It was 32 years ago that a small sign left on the booking office window of the station read: “Closed as from June 6, 1986.”

The doors of the station have remained closed since.

It has been fortunate that VicTrack has been able to fund the restoration of the station facade and the installation of modern conveniences for the community’s use.

Lois Reynolds, along with other community members, has been involved in the project.

“The project has been a wonderful combination of appreciating the historic while catering for modern needs and thinking,” she said. 

“Thanks to VicTrack’s ‘community use of vacant buildings program’, it has been uplifting to watch the progress made as the station has been brought back to life.

“The building holds cultural significance in our town as it has given our town its reason for being.

“We now have a beautiful community creative space which we all can enjoy and the next generation can appreciate something of our past era.”

Willaura Modern has organised an exciting program of creative activities to take place over the coming months. An exhibition of printmakers and a pen artist titled, In Pen and Print opens this Sunday and continues until August 19.

“Come along and enjoy the fabulous work created by talented artists from across the region,” Ms Reynolds said. 

“We have organised a winter warm-up afternoon tea this Sunday at 2pm along with Art After Dark on Friday August 3 at 5.30pm.

“Visitors can meet the artists on Sunday, August 5 from 2pm to 4pm. We are also encouraging people to contact us directly to organise visits by appointment.” 

She said people wanting more details about Willaura Modern and its activities could contact 0428 5414 82 or email willauramodern@gmail.com

She said Willaura Modern also had a Facebook page which people could follow for updates.

- CONTRIBUTED