STEAMING UP TO CELEBRATE 150 YEARS OF MURRURUNDI STATION

It was a major milestone in the town’s history and 150 years later, celebrations to mark the opening of Murrurundi Station are taking place over the first weekend in April.

Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell said the station was opened on 4 April 1872 and it was exciting to be able to celebrate this significant date in the town’s history.

“The new train station put Murrurundi on the map back in 1872, helping the town grow from a population of about 400 to over 2,000 – completely transforming this community forever,” Mr Layzell said.

“We’re inviting people to celebrate this incredible milestone with a festival of events on the first weekend in April featuring historic trains, a model train exhibition, markets, fair rides, fireworks and plenty of family fun.”

“I’m very proud to announce that the NSW Government has come to Murrurundi’s party to assist the community celebrate with a $20,000 one-off grant to cover the costs of staging the event.”

Chair of the MurruRail 150 Committee Peter McGill said it was an opportunity to celebrate, commemorate and conserve the historic station.

“Murrurundi Station has been part of the fabric of this town since its opening in 1872, which kicked off a local building boom as new businesses were established and demand for housing increased,” Mr McGill said.

“There was great fanfare 150 years ago when the station opened and we’d love to see people come along to celebrate this major milestone in our town’s history.”

All are welcome to come along to the free Murrurundi Station 150 Anniversary celebrations, which will take place on:

• Saturday 2 April from 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm

• Sunday 3 April from 10am to 2pm.

For more information, visit www.transport.nsw.gov.au/murrurundirailwaystation

or contact Peter McGill on 1300 347 396 or murrurail150@gmail.com

The MurruRail 150 Picnic Train Ride (Maitland to Murrurundi) and MurruRail 150 Steam Train Ride (Murrurundi to Murulla) will also take place on Saturday 2 April and seats are limited.

For more information and to book, visit www.thepicnictrain.com/trips