Golden tram gets out on track

A NEW tram celebrating Bendigo’s golden heritage rolled onto the town’s tracks for the first-time last week.

Known as the Bendigo-Built on Gold tram, the new vehicle is the result of a joint effort between miner Agnico Eagle and Bendigo Heritage Attractions, and like others in the fleet will carry visitors along the town’s tourist line.

Steve Kirkpatrick has worked on trams in Bendigo for over 40 years and said he appreciated the heritage rolling stock as they transport people to another time.

“The trams run every day and it’s a great way for the tourists but also the locals to learn about Bendigo and experience the old trams and the old mode of transport,” he said.

The aim of the new tram is to encourage a new appreciation of the gold mining foundations which built Bendigo and drove the Victorian Gold Rush.

General Manager of Agnico Eagle’s Fosterville mine Lance Faulkner said the project served to symbolise the legacy that is being left by current gold mining in the region.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Bendigo Heritage Attractions on this project linking Bendigo’s rich history of mining in the past to the present day and thank them for making it a reality,” he said.

Mr Faulkner also said Agnico Eagle is committed to upholding social responsibility and this is realised through their community grants program.

“The benefit of the program is there’s lots of community organisations that just need a little bit of assistance to achieve,” he said.

The unveiling of the Bendigo-Built on Gold tram was as much about celebrating Bendigo’s golden history as it was about providing grant recipients to connect.