Stuart Town’s Railway heritage in the spotlight

Visitors will be able to discover more of the Central West’s rich history, with the completion of a public art project and interpretation signage at Stuart Town railway station.

Member for Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the station, which opened in June 1880, is one of the best-preserved examples of Victorian-era railway architecture in the state, and listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.

“The railways transformed NSW and as custodians of some of the most significant buildings and precincts on the network, it’s important we continue to invest in their conservation and help local communities share and celebrate their history,” Mr Saunders said.

Local artists were engaged to deliver the heritage display and artwork. Graphic designer and photographer Louise Austin produced the Acknowledgement of Country artwork, which incorporates aboriginal story telling through art to bring together the diverse history of the area.

In collaboration with Orana Arts, visual Artist Tim Winters, a Stuart Town resident, designed the sculpture, “On the Night Train,” which interprets the structure of the former lamp room once located at the station. A stone plinth inscribed by letter cutter Ian Marr, incorporates the words of the Henry Lawson poem, ‘On the Night Train.’

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Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the project combines Aboriginal and railway history, poetry and contemporary artwork to tell the area’s story.

“Stuart Town is a place rich in centuries of history and we are building on that proud heritage and enlivening the history of this incredible area,” Mr Toole said.

“The arrival of the railway to Stuart Town meant many things to different people, and we hope this heritage display and sculpture will help share these important stories and experiences.”

Visitors will be able to learn more about the town’s history via a digital experience using the QR Code system.

Visitors seeking more information on Stuart Town can visit: https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sydneytrains/culture-and-heritage