THE Kerang Historical Society has been awarded a $31,188 State Government grant to house the Ford Railmotor which ran on the Kerang-Koondrook tramway from 1943 to 1958.
After 1958, the historic tram spent 65 years on a farm near Elmore before being returned to the Kerang Museum for restoration and display.
The refurbishment of the tram is a community wide effort, with volunteers from the Kerang Museum and Men’s Shed pitching in to return the tram to its former glory.
However, Kerang Museum president Gerard Hastie said any refurbishment effort would have been in vain without a dedicated home.
“There’d be no point in doing all this work and then the elements getting to it,” Mr Hastie said.
“The grant will go towards building a shed to permanently house and display the tram.
“We’ve got some benefactors that are able to help out with other bits, like the concrete and such.
“So many different people have popped out of the woodwork with bits and pieces from the original tram.
“People are coming down who have different stories and photos.”
The Ford ‘Jailbar’ truck cabin and chassis was made available to the Kerang Shire Council by the American Army Transport Department to provide war-time rail service in 1943.
The tram had no steering capability and used to run on a straight track between Kerang and Koondrook, turning around at each end on a turn table.
The truck would pull up to four carriages transporting passengers, stock and produce between the two towns.
“When you look at the drive system and everything, it was a one off – completely unique,” Mr Hastie said.
“The bloke who had it down near Elmore used it for accommodation for his family, and he loved it because it’s so rare.
“This tram has a very special story, and we’re still finding out more about it.”
Currently the group are aiming to have the tram partially restored in time for their annual showcase in September.
Mr Hastie said the project is more than just restoring a piece of history.
“The historical society and museum consist of a very active group of over 35 members that meet each week,” Mr Hastie said.
“Each member brings a unique skillset which is used to complete restoration projects or museum maintenance.
“We’ve got people from all walks of life: tradies, businesspeople, farmers and mechanics.
“There are a lot of older members who don’t do the heavy lifting they used to, but they keep coming for the social wellbeing.
“Restoring the tram and other pieces we have in the museum is great for the mental health and wellbeing of all members.”
Kerang Museum secretary Sandra Westblade said the group is always looking for more volunteers to become involved, regardless of skill or background.
“There are jobs for everyone and it’s just a really good environment to be involved in,” Mrs Westblade said.
“Male or female, it’s a really great group to join and with many special projects to be a part of.
“There’s always a very important social coffee at 10 o’clock.”
The group meets every Monday at the Kerang Museum adjacent to the Tennis Club from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
