Winner

Archer Park Rail Museum
Revitalisation of Archer Park Rail Museum

Archer Park Rail Museum is located in Rockhampton and is operated by the Friends of Archer Park Station & Steam Tram Museum Inc. The organisation has around 60 volunteer members and one part-time coordinator.

The Revitalisation of Archer Park Rail Museum, undertaken over the past twelve months by the members, was made up of a number of core projects, including a Carriage Refurbishment project which replaced all the carpets and upholstery in a circa 1903 Heritage Rail Carriage and circa 1921 Heritage Sleeper Carriage; and the replacement of the Museum Soundscape, used to create the atmosphere of a period railway station of the 1930s, which was in danger of being lost through obsolete technology.

As the Museum is also an operational Railway Station, the team has been involved in achieving accreditation as a Rolling Stock Operator and a Rail Infrastructure Manager with Queensland Transport – Rail Regulator, a process requiring the creation of approximately 80 operational policies and procedures.

The Museum has also implemented an Electronic Cataloguing System Project, completed in June 2016, to improve accessibility to the collection of over 600 exhibits.

These projects were supported through a combination of targeted grant applications and highly successful fundraising activities, such as the “Twilight Picnic Steam Train Ride to the Caves” which involved 300 participants and attracted local sponsors. Funds raised were then used to attract a 50/50 community assistance grant to double their income.

The Revitalisation project has ensured the sustainability of the Museum exhibits for many years to come and increased access to these important heritage pieces. The Friends secured effective partnerships and were strategic in sourcing grants to improve the infrastructure and upgrade technology to ensure long-term improved visitor experiences. Their efforts to sustain operational policies and accreditation will enable the Museum to deliver a unique experience not widely available elsewhere.