Gavin Pearce (Braddon, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Health, Aged Care and Indigenous Health Services) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

This weekend we celebrate a remarkable milestone—50 years of the Don River Railway on the north-west coast of Tasmania. Since 1973 this heritage railway has been more than just a collection of locomotives and tracks; it's been a living link to Tasmania's rich rail history, built and maintained by passionate volunteers who refuse to let our past be forgotten. It's from humble beginnings that the Don railway began one of the finest heritage railway experiences in Australia. It has restored and preserved historical locomotives, given tens of thousands of visitors the chance to step back in time, and provided an enduring reminder of the role that rail played in shaping our communities.

But this railway is more than just history. It's about people. It's about volunteers past and present who have poured their blood, sweat and tears in order to keep it running. Their dedication ensures future generations will continue to hear the whistle and feel the rumble of the tracks, and experience the joy of heritage steam and diesel travel. To all who have made the Don River Railway the thing that it is today, I say thank you. 'We all love shunting,' said the fat controller, and, if you have a chance, please visit it on the north-west coast of Tasmania.