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NUMBER 967 was a class act on the weekend when she rattled and rocked
along the picturesque railway track from Gympie to Imbil, with about
500 passengers on board to celebrate the Mary Valley Heritage Railway's
(MVHR) 10th anniversary.
Everything beautiful about the steam age was encapsulated in the "heat
engine's" glossy black patina and timber finished historic carriages
and the near perfect weather showed off the countryside in almost
idyllic fashion.
The milestone was particularly significant for the few people who had a
vision back in 1986 of a heritage railway through the Mary Valley, and
it was a special occasion for the volunteers whose dedicated efforts
turned a dream into a community treasure.
The first MVHR steam locomotive puffed out of Gympie Station on May 23, 1998.
In the decade since, the railway has provided thousands of passengers
with a relaxing day trip, fascinating history lessons and a window on
contemporary political issues all mixed in seamlessly with farmers'
stalls selling picked-that-morning fruits in season, jam, chutney,
honey, award winning cheese and locally made wine.
MVHR president Tony Hallam said the railway was "a shining light to all who are associated with the Rattler".
"For 10 years the Rattler has grown to stand as a symbol, as an icon
and an example of how, when people work, strive and look into the
future as a community, they can achieve the remarkable," he said.
Federal member for Wide Bay, Warren Truss made the journey along with several Gympie Region councillors.
Also on board was Member for Gympie, David Gibson, who was struck with
what an impressive community asset MVHR was: "Gympie takes a good idea
and makes it great. To those who have made it great, it's a true credit
to everyone involved."
Volunteers, like Kathy and Graham Howard of Kandanga, were enjoying the
trip as passengers for the first time, others were working cheerfully
on the day.
Mr Truss spoke directly to all the volunteers when he said, "without
you the railway would simply not have got off the ground".
"You have every reason to be very, very proud of what is today south-east Queensland's premier tourist attraction."
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