On Sunday 15th December 2024, a suspected case of arson in the New Norfolk rail yard resulted in the complete destruction of ‘Tullah House’, a new lunchroom and relaxation area meticulously fitted out and painted by our hard-working volunteers, as featured in the November 2024 edition of our monthly newsletter, ‘ON TRACK’.

The reason for this senseless attack is unknown, but the fire raises many questions about the perpetrators’ motives. The fire follows the (unsolved) destructive graffiti vandalism of two ACS carriages last summer, repeated earlier this month.

Anyone with information that might bring to justice those responsible for these latest attacks on the Derwent Valley Railway is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000, or the Police Assistance Line, 131 444.

Our Chairperson has set up a Go Fund Me page: please visit Fundraiser by Michelle Dracoulis : Fire Damage at Derwent Valley Railway. All donations will be gratefully accepted.

Members and friends of the DVR may be assured that this setback will not distract us from our mission to restore heritage train services on the Derwent Valley Line as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, our application to the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator for variation of our accreditation is close to being finalised: an Interface Agreement for our leased land between Third Avenue and Back River Road at New Norfolk will shortly be submitted for endorsement by TasRail.

We anticipate running trains again during the first half of 2025.

Our monthly Car Boot Sales at New Norfolk are growing in popularity and proving to be a great way of engaging with the Derwent Valley community. The first one for 2025 will be combined with a Car & Motor Bike Show on Australia Day, Sunday 26th January, between 10.00am and 2.00pm at New Norfolk Station. Come on along: public entry is free!

A working bee to carry out basic improvement works at Westerway Station is now being planned for April 2025, after we have consulted the Westerway Community Hall Committee. We plan to submit a grant application for major plumbing, electrical, carpentry and cosmetic works later this year. Calling all volunteers!

Membership renewal notices will be sent out shortly.

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