The Wide Bay Burnett Model Railway Club has been able to keep moving forward with its annual expo thanks to a recent reduction in fees at the Bundaberg Multiplex.
A number of Bundaberg Regional Council fees and charges were cut from 1 July, including a reduction in fees for not-for-profit groups making use of certain venues.
Bundaberg Regional Council’s Tourism, Airport and Information Technology Services portfolio spokesperson Councillor Steve Cooper said Council was pleased that community organisations were benefitting from the decision.
“Fees and charges are adopted annually which generally means an increase but this year Council has been able to reduce certain venue hire fees by 25% so they remain an affordable option for community groups,” Cr Cooper said.
“The reduction not only helps to support organisations like the Wide Bay Burnett Model Railway Club but the Bundaberg Model Train and Hobby Expo also attracts over 100 exhibitors and visitors to the Bundaberg Region which supports local business.”
Wide Bay Burnett Model Railway Club President Stephen Reeves said they were grateful for the support.
“The reduction in fees will ensure that we will be able to continue to afford to hire the venue and be able to host the show, which is the only annual fundraising event that the Wide Bay Burnett Model Railway Club runs,” Stephen said.
“We charge minimal membership fees and the profits from the show cover our yearly operating expenses and allow us to invest in building a HO scale layout.
“If the show was unable to continue it would be sorely missed by the railway modelling community, as well as the general public.”
Stephen said Council’s support of not-for-profit organisations was important for the general wellbeing of the community.
“Organisations such as ours provide all sorts of interests and opportunities for people to socialise, establish and strengthen community bonds and relationships, provide a sense of coming together, allow for education, information, sharing and development of skills,” he said.
“[Council] can’t provide all the necessary programs required to assist everyone but by being responsive and assisting not-for-profit community organisations, more of the community benefits and can belong to and be in partnership with various groups, which help to add a sense of belonging and value, and hopefully interact with and assist as many people as possible.”
The Bundaberg Model Train and Hobby Expo
The Bundaberg Model Train and Hobby Expo has been held annually since 2014, with a record number of model railway layouts exhibited at this year’s event.
“The expo has involved other modelling hobbies in recent years including radio-controlled yachts, aircraft, offroad cars and static display of live steam and hot air motors and machinery,” Stephen said.
“At the most recent expo in March we welcomed the Bundaberg Model Railway Club as an exhibitor.
“In addition to the displays we invite commercial traders to attend to sell railway modelling equipment, models, materials, supplies and provide information and advice to the patrons and exhibitors alike.
“The expo is highly esteemed as part of the railway modelling show circuit in Queensland due to the quality of layouts we attract and because of the appearance, comfort, lighting and space the Multiplex offers.”
The Bundaberg Model Train and Hobby Expo
When: 15 and 16 March 2025
Where: Bundaberg Multiplex
