Safety first for Inland Rail sponsorship of Seymour Railway Heritage Centre

The Seymour Railway Heritage Centre’s (SRHC) commitment to health and safety has been rewarded in the latest round of the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program with funding provided to help purchase a potentially life-saving defibrillator.

A rollingstock refurbished by the Seymour Railway Heritage Centre

The addition of a new defibrillator will enable the SRHC to continue to improve safety for its five full-time staff, 40 active volunteers, contractors, visitors, and passengers.

Established in 1983, the SRHC keeps Victoria’s rail history alive by operating special passenger services throughout Victoria and interstate using its fleet of preserved diesel locomotives and heritage passenger carriages.

It also offers an opportunity for train enthusiasts to gather, socialise and contribute to the restoration and maintenance of vintage rollingstock.

Barbara Moss, Seymour Railway Heritage Centre, Treasurer said:

‘We offer first aid training for all our staff and volunteers, but the addition of a defibrillator is an important step to ensure we are prepared to deal with anything more serious.

‘We will now have a defibrillator available at our Seymour works depot and on train journeys to improve health and safety.’

Ed Walker, ARTC Victoria and South Australia Projects General Manager, said:

‘We are proud to give back to the communities that are home to Inland Rail. The work these organisations do is instrumental to the wellbeing of regional communities.

‘The latest round of funding takes overall support for local communities and associations along the Inland Rail alignment to nearly $1.1 million since the program launched in 2019.

‘I encourage other non-profit groups to lodge their applications for the next round of funding which is open until Sunday 30 April 2023.’

The Inland Rail Community Sponsorships and Donations program offers funding between $1000 and $4000 for individuals and organisations in regional areas along the Inland Rail alignment. The funding supports organisations or individuals that contribute to local and regional prosperity, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Visit the Community Sponsorships and Donations program page for more information or call 1800 732 761 or email: ircommunitysponsorships@artc.com.au to check your funding eligibility and to apply. Please include as much information as you can to tell the story of what you want to achieve and how it will benefit your community.