Tramway’s time to celebrate

FOLLOWING pandemic-induced delays, the Ballarat Tramway Museum will get to mark their fiftieth anniversary next month, and you’re invited to join in the fun.

BTM is hosting a Tramway Celebration Day on Sunday, 2 October, and volunteer John Whiting said it’s all about recognising that from humble beginnings the museum has survived and thrived for half a century.

“It’s a celebration of all the achievements that have been made during that time, especially recent successes, such as the relaying of our mainline track, and the opening of our new museum display area,” he said.

“We also recognise there are many other likeminded vintage transport groups in the area such as car clubs and miniature and model railway clubs, so now we have the new museum space, we have flexibility to do something inclusive.

“At our Tramway Celebration Day, we’re going to have as many different types of Ballarat’s vintage and heritage vehicles represented as possible, and into the future, we can now offer an active partnership with other heritage groups that we couldn’t before.

“The museum and surrounding area is in a great location. It’s a focal point for those interested in heritage transportation and machinery, and a focal point for regional tourism.”

BTM volunteers will have as many of their 100-year-old electric trams operating as possible throughout the day, which visitors can ride.

Car, truck, and bus clubs will display diverse heritage vehicles outside the museum, while model railways and Ballarat Historical Society ephemera and information will be displayed inside.

Mr Whiting said the west side of Wendouree Parade is set to become a “streetscape of the past.”

Steam traction, Golden City Paddle Steamer, and miniature railway rides will be on offer.

From 1.30pm to 2pm a tram cavalcade will run from the museum to St Aidans Drive, and from 2pm to 2.30pm, a broader grand vintage transport parade will run towards the museum.

Formal speeches will be made between 1pm and 1.30pm, there will be a re-enactment of Ballarat’s final public service tram from 5.30pm to 6.30pm, and drinks and nibbles inside the museum from 6.30pm to 8pm.

Launched in 1971, BTM officially had its fiftieth birthday in September 2021.

The Tramway Celebration Day will hit the tracks on Sunday, 2 October from 10am to 6.30pm and visitors are asked to give a gold coin on entry to the museum.