The Collie Railway Station Group Inc was formed on 11/05/99 in response to community demands for the rebuilding of the railway station which had been demolished in 1977. The group was incorporated in August 1999. The organisation has continued and we have members ranging in age from young to old.
Prior to the formation of the Collie Railway Station Group, the first project undertaken in the Collie town centre for many years was the renovation of the 100 year old railways goods shed. The shed was designed by C.Y. O'Connor. The renovations commenced in 1996. This left the overhead railway bridge to be renovated and the railway station to be rebuilt. The goods shed and the overhead railway bridge are both heritage listed buildings.
As the railway station will have to be a new building and hence in a different category from the existing heritage listed buildings, a new group was formed to undertake this new project. Many fund raising activities have followed with much success. These successes are attributable to the dedicated efforts of organisers, volunteer members, many local business supporters and the Collie community.
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The Gift Shop
Continuous fund raising following the group's formation allowed our first major fund-raising project to take shape on the 1/7/2000 with the opening of the "Ye Olde Railway Station Gift Shoppe". We were fortunate in having the support of the owner of a vacant shop opposite to where the original railway station stood. The owner allowed the lease of the premises for the cost of rates only. This gift shop featured gifts, Collie souvenirs and a variety of craft work supplied by local artists and we also serve light refreshments in our cafe.
The shop was open 7 days a week and was staffed by volunteers, both members and non members.The gift shop is still in operation today, but has moved into the new station building at 86 Throssell Street.
The Rebuilding of the Collie Railway Station
The plans of the original railway station were obtained from Westrail archives. The land on which the old building and the original platform used to stand was unused. The group's approach to the Shire of Collie and Westrail eventually resulted in a lease being granted to the C.R.S.G. Inc. for the purpose of rebuilding the railway station. Photographs, artists impressions, and the original plans were made available to the architect, and plans for the new building were drawn from these.The initial plans were displayed to the public on 16/12/2000.The new building was designed with the exterior construction as similar as possible to the original station. The interior was redesigned to comprise 3 large rooms instead of the original 12 smaller rooms allowing for a shop, as well as Rail Memorabilia and Industrial Displays.
Sponsor your Station
You can own part of your The community was urged to take ownership of the construction of the Collie Railway Station. The Collie Railway Station Group Inc. asked people to sponsor parts of the railway station building to raise the funds required to complete the $100,000 project. Everything inside and out was up for grabs, from bricks and weatherboards to lights and air conditioning. People could sponsor a tile for just $2, while those wanting to contribute more could pay as much as $2000 for double doors. All contributors now have a plaque containing their name and what they contributed on an honour board in the completed building.
The Station was rebuilt and opened on 24th April 2004.
The Collie Railway Station is solely run by unpaid Volunteers in the Museum and Cafe` sections of the station
Old business card from 2003-2004
The Collie Railway Station : Rebuilt 2003-2004
The new station building is the culmination of four years of fundraising and negotiations.
The building is in exactly the same location as the original station.
The exterior is as close as possible to the original station, right down to the seasoned Jarrah weatherboards and sash windows.
The dimensions are identical to the original.
What is most amazing is that, other than the erection of the steel frame, the electrics and the plumbing, the building was completed by volunteers. It was decided to use a steel frame on this project due to the white ant problem that existed in the whole area.
The interior of the station is designed to be a modern clean open setup with toilet facilities including a disability toilet.
An impressive feature of the new station is a mural that was painted by four primary school students. It covers the entire back wall of the station and must be seen to be appreciated.
The station also boasts a Wall of Plaques.
This is on one chimney in our memorabilia room, along with countless items of railway items donated to our display, far too many to list.
Other features of the building include:
The newest feature of the station is the display of our coal figurines imported from the UK. They were initially made from deep mine coal and hand carved by ex-miners, therefore ensuring the continuation of their connection with the coal industry that has been part of their heritage for generations.
Light refreshments are available or by prior arrangement for groups over 6. We can also cater for coaches with sufficient notice to arrange a menu and ensure we have enough volunteers available.
Enjoy the hospitality of our volunteers who delight in showing you around our pride & joy and telling you the history of the Collie Railway Station; we are especially proud of the work and dedication of the Collie Railway Station group in achieving the completion this project.
The Collie Railway Station is at
86 Throssell Street Collie (opposite Shire offices)
If approaching from Bunbury direction, stay on Coalfields Hwy, do not turn off anywhere. Come into Collie and on your left you will sight the overhead railway bridge. You are with us. We are between the overhead bridge and Station Motors.
There is a $2 entry fee, and we have a donation box that you are very welcome to contribute to funding the model railway.
Children are welcome and the younger children just love driving Thomas the Tank Engine and riding in the two carrages. . Our model railway is interactive and is enjoyed by young and old alike.
