Mike Miller (front) with
Camera IconMike Miller (front) with Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Museum on track

Staff ReporterThe Advocate

The National Trust of WA granted a five-year lease to the community group with the option to renew for another five years.

Built in the English Victorian era architectural style, the Gingin station was one of the first built by the Midland Railway Company for the new line from Midland to Walkaway near Geraldton.

It was officially opened in April, 1891, and was attended by the Governor of WA, accompanied by 150 guests aboard the passenger train.

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The station building consisted of the stationmaster’s quarters, ladies’ waiting room and separate public waiting room. A kiosk run by the local Jones family was set up to provide refreshments for passengers.

Of the original nine stations along the Midland Railway line, only the Gingin station and stationmaster’s quarters retains its original form.

Lions project co-ordinator Mike Miller said he hoped to bring the historical station back into use as a tourist bureau and a railway museum.

‘We hope to make it into a tourist hub to increase tourism in Gingin and we want to get the community involved,’ he said.

‘We hope to make a heritage trail around Gingin where people can see these old buildings and sites.’

A free open day will be held at the Gingin Railway Station this Sunday from 10am to 4pm to coincide with the WA Heritage Festival for the public to experience local heritage and learn about the future restoration project.

There will be spinning and hand shearing demonstrations, local produce stalls and refreshments on offer.