Main fundraiser photo

Help Save Our Heritage Steam Railway

Donation protected
The Southern Downs Steam Railway is one of Australia’s most popular tourist heritage railways. We are now in severe financial difficulty due to Covid-19 shutdowns and we desperately need help to keep the dream alive for generations to come. 
 
The steam railway is a not for profit organisation that has been operated by volunteers for over 20 years. We believe in giving back to our community. We support work for the dole programs where we have helped many young and disadvantaged people gain the confidence and skills they need to get back to work, and women prisons work programs to help them successfully transition back into work and community life.  

For our volunteers, many who are in their 70’s and 80’s, the Steam Railway is their life. It’s their way of staying active, giving back to the community and catching up with friends.  

We also support many local small businesses and community groups like bus companies, motels, cafes, wineries, hardware and engineering workshops. 
 

The current volunteers also recognize that they are the custodians of this substantial museum and heritage railway complex. It would be a shame to see it close down and broken up for sale after so many have given so much to preserve rail history in Australia! We all desperately want to keep the dream alive for future generations to enjoy! 
 
Due to Covid-19 shutdowns and restrictions the Steam Railway currently has no way of making money. No government financial support is available for volunteer run, not-for-profit associations… yet our maintenance and yard upkeep costs keep mounting up. 
 
We have negotiated with suppliers like insurance companies, Queensland Rail, the local council (rates and utility costs etc) and they are all helping us but it’s only a temporary measure at this stage! 
 
If we can’t find a way to secure income we will be forced to close very soon leaving our volunteers without a cause or purpose and many in our community without the opportunity for a better future. 
 
Please help us! 

Donate

Donations 

  • Sam Brown
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
  • Jill Barnes
    • $500 
    • 3 yrs
  • Anonymous
    • $200 
    • 3 yrs
  • Mark Dorman
    • $50 
    • 3 yrs
Donate

Organizer

Kelvin Hutchinson
Organizer
Freestone QLD

Your easy, powerful, and trusted home for help

  • Easy

    Donate quickly and easily.

  • Powerful

    Send help right to the people and causes you care about.

  • Trusted

    Your donation is protected by the  GoFundMe Giving Guarantee.