Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford welcomed the release of tenders for works to upgrade the buildings into multi-use community spaces.

The buildings will provide a meeting place and resources for residents, and will be managed by the Grampians Model Railroaders Inc at Stawell and Raillery Hub Inc at St Arnaud.

Works at the two station buildings would include structural repairs to the floor and walls, restoration of heritage features and works to make the buildings more accessible.

“We are encouraging local builders to apply for the tenders to deliver the restoration works,” Ms Pulford said. 

“We’re saving disused rail buildings and giving them back to the St Arnaud and Stawell communities to enjoy.

“I’m hoping these projects will provide an opportunity for local builders to work on a project of strong local significance.”

Grampians Model Railroaders treasurer Clyde Humphries said he had big plans to transform the Stawell railways goods shed into a public display room. 

“One of our associate members has a dining car which was used on Spencer Street and we inspected it about six months ago,” he said. 

“It is in pristine condition, so we are hoping to have that on display here. 

“We have historical photos and rail equipment as well as our model layouts that we can have on display for the community, so we are hoping to have an open day once or twice a month and if everything goes well we will look at hiring it out as a venue for functions.”

The state government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program restores disused historic railway buildings and opens them up to the respective community.

Upgrades were completed at Avoca, Dingee and Willaura stations this year, while work is currently underway at Murtoa station.