A CRUSADE to return one of Minyip’s buildings to its former glory has reached a milestone.

For years, Minyip Progress Association has been actively seeking support for Emma’s Garage, which featured in the television series The Flying Doctors.

This month, worked started to rebuild the iconic structure in the town’s main street.

Progress association president Keith Daniells said it was wonderful the project was finally underway.

“Builder Dean Hogan has made a start. The first stage is to stabilise the building to ensure it’s safe to work on,” he said.

“I’m not saying it's unstable at the moment, but when they start work they need to make sure things won’t move.

“We are hoping that will be finished today.

“The whole process could take about six weeks.”

Mr Daniells said the progress association’s campaign had attracted support from around the world, with Flying Doctors fans chipping in for the rebuild, which will cost about $80,000.

“This building is so important to Minyip for its draw of international visitors following the Flying Doctors series – which is currently screening in Europe – and also for those from interstate seeking out the filming locations,” he said.

“Emma’s Garage has become the meeting point for many locals just to have a chat or work out a business deal over a cup of coffee at the ever popular Emma’s Cafe next door.

“They are just a couple of reasons why the progress association voted to take out a bank loan.

“Having fallen well short by $60,000 there was no other option – work needed to start now.”

Mr Daniells said the rebuild would involve flooring being removed and a new floor laid, as well as new stumps.

The building’s eastern wall will also be replaced.

Mr Daniells said the progress association would help with painting.

“We are trying to save money where we can, so we'll be doing some of the work when Dean's finished,” he said.

“Because there's a heritage overlay on the building we have to comply with regulations in terms of paint colours and and things like that.”

Mr Daniells said he had emailed a Flying Doctors fan group in Europe, who were thrilled to hear the rebuild had started.

“To get it back to its former glory will be fantastic,” he said.

“We've finally got there – we're up and running. It will be great to have an official opening when it's all done.”

Mr Daniells said the association hoped a benefactor might hear about the project and donate money.

He said this would allow the association to focus on ensuring a vital service returned to Minyip: a fuel outlet.

The town’s only petrol station closed in April after BP Advance sold Hopetoun, Murtoa and Minyip fuel outlets to Lowes Petroleum. 

The new ownership required fuel outlets to adhere to a new Environment Protection Authority ruling that stated no fuel pumps could be on the street because a spill could leak into drains. 

The Minyip outlet – in the same street as Emma’s Garage – was not big enough to install a drive-through self service.

“We are now working hard to re-establish this important piece of infrastructure for the residents and visitors alike,” he said.