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Railway monument and museum lifts tourism and town pride

In a first to commemorate the men and women who have lost their lives in railway accidents since 1850, Liverpool Plains Shire Council has created the Australian Rail Monument and Museum. The project was developed in partnership with heritage advisors, Railcorp, the Department of Commerce, the Australian Museum and volunteer group, ARM Inc.

Council's Director of Economic Development, Neil McGarry, said the project provides a place for people to go and pay their respects.

"The station building in Werris Creek was restored at a cost of $1.2 million and an Australian Railway Monument was erected," he said. "The new landscaped monument area features six large sculptures of railway workers, an amphitheatre for public concerts and over 2,400 names on walls of remembrance."

Located in the huge heritage listed and now restored railway station, the Rail Journeys Museum was opened to the public in October 2005.

"There are many railway museums, most of which focus on the machinery of the railways," Neil McGarry said. "As an adjunct to the monument, our museum focuses on the social history and culture of railway men and women and explains the social and economic impacts of rail development nationally. Stage one is a professionally curated exhibition, interpreting the work culture of the railway and its contribution to the nation's development."

Neil McGarry said that as a railway town, Werris Creek had been in economic decline since the early 1970s, following the demise of steam trains and the subsequent loss of numerous rail jobs in the town.

"Both the monument and museum have contributed to the rebirth of Werris Creek through increased tourism, job creation and economic growth," he said.

"At the end of May 2006, the museum had received over 10,000 visitors, with voluntary staff contributing over 7,000 hours. Tour buses are now stopping at Werris Creek as part of their travel itinerary. There has also been a noticeable enhancement of community spirit and confidence in Werris Creek's future since the project was completed."

Arts and crafts sold in the museum shop are also made by locals. Souvenir sales have so far generated $70,000, much of which has been returned to the local economy through the purchase of local products from community members.

Neil McGarry said the 64 ARM Inc. volunteer members, engaged to assist with both the assembly of artefacts and their installation, have also benefited from the project.

"They have been trained to ensure artefacts are correctly handled and interpreted," he said. "They have also received training in customer service, retail management, OH&S, tour guiding, marketing, risk and hazard assessment, conservation and local history. This is training that they would unlikely have received without this project.

"ARM Inc. have also obtained great self confidence and satisfaction in carrying out their tour guide and other duties, and this has given some volunteers a new purpose and direction in their lives."

For further information contact Neil McGarry on (02) 6746 1755.

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