The Bundaberg Model Railway Club will celebrate its 50th anniversary with an open day at its club room in Kensington Street on Saturday 10 August.
The event will run from 9 am to 3 pm with five club layouts and two very small scale private layouts on display with club members available to answer any questions.
Celebrations will include a colouring in competition and lucky door prizes as well as a sausage sizzle and cold drinks for sale.
Bundaberg Model Railway Club president Rob Gibson said the club was proud to be celebrating its history.
“Our club started in mid-1974 by an advertisement in the local newspaper and five model railway enthusiasts replied,” Rob said.
“They combined and put together a model of a cane train layout.
“This layout was displayed at the 1974 Harvest Festival, held at the Civic Centre.
“It was considered a great success and the club was formed.”
Rob said meetings were held at various locations over the next few years before the club moved to the old bar area of the Bundaberg Show Grounds.
“In 2001 an application was made to the Queensland Government Community Benefit Fund for a grant to build our own clubhouse,” Rob said.
“This was granted and after negotiations with the Bundaberg Council, the land where we are today was granted and the clubhouse built.
“As way of saying thanks to the Community Benefit Fund, the Council and the citizens of Bundaberg, the Club now holds two open days each year.
“This year is even more highlighted because it is our 50th year of successful operation as a club and we are one of the oldest.”
Rob said the club’s success was largely thanks to its members, the public and other organisations which had supported them.
“The club is family orientated, where everyone can enjoy the hobby of model trains and its many facets and participating in the general environment,” Rob said, adding that there were exciting times ahead.
“We have just received a grant from the Bundaberg Government Community Benefit Fund for solar power and air conditioning.
“The process for achieving this is currently being undertaken.
“This will make our clubhouse an even greater place to be, especially during summer.”
Bundaberg Model Railway Club Open Day
When: 10 August from 9 am to 3 pm
Where: The Clubroom in Walker Street, entry via Kensington Street (opposite rear of doctors surgery), onsite parking available.
Cost: Free
For more information contact the Bundaberg Model Railway Club on their Facebook page here.
