An historic “Taggerty” buffet car will be restored with the help of a $63,660 Brumby Labor Government grant announced today by the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad.
Ms Broad said the wooden buffet car, built in 1910 and used on the Bendigo line until 1983, would form part of the Donald Lions Heritage Train Park.
“The park already houses a J Class steam engine, playground equipment and barbecue shelters,” Ms Broad said, adding the restoration project would provide employment for 12 local tradesmen.
“The project also involves relocating two more carriages, developing and housing a model train, installing signs informing the public about the heritage trains and constructing fencing around the site.
“The park depicts a bygone era of train passenger and freight development on the Melbourne to Mildura line.
“Donald was the main train crew change-over centre on the Melbourne to Mildura line and a large employer of railway staff, at one stage employing 80 families.”
Ms Broad said many of the members of the Donald Lions Club were farmers, coping with the effects of Victoria’s worst drought in living memory.
“The project will improve a local park and attract tourists to the town,’’ Ms Broad said.
“It will also be a source of pride for the people of Donald and a lasting asset for the Buloke region.’’
Ms Broad said the grant for the $84,880 project would be provided through the Brumby Labor Government’s Small Towns Development Fund to Buloke Shire Council.
“This project typifies initiatives supported by the Small Towns Development Fund, which are making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure.
“So far, the fund has provided $53.3 million toward 501 community and social infrastructure projects worth more than $109.9 million right across provincial Victoria.”