DENNIS Leversha’s 2012 vision sketched and proudly on display on the walls inside Wonthaggi & Districts Historical Society has come to life.
There may be a couple of small differences, but standing in front of the vision, whilst taking in the spectacular new exhibition space, it would be remiss to say one could not feel prouder for all those involved. Particularly the hardworking volunteers who have dedicated thousands of hours of time to breathing new life into the space.
Today, President Fay Quilford stood alongside members of the Wonthaggi & District Historical Society, Victorian State Government representative Jordan Crugnale MP, Bass Coast Shire Councillors and administration staff, Mayor Clare Le Serve, as well as CEO Greg Box, and TS Constructions, as the project was officially opened.
The $438,000 Bass Coast Rail Trail Wonthaggi Precinct project, jointly funded by the Victorian Government and Bass Coast Shire Council, has transformed the Bass Coast Rail Trail platform and museum entry, creating an outdoor undercover community exhibition space. Other works included upgrading the retaining walls, glazing the rail trail platform and adding a new entrance.
During her speech, Fay proudly spoke of the dedication and perseverance that has gone into the project and the 112 years of history the building holds.
There were stories of the mine's closure in 1968 and the last passenger and goods trains in 1977 and 1978 respectively. The Victorian Railway's rapid sell-off of land and assets and community members and groups, particularly the Apex Club, fighting to save significant parts of the railway precinct in 1979/1980. In 1980, “the Borough Council of the day declared the Station as the home of Wonthaggi & District Historical Society.”
The Society has been the custodians ever since.
The upgrades have made the Wonthaggi Railway Station Museum a focal point of the Rail Trail, providing it with new opportunities to share local history through a new undercover space that can be enjoyed from the trail as a static display.
The history, the learnings, the experiences, the artefacts, the stories, the displays are showcased for all to see and something for locals and visitor alike to put on their ‘to do’ list.
After the official proceedings, Fay noted the incredible community interest the new space has already generated with 18 visitors taking in the museum over the June long weekend and 15 visitors over the first weekend of the school holidays.
“We are excited by the enthusiasm and interest,” Fay said.
“It’s important that we recognise the interest it’s already generating with visitors now coming to see the museum.”
TS Constructions proudly built the new space with the $388,000 boost from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
“Such a delight and honour to be part of the project completion celebrations which acknowledges and commemorates the extraordinary history of this town - it is magnificent and the visibility will further exemplify the connections people have, take pride of place and be that renewed focal point of the town and community,” Jordan Crugnale MP said.
“I want to take this opportunity to thank Fay Quilford and everyone involved in the Wonthaggi and District Historical Society who have been so active in making sure this entire precinct is protected and everything in it preserved for years to come and to TS Constructions who have excelled yet again with their craftsmanship.”