Recently Council had an exciting briefing from consultants working on the activation of Maryborough Railway Station. It was a powerful reminder to me about what the Station offers us as a community.
Clearly its size and magnificent design is an inspiration in itself. It is a functioning passenger and freight station, a community and tourism hub and the home of our fine Visitor Information Centre. It houses a popular cafe. There are plans for creative arts studios. Council is working to develop key services and experiences to maximise the potential that the Station and the surrounding precinct offers.
Council has a vision in its Priority Projects Plan that the Station will tell the story of the gold rush to the world and be a "must see" global destination as the World Heritage Listing Bid for the Victorian Goldfields rapidly advances.
These alone are a fitting and diverse use of this unique building which is possibly the finest station in Australia surrounded by our beautiful Station Domain.
Beyond all this, Maryborough Station is an example of confidence in the future - of belief in what can be achieved if we dare go for gold or reach for the stars.
We have battled a pandemic and inflation is taking its toll. Floods, fires and wars abound around the world and things can easily look gloomy. Maryborough Station is an inspiration to believe that despite this we are capable of making a difference and creating a proud legacy for those who follow us.
