Grand opening of renovated historic Wycheproof Railway Station

On Friday 25 September, to the acclaim of the residents who crowded onto the station platform, the station building was handed over to the community in the culmination of the Victorian Government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program delivered by VicTrack.

     Community members and Buloke Council Mayor Cr Reid Mather, Cr Stuart McLean, Cr David Pollard Cr Ellen White and Cr Leo Tellefson, Ms Jean Parson Community Building Program Manager, Property Group and Mr Denis Cronin Project Manager VicTrack, architect Mr Fraser Brown of Quadratum and Mr Kerryn Davidson of Onleys Holdings Pty Ltd.  Cr Mather spoke of the mystique of rail and the new proposals to improve rail transport in the Buloke Shire which could mean more trains on the railway line through Broadway. He commended the community for embracing such an important and iconic project for the town.

     Mr Len Storey, representing Wycheproof VISION and Wycheproof Historical Society, said it was only when buildings such as this were loved that projects such as the railway station renovation could be funded and the community had certainly showed its love for the railway station. (Pictured members of the Wycheproof Historical Society with architect Fraser Brown) 

     Ms Parson, said the Wycheproof community had shown its passion and what the building had meant to the fabric of the town. She presented individuals with a commemorative book ‘Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Wycheproof Station 2015’. Her colleague, Jason Murray, Corporate Communications VicTrack, said the current project was completed under the Victorian Government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program and included further renovation and the inclusion of a kitchen area and all abilities toilet. He noted that the station would now be a community hub, with Wycheproof VISION as the lead leaseholder organisation with Wycheproof Community Resource Centre and Wycheproof Youth Group. 

     Wycheproof Station dates from 1887 and the station precinct is registered on the Victorian Heritage Register as the most intact example of the modest standard timber station buildings known as the ‘Pyramid Hill style’. The next project at the precinct is the restoration of the goods shed. That project has received an injection of $150,000 for completion by VicTrack.

The Wycheproof Station buildings are now overseen by Wycheproof VISION and are available for community use and hire. For information email info@wycheproof.vic.au or phone the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on 54937455

WOT #105 August 2015: Waterless fountain update

It was around 10 years ago that local residents and community groups around Wycheproof delved into the archives and the back of cupboards and drawers to find treasures and mementos that were to be preserved in the Wycheproof Waterless Fountain. The unveiling of the 'fountain' in 2006 was marked by an article in the Bendigo Advertiser (here).

Created by Bendigo artist Carlo Rolfe, the 'fountain' started out fulfilling the community's brief ...to preserve our proud history and to mark our resilience in time of drought. The 'fountain' was proudly placed in front of the rotunda at the corner of Broadway and O'Connor St. However, the vagaries of our climate, particularly over 40 degree summer days, quickly took their toll on the 'fountain' made of resin and it soon discoloured and cracked in the full force of the summer sun.

Over many years there have been attempts to repair the sculpture and find it a new home. Unfortunately repairs have failed and the discolouration can't be reversed. The fountain is currently at the Wycheproof Mens Shed where the volunteers are trialing ways to retrieve the objects and memorabilia intact to return to community groups and individuals. However, it is likely that not all items will be able to be retrieved.

Anyone who donated an item to the Waterless Fountain sculpture project and who wants that item returned is invited to inspect the 'fountain' at the Mens Shed to see if that is feasible, please contact the Wycheproof Community Resource Centre on 54937455 to arrange a time.