Queensland Rail is supporting the Thallon Progress Association through the donation of a heritage Goods Shed, which will be home to a history museum known as the Rail Interpretive Centre.
Queensland Rail's Head of Regional Scott Cornish said the Rail Interpretive Centre is the ideal way to showcase the town's rich rail history.
"Rail is at the core of the town's DNA as it was established through the introduction of the railway in 1911 and named after the Commissioner of Railways at the time, James Forsyth Thallon," Mr Cornish said.
"Up until the late 1990s, the majority of the town's residents were Queensland Rail employees.
"We have donated our heritage Goods Shed with its original interior built in 1913 to the Thallon Progress Association, who have relocated it from the rail corridor to a central location in town where it will serve as the Rail Interpretive Centre.
"The Goods Shed will feature an exhibition made up of engaging images, printed information and rail artifacts, bringing the history of Thallon to life.
"Queensland Rail has also provided a piece of unused land in town on Pine Street where the centre will be located.
"Queensland Rail is pleased to support this outstanding community initiative, promoting and preserving its rich rail heritage."
Mr Cornish said the idea to establish a Rail Interpretative Centre for Thallon was formalised after community consultation.
"As part of the project, in June 2024, Queensland Rail helped the Thallon Progress Association secure a Queensland State Government, Building Bush Tourism grant worth $174,778, which will go towards establishing the rail centre," he said.
Thallon Progress Association Project Coordinator Leanne Brosnan said with the Goods Shed now relocated to its new home, over the coming months the association would be working hard to install the exhibition and get everything ready for the planned opening in early-2026.
"The community is grateful for Queensland Rail's generosity, and we are delighted to see our town's rail history preserved so it can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike".
Thallon Progress Association President Louise Fulwood echoed that sentiment.
"On behalf of the association, I would like to thank Queensland Rail for their donation of the Goods Shed and making available the land to relocate it to. It has been a long process, and much time and energy has been put in by all interested parties. Thanks also to those individuals," she said.
"The origins of Thallon as a rail siding, opening in 1911, are well worth memorialising due it's long-lasting historical influence on the town with passenger and goods trains running daily, carting goods and stock away for sale, bringing supplies, goods and passengers into Thallon and surrounding areas.
"The space made available now is going to prove a huge asset to our town and its attempts to stay alive through tourism and visitors."
