Thanks to the Yarrawonga Mulwala Development Inc (YMD), who leased the rail land from VicTrack in 2015, the historically significant building went from near demolition to complete refurbishment, being returned to the community a decade ago.
Now, after many years of fantastic work in maintaining the station and providing a space for small community groups, YMD have chosen not to renew their lease with VicTrack.
However, a local not-for-profit entity is currently engaged with VicTrack (the owners of Victoria’s rail land, buildings and infrastructure) to establish how the station can be preserved and kept open for community use with a spokesperson for the not-for-profit revealing that a meeting between the two organisations is to be held this week.
VicTrack makes underused land and buildings available to community organisations through its community leasing program.
It charges groups an affordable rent, which is significantly reduced compared to a commercial rental rate.
Over the past decade, community groups Yarrawonga Mulwala Artists Association, Lake Mulwala Quilters, Yarrawonga Urban Landcare Group, Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society, Save Our Station, Community Accessibility, Days for Girls and the Yarrawonga Community Garden have been regular users of the community hub.
The Yarrawonga Mulwala Development Inc have done a power of work to ensure the community have ‘ownership’ of the space however the community group that has been around since 1996 have had to make the tough decision to step back.
Local businesswoman Brenda Spilva said she and several other locals were immensely appreciative of YMD for maintaining the lease for a decade, however they hoped to see the space remain a community asset for Yarrawonga Mulwala.
“With limited meeting spaces in town and this building being such part of the historical landscape of Yarrawonga, we would love to see it still able to be used,” Ms Spilva said.
“It’s a cost-effective space that if we do not use it, we will lose it.
“I know several members of the community want to see it remain as a community asset so we want to be able to assist in some way to ensure that.
“YMD have done an amazing job in keeping this space serviceable and not left to become a commercial space.
“We would just like to see the great work that they have done continued, and this landmark not left to the ruins.”
Current users remain hopeful that the current party in discussion with VicTrack are happy to, and will be permitted, to continue current access for the community.
