Christmas Party and Reflections on 2007  - also see more photos   Page 2

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Over ninety members and guests attended the heritage railway's Christmas function which was held on the railway line last Saturday, 15 th December near the “Dump Road”.

Everyone who attended the Christmas party enjoyed the photographic display, the spit roasts, salads and desserts which were provided by the group's five star catering team. Other highlights of the night included certificates of achievement presentations, a short story and bush poetry readings and non-stop folk and country and western music provided by local musicians led by Terry Behan. Oberon is fortunate to have so many talented performers in the district.

The function was an opportunity for the president, Shane Moorhead to reflect upon the railway group's achievements during the past year and to publicly thank all of those who have assisted the largest community-based volunteer project in Oberon's history. Shane pointed out that in the past twelve to eighteen months the organisation had grown to more than 220 members, including members from all over New South Wales as well as Tasmania and Western Australia.

During this period, the members have laid 3.5 kms of track which entailed pulling out 4,400 unsuitable sleepers and replacing them with 4,400 “new” second hand sleepers. This task also included drilling 17,600 holes in the sleepers to insert 17,600 dog spikes. The workers cleaned the rail corridor, constructed earthworks, put in cattle stops, level crossings and carried out extensive drainage works. This volunteer work has totalled 7,354 hours with a monetary value of $791,000.

Achievement Awards

The work of the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway is being recognised statewide and its outstanding website received 850 “hits” last month from around the world.

During 2007 the group received three awards and shared in two others. It received a State award from the NSW Office of Rail Heritage for its conservation, preservation and restoration of a heritage railway. It received an award from the Oberon Business Association commending the group for its outstanding community service and it received a Certificate of Achievement from the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

The Railway group was also part of the Oberon Hazelgrove Rail Corridor Development Committee that received two achievement awards from the NSW/ACT Regional Achievement and Community Awards.

Thank you Oberon

President Shane stated, “A dream is becoming a reality and in 2008 we plan to have a train running on the tracks.” He emphasised that the group's achievements could not have taken place without the support of Oberon Council and the local community.

The heritage railway group is excited and grateful for the generous support of the many local businesses which have provided transport for sleepers, which have donated or loaned machinery for work on the line, which have provided free accommodation for out-of-town workers and which have provided food, drinks, first aid materials and many other materials or equipment items. Community spirit is alive and well in Oberon and the Oberon Tarana Heritage Railway members are proud to belong to this community.

Shane said he was particularly proud of the dedicated volunteers who have worked on the line, week in a week out through wind, rain, snow and freezing as well as boiling temperatures. The group has become as professional and skilled as any volunteer rail group in Australia.

Future Activities

There will be a weeklong working bee on the track from the 12 th to the 19 th January 2008 when we plan to restore the line almost into town. More assistance is always needed so if you would like to help, then contact our track manager Peter Culley on 6336 0228.

If you prefer not to work on the line then you can assist by purchasing a sleeper for twenty dollars and becoming a member of the Sleeper Club. You will receive a certificate, have your name placed in a leather-bound book for posterity and have the satisfaction of knowing you have contributed to the reopening of the Oberon to Tarana railway line as an exciting tourist attraction that will help to promote the Oberon district. For details, contact our secretary, Margaret Conners on 6336 1211.