After many years of neglect, the Burra Railway Station is finally going to be restored.

The wonderful Roy Taplin who was instrumental in the restoration of the Town Hall, is the project manager.  The station is in a dreadful state and Roy has already begun working on the mammoth task.  So far, he has been taking up the floor boards and the joists, which have been eaten out by white ants. 

Other work that has been identified:-

• Some of the trusses in the roof need replacing

• Some ceilings need white ant and salt damp treatment

• Floors need to be replaced

• Electricity and water need to be connected. 

Latest Progress

Roy and a small band of volunteers have been working away diligently on restoration of the railway station.  Floor boards in the entry hall have been laid, which finalises the restoration of the entrance. Four large framed photographs for display have been mounted in this area and as has another photograph display in the adjoining office.  The paint from the mantle piece in the office is in the process of being stripped.  A new roof is also now in place.

Prior to this, salt damp treatment has been done.  White ant treatment will soon happen.  The chimneys and gables have been painted.  Many of the joists and post that hold them up have been replaced.  Most recently, paint was being stripped from the Verandah post in preparation for painting. Definitely hot work with four heat guns going at once!

A working bee happens every Sunday from 9.00am. 

One of the volunteers, John Masson has a website which features various railways and he has included a section on the restoration project http://www.johnnyspages.com/index.htm.

Upcoming Tasks

For May as part of the SA History Festival, Roy is aiming to have the floor in the entrance hall replaced.  We will mount a photograph display and have two rooms open every weekend in May from 10am until 4.00pm.  We now have the plans of the building and they will make a great display when enlarged.

Burra Restoration Appeal

The $200,000 which were provided for the restoration work will definitely not go far enough, so other funding sources will need to be found in order to finish the project.  If you would like to provide a donation, you may do so by contacting Meredith Satchell on (08) 8892-2210 or by e-mail.  Alternatively, if you would like to donate via direct deposit, here are the details:-

Account Name:      The Burra History Group Inc.

Account No:           86261 1681

BSB:                      085 558

Below are a selection of photos of some of the restoration work in progress.