NAMBUCCA Heads will reach a significant historical milestone this year as the Nambucca Heads Railway Station celebrates its centenary.

To mark the occasion a major celebration is being held at the Nambucca Heads Railway Station on 3 December 2023 and the whole Nambucca Valley is invited to attend.

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In the 1920s Nambucca Heads was a key area for saw-milling, ship building, farming and increasingly tourism, but there was no direct connection by rail.

Convenor of the Nambucca Heads Railway Station Centenary Committee, Rachel Burns, told News Of The Area, “The station, which was opened in 1923, was originally a small wooden building, just north of where the brick building stands today.

“In 1942 the building burnt down overnight and was replaced with the heritage listed brick version we have today.”

Rachel added that when the station first opened the local community was recovering from the tragic loss of their sons in World War One and the Spanish Flu pandemic.

Transport of produce and passengers was by less reliable methods of ships and along unmade roads.

Railway transport meant that markets could be reliably accessed for dairy, banana and other produce.

Children could take the train to school and holidaymakers could enjoy what were described as ‘scenes of unrivalled splendour’ from the comfort of a railway coach.

For those who join in on the celebrations at the Nambucca Heads Railway Station on 3 December there will be historical photos, films and memorabilia on show, as well as activities for all ages such as a petting zoo, a large model train and a train balloon sculpture.

Music lovers will be catered for with performances by Graham Howle, Heather Rose, the Nambucca Valley Band and the choir from the Frank Partridge VC Public School.

Food and drink will also be available and the Nambucca Valley Country Women’s Association (CWA) Evening Branch will ensure that the scones are in plentiful supply.

“It is important to remember that the station was once like its own small town with the fettlers and the stationmaster living at the site and their contribution to the development of Nambucca Heads will be greatly commemorated on the day,” concluded Rachel.

For history buffs there will be a book for sale which details the station history, along with photos and stories from the people whose families lived there.

The centenary event will be held at the station from 9 am to 2 pm on Sunday 3 December and is free to attend.

By Mick BIRTLES