history with Ms McLeish, who visited Yarra Glen on Tuesday 17 January, to announce the grant and look over the historic station building.
Ms McLeish said the project, to be managed by Yarra Valley Railway, would restore the building, which has been in a dilapidated state for a number of years.
The 1914 building will be restored using original plans.
YVR vice-president Brett Whelan said work was already being done to reinforce the platform facing that supports the cantilever roof, a unique feature of the station.
“We have been fortunate to have a railway historian who has been able to get the original plans, so we will be removing the various add-ons and restoring it as it was built,” Mr Whelan said.
He thanked the Yarra Glen community for getting behind the project and the State Government for its support and said he hoped the grant would return the station to the community as a focal point as people drive into the town.
The $200,000 will cover repairs to the internal and external walls and roof, and replacement of windows and doors with significant additional funding and in-kind support contributed by the local community.
Ms McLeish said the project was part of a tourism development that would generate economic activity for the Yarra Glen area following a downturn in visitors after the 2009 bushfires.
“When you put this in the context of the other works that are happening with the railway at Healesville and Yarra Glen, this is one more important component to anchor this end and Healesville,” she said. “Seeing the work that’s happening here every time I drive past, and at Healesville, with what is a volunteer-driven project, is a testament to the vision and passion of everyone involved,” she said.
Mr O’Brien said Victoria’s Heritage Grants helped keep heritage places in use for community needs and recognised and supported volunteer organisations working to preserve and safeguard Victoria’s history.
Ms Mays is looking forward to the day when tickets will once again be handed out at the ticket box.
“This will help retain the identity of the town, and the village atmosphere, which is what people come here for,” she said.
“It’s very exciting to see so much happening.”
