On April 10 2024 we celebrated an historic day for WGR – it is 30 years since the very first train ran at Thomson Station on Sunday 10 April 1994!
This was a proud day for us and it was all achieved in little over a year since the first scrub clearing started around the historic Thomson rail bridge. The last couple of days before the formal opening saw frenetic activity at Thomson, with the Fowler loco arriving from Yallourn and much preparation and painting happening. As the WGR’s first passenger carriage had not quite been finished by the former State Electricity Commission, the Puffing Billy Railway very kindly loaned an open wagon for opening day.
Some of the WGR volunteers from that historic day are still involved, including Russell Francis who was one of the Fireman and is still a regular driver.
We are very proud of the fact that WGR had such an exciting vision so long ago, with tenacious and hard working volunteers, has continuously run and improved a much loved Gippsland tourist attraction for 30 years. There are so many people and groups to thank – we are hugely grateful to you all.