Summer might be on its way, but the Altona Miniature Railway is now ready for any type of weather with the recent opening of a new community pavilion at the popular Hobsons Bay attraction.
In 2023 the railway received $50,000 through the West Gate Neighbourhood Fund to construct a community pavilion to improve facilities and increase community space at the site.
With construction complete, Williamstown MP Melissa Horne recently cut the ribbon to officially open the pavilion.
“It provides the community an all weather space to enjoy our facilities,” said Altona Minature Railway secretary Matthew Rawls-Allan of the new space.
“It is also protecting our heritage listed W class tram.”
Along with providing a space of celebrations and gatherings, the new pavilion also features a W Class Melbourne tram to promote public transport heritage.
The railway has also added some more modern rolling stock, receiving additional funding of $10,000 to purchase two train cabooses.
The cabooses will be used to separate the guard from the rest of the passengers, giving them a dedicated space to conduct their role.
Ms Horne said she was proud open the new facilities at such a much loved venue.
“Altona Miniature Railway is a community favourite far and wide. These new upgrades will ensure it is enjoyed long into the future,” she said.
“It’s a 100 per cent volunteer run organisation, that not only provides a tourist attraction for the inner west but preserves transport history for future generations.”
The first trains at the Altona Miniature Railway began running in July 1985 and it is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the inner west with annual ridership approaching 20,000.
Cade Lucas.
