The Ravenshoe Millstream Country Club is spearheading a campaign to get the town’s famous railway back on track.
The Ravenshoe Steam Railway restaurant car has been confined to the yards since a major act of vandalism in April caused tens of thousands of dollars damage.
Far North Queensland Golf Association president Danny Bradley is urging the community – and all golfers in the Tablelands and coastal region – to get behind the fundraising campaign to get it back on the rails.
The steam railway – and its heritage-listed restaurant car – is the town’s greatest tourist attraction and the damage stands the real chance of affecting many more in Ravenshoe and surrounds if it’s not repaired soon.
“The railway is 100 per cent volunteer worked, run and promoted, it is part of the local tourism fabric that attracts visitors to our region,” said Bradley in promoting the May 30 community fundraiser.
“(It’s) also a key asset that is maintaining not only our history as a region and country, but skills, abilities and knowledge in keeping this machinery and operations functioning.”
Every window in the restaurant car was destroyed, with Bradley unsure that replacement glass would even be available given the carriage’s age and configuration.
“We’d love people to turn up for the day for some fun and community engagement and if possible contribute towards either the railway directly, or provide in kind products or services,” Bradley said.
“Where possible, we’d love businesses to be able to assist with product and support for the raffles, golf prizes and anything else that you can think will assist Ravenshoe Steam Railway in overcoming this damage and the repair costs.”
The golf club’s part of the day features a nine-hole, two-ball ambrose from 1.30pm.
For more information, see the flyer below.
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