This was a much-anticipated occasion for the village of Tarana, TAHE and the surrounding region. Works began in 2019 after the Tarana Station was added to the daily Bathurst Bullet services and the XPT. Now, coach services will also stop at the village for passengers to disembark to explore or for locals to climb aboard.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole has seen this station’s transformation from the beginning.
“I have witnessed the poor condition this station was in before the restorations began and it is thrilling to see the heritage features restored and modern necessities added,” Mr Toole said.
“This project has delivered the vision I outlined at the station’s 150th birthday celebrations last year.”
Mr Toole said there was one very important addition to the station.
“The building now offers new, accessible waiting room and for the first time in over 30 years a public toilet facility for the village of Tarana.
“These improvements will benefit Tarana’s rail passengers on the XPT, Bathurst Bullet and Oberon coach plus the wider community who will have access to these public spaces.”
Tarana local and secretary of the Tarana Community Group Tim Poulter said this project has brought back a community asset that has been dormant for a long time.
“Tarana is a growing village that needed a place for people to meet and now we have a hub that complements our existing facilities.
“The station masters house will be completed in the coming months and will be available as a community space for organisations to hold events, classes and meetings.”
TAHE will continue to work with the community to explore the potential for the best sustainable options for community use of the vacant rooms.
The project complements other recent community heritage projects at Blayney, Bowenfels and Millthorpe stations and the station refresh works at Bathurst.