Heart and heritage … the words summed it up beautifully.
The value of the Mary Valley Rattler heritage railway to Gympie and to Queensland was on show at the city’s historic railway station last week.
In an evening to honor those driving the Rattler’s success, general manager Sherry Lowe delivered an inspiring and at times emotional ”thank you’’ to each and every one of those directly supporting the heritage railway operation.
“It’s about you. It’s about the partners, the supporters, the suppliers the producers, industry leaders and the community champions who have all stood beside us through the toughest times, and celebrated us with us in the best of times.
“Your presence reflects the very heart of this community.’’
Looking back on successes since the Mary Valley Rattler was re-established in 2013, Sherry said the railway re-established itself after the decision not to dam the Mary at Traveston Crossing.
In honouring the contribution of the volunteers and supporters, she said the heritage train operation hosts more than 46,000 visitors annually to the historic Gympie railway station, and more than 30,000 people on board the various train services.
“Some 87 percent of those travelling have come here just to visit the Mary Valley Rattler.
“We contribute $9.4 million total economic impact. Eighty two jobs are supported across the region – more than 110 volunteers contribute more than 20,000 hours each year.
“The direct annual value-add to the Gympie economy is $4.49 million.
“Today, the Rattler stands proudly as one of Gympie‘s largest tourism assets. A major driver of visitation, jobs and regional pride.
“None of this happens without the people in this room.
“A railway is more than a tourist attraction,’’ Sherry said, tears in her eyes. “It is a living, breathing community hub.
“Volunteers dedicate hours every day, every year.
“Since the rebirth of the railway we have welcomed more than 175,000 guests on board.’’
Every year the Rattler provides about 255 train services, from the iconic steam journey to the Silver Bullet high tea experience.
These include private charter, school excursions and community events, such as the forthcoming Christmas Community Fair on Saturday, 6 December, from 9.30am.
“Behind every single journey lies hours and sometimes days of unseen work – mechanical, operational, safety, maintenance and guest experience.
“These are carried out with extraordinary heart, skill and dedication.’’
The Rattler has been a driving force for the development of the region since gold was discovered in Gympie in 1867, and a railway was first advocated.
As the region continued to develop, especially in agriculture, dairying and timber, a railway line through the Mary Valley to Brooloo was opened in 1915. It took in the townships of Kandanga, Imbil, Amamoor and Dagun.
This is the basis of the present heritage railway operation, one that is in the Top 10 of Australia’s tourist trains yet the only one totally reliant on day-to-day operations and community support.
Through recent years the Rattler has been recognised at the Queensland Tourism Awards with gold for outstanding contribution by a volunteer or volunteer group, and silver for best tourism attraction.
“We have received 100 out of 100 from Tourism Events Queensland for the best of Queensland guest experience,’’ Sherry said.
“On top of that we have been recognised in the top 10 percent of experiences worldwide by TripAdvisor and travellers.
“These accolades belong not just to our staff and volunteers but to our partners, our supporters, our suppliers – you make what we do possible.
“We are a not-for-profit organisation – our purpose extends far beyond tourism.
“Last financial year we contributed $50,000 in vouchers to local organisations, schools, and charities to support community fundraising initiatives.
“We are proud to partner with the Rotary Club that has raised valuable funds on board our services.’’
In the past five years the partnership with Rotary has collected more than $86,000 from Rattler guests, all of which has gone directly back to more than 21 not-for profit organisations across the Gympie region.
“Your support helps us to provide purpose and belonging to youth and people who may otherwise struggle to find a place or purpose,’’ Sherry said.
“Your help offers volunteers a pathway for people transitioning into retirement, keeping them connected, active and valued.
“Your help preserves heritage rolling stock and the regional railway story that may otherwise disappear.
“You are helping maintain a welcoming, integral community hub showcasing the beauty, the history, the warmth of Gympie and the Mary Valley region to thousands of visitors every year.
“This is the heart of the Rattler – connection, contribution and community.’’
The evening provided an opportunity to acknowledge senior manager infrastructure Martin Kernick, safety and compliance officer Greg Robertson, and operations and marketing manager Ashleigh Andrews as their leadership roles have been instrumental in keeping the Mary Valley Rattler moving forward.
“Behind the heritage and heart of this organisation is this small but mighty leadership team who bring grit, determination and unwavering commitment to our purpose,’’ Sherry said.
“Steady hands, calm heads and enormous heart … even when the chips are down.
“Their resilience and leadership have guided our volunteers and supported our staff, ensuring the Rattler continues to deliver exceptional experiences any day and at any time.
“Together, they are the driving force behind the Mary Valley Rattler- their leadership and passion preserving and sharing this remarkable piece of Queensland’s heritage.’’
The question of how does this small but mighty organisation continue to deliver world-class heritage tourism, deep community impact and significant economic return is because each and every person who backs the Mary Valley Rattler brand are the champions, the support network, and the sounding board needed.
The evening was to acknowledge those who understand the impact, the heritage value and the economic return that the railway makes, not just to Gympie but to the wider region and South-East Queensland
“It is this support that keeps the whistles ringing through the Mary Valley … it helps us preserve living history and ensure every journey, every memory, remains possible.
“Your partnership is the heart behind our heritage, and we are deeply grateful.’’
Incoming chair of the board Garry Davison paid tribute to Sherry Lowe for the way she not only works on the business but in the business.
“It’s the simple things you don’t think about that sets her apart as a champion.’’
In acknowledging the Rattler as the number one attraction in the region, Garry reminded that the team works every week of every year, and goes far and above what is expected of such an organisation.
“It’s the whole team – from the front counter to the volunteers who have so much passion.
“It is unbelievable what impact they make.
“When you speak with the people as they get off the train, they say the ride was great but the customer service was exceptional – that they are so invigorated, so passionate.
“And they are volunteers. It’s hard to believe someone could have so much passion.’’
Sherry, the team and all of the volunteers at Mary Valley Rattler remind us every day of what is possible through grit, hard work and passion.
The Mary Valley Rattler is an establishment that all in Gympie and the wider region can be very proud of.
