The announcement follows a decision by the South Australian government to cease funding the 131 year old service after December 31, 2018.

That decision put the future of the service in jeopardy but the Victorian government announced Tuesday afternoon that it will provide $3.78 million to help keep the service running throughout 2019.

The 828 kilometre service is operated by Great Southern Rail, which has been supported by both the Victorian and South Australian Governments since 2000.

The twice-weekly service runs between Adelaide and Melbourne and also stops at Murray Bridge, Bordertown, Nhill, Dimboola, Horsham, Stawell, Ararat and North Shore in Geelong.

Ararat Rural City councillor Gwenda Allgood welcomed the news.

“I’m more than happy to have this service to the community. I think it is an absolute no brainer,” she said.

Public Transport Minister Melissa Horne explained the government’s decision.

“We’ve stepped in because the Overland provides an important connection to South Australia and for people Western Victoria, and because it’s an Australian rail treasure,” she said.

“Communities from across Western Victoria have told us how important this route is for their travel and to the history of their town – that’s why we’re continuing our support for this historic service.”

The service first ran as the Adelaide Express in 1887, before becoming the Overland in 1926.

It has been operated by GSR since 1997.