The birthplace of rail in Queensland, Grandchester station, will once more be open to the public following a landmark agreement between Queensland Rail and the Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division (ARHS).
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton said the ten-year licence of the historical site to ARHS would allow visitors to step almost 160 years back in time every month.
“We’re thrilled to announce Grandchester station will now be licensed to the Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division for the next decade, allowing visitors better access to this important part of rail history,” Ms Stapleton said.
“Rail in Queensland has a long and rich history and it’s fantastic that people will be able to visit and immerse themselves in a significant part of this incredible 160-year journey.
“To step on the same boards as the pioneers who built our great state will be a real treat for locals, tourists and rail buffs alike – and this partnership sets that in motion.”
Ms Stapleton said the agreement will see the historic station open as a volunteer-run museum in addition to opening for private tours and events.
“With the Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division on site, the station will again be experienced by the community in all its glory, while its important heritage features are preserved,” she said.
“Formerly known as ‘Bigge’s Camp’, Grandchester Station opened in 1865 as the end of the first rail line in Queensland – and it really signified the beginning of prosperity for the state.
“The rail line was eventually extended up the Toowoomba Range and west to Charleville, and today’s passengers, on the Westlander service, still pass through this quaint, historical site.”
Ms Stapleton said a 106-year-old World War 1 honour board would remain at Grandchester station under the licence, ensuring the community artefact was not only protected but solemnly observed by visitors to the station.
“Like many Queensland communities, the residents of Grandchester answered the call to enlist for war and so it was important the agreement protected the 1917 hand painted World War 1 honour board,” she said.
“Their sacrifice will continue to be honoured at Grandchester station.”
ARHS President Steve Lamprecht said the first public open day will be held on Father’s Day on Sunday, 3 September.
“Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division is proud to be the new tenants of Grandchester station,” Mr Lamprecht said.
“In the Victorian era, Grandchester station hosted picnics for early settlers and by opening one day a month we hope to restore some of that atmosphere.
“We’ll also build on the village of Grandchester’s tourism industry by attracting small function bookings, markets, private tour groups, and motorcycle and car club tours.
“We look forward to continuing to work closely with Queensland Rail to ensure important fragments of rail history, like Grandchester station, can be enjoyed by all.”
More information can be found at the Australian Railway History Society Queensland Division
webpage..
Background
• Grandchester station was the terminus for the first rail line in Queensland which ran for the first time from Ipswich to Grandchester on 31 July 1865. Railways in Queensland were one of the major industries of the state, and much of the economic and social development and prosperity was associated with the railway.
• The ten-year licence between Queensland Rail and the Australian Railway Historical Society Queensland Division has been secured following an open tender process. Grandchester station’s important heritage will continue to be protected under the agreement.
• The 1917 Grandchester honour board still holds pride of place at the station. It signifies the great sacrifice the village of Grandchester and surrounding communities made when 45 young men enlisted for World War 1.
ENDS