A Lotterywest grant of $282,500 will help the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes to redevelop the historic Bridgetown and Greenbushes railway stations for volunteering activities.
Volunteering Minister Reece Whitby today presented the grant to the Shire to contribute to this part of the railway stations' restoration project.
Both heritage-listed railway stations opened in the late 1890s and had passenger and goods services for many years.
The stations are considered an important part of the Shire's history, especially in their role to help to develop the local and state economy.
Key elements of the refurbishment include:
- Redevelopment of the Bridgetown Railway Station to office space to accommodate the Bridgetown Environmental Society, Landcare and the proposed Drought Program Hub and Blues at Bridgetown Music Festival;
- Relocation of the Greenbushes Railway Station to the existing Greenbushes Visitor Centre and Museum; and
- Development of the Greenbushes Railway Station as an interactive display (heritage module) attached to the Greenbushes Visitor Centre and Museum.
The project supports volunteerism and encourages community connection through conservation, culture and the arts.
Since 1990, the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes has received 51 Lotterywest grants totalling $1,716,973.
The McGowan Government, through Lotterywest, supports community projects and events, helping to build a better WA.
As stated by Volunteering Minister Reece Whitby:
"These historic railway stations hold a special place in the hearts of the local community and its volunteers, and the funding will go a long way to restoring the buildings to their former glory.
"The railway stations are a base for volunteers in the region, a space that allows them to carry out so much of their important work.
"It is fantastic that the Shire of Bridgetown-Greenbushes is doing so much to conserve the history of two railway stations that have created so much cultural, social and financial wealth for our state."
As stated by Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie:
"The $282,500 grant will not only assist in the redevelopment of these magnificent historic railway stations - it will also help strengthen well-being in the community.
"This is in addition to the $200,000 the McGowan Government is delivering as part of its election commitment to revitalise the two historic railway station buildings.
"When you consider that nearly 60 per cent of the residents in the Warren-Blackwood electorate are involved in volunteering in some form, it is important that their efforts are recognised."
