The Blues Train operator overwhelmed by community support

A FUNDRAISING campaign to save The Blues Train from possible extinction has this week topped $30,000 on the way to a $70,000 target.
Blues Train operator Hugo T. Armstrong said he had been heartened by the support he received from local people and businesses after making what he said was a “tough decision’’ to go public with the GoFundMe campaign and ask for help, but the response had been “pretty special.’’
“It’s been an overwhelming result – last Thursday with the publicity in the Bellarine Times was our biggest day of donations,’’ he said this week.
“We even had a donation from a business here in Queenscliff that I know has been hit hard as a result of COVID-19 – they benefit from visitors when The Blues Train is running.’’
Mr Armstrong said he was working through the process of applying for various government grants and support packages, which he described as a “complex and difficult’’ task.
“All the grants are competitive and are not hardship-based.
“They are capped and it’s a bit of a lucky dip.’’
Despite the state of flux and with no fixed timeline for a possible return to the rails, Mr Armstrong said he and his team were working through a re-engagement strategy to keep people connected while restrictions are still in place.
“We’ve had to use a little bit of crystal ball… given that we are all still unsure about the possibility of gatherings at Christmas it’s safe to assume that February or March next year might be the earliest we could get up and running again.
“We’ve been lucky to have had so many messages of support from people who have previously been on The Blues Train, but also from people who had it on their bucket list before COVID-19 hit.
“To hear from those people who want to make sure they can take part in the experience for the first time in the future has been amazing.’’