Stories help Roundhouse restoration

Stories and recollections of the historic Collie Roundhouse will be at the centre of restoration work due to be undertaken at the site, with the National Trust of Western Australia hosting a workshop for residents to contribute to the project. The workshop, to be held at the Collie Mine Worker’s Institute on August 14, is intended to help gain an in-depth understanding of the usage and cultural significance of the site. Collie was once second only to Fremantle as the State’s biggest rail centre and the Roundhouse is a significant piece of WA’s rail heritage as one of only two to have be built and the only one still in existence. The building consists of 14 radial bays, used for the maintenance and cleaning of steam engines, as well as marshalling yards and a depot. The construction of the marshalling yards in 1954 and the depot in 1958 significantly increased the facility’s ability to properly maintain steam engines. “Our understanding of this important building will be greatly enhanced by capturing stories associated with the site,” NTWA chief executive officer Julian Donaldson said. “From the kids who snuck in to play around the sheds and the turntables to the practical jokes played on apprentices, the celebrations and sorrows, this place has a rich history and we would love you to share your stories about it.” Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray encouraged people to have their say on the future of the project by getting involved in the workshop. “We want participants to put forward ideas for future uses for the site as well as raising concerns about the redevelopment of this important site,” he said. Recollections can also be contributed through the NTWA website or dropped at the shire offices, Collie Library, the South West Development Commission or the Collie Chamber of Commerce. Following the workshop, NTWA will call for expressions of interest to lease all or part of the site. The first stage of remediation work commenced earlier this year.