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The Gympie region’s heritage Mary Valley Rattler steam train has always had a focus on community since it began operating over a hundred years ago and now its passionate volunteers have been recognised with the Gold Award for ‘Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group’ in the Queensland Tourism Awards.

The award for Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer Group was presented to the Rattler’s General Manager, Sherry Lowe, at the ceremony held at Brisbane’s Queen’s Wharf.

Lowe said the accolade reflected the commitment and passion of the Rattler’s volunteers and the fact that the Rattler was such an integral part of Gympie’s community.

Lowe advised “volunteers are the lifeblood of the Mary Valley Rattler community. The Rattler has won many awards for its tourism services in the past, but this is undoubtedly the most significant.

“The Rattler wouldn’t have been able to transition from a government rail service to a tourism operation without the continued passion, knowledge, and commitment of our volunteers, from meticulously restoring trains and carriages to the renowned friendly service that they deliver every day to passengers.

““I am so proud of, and thankful to all our volunteers, many of whom have been contributing for years.

“They really are the Rattler’s ‘secret ingredient’ and enable us to play a critical role as a hub for the local community.

“Running a not-for-profit heritage tourist attraction like the Rattler is very challenging, especially given the crises of Covid and floods in recent years, but it is the strength of our volunteering team that keeps us on track.

“Keeping our vibrant tourist attraction operating requires people from all walks of life and all ages with a range of different skills and knowledge and we are always on the lookout for people interested in volunteering.

“Whether they want to work behind the scenes supporting the operation of our unique steam locomotives, meet and greet guests on the platform or jump on board and share our rich history as part of their railway experience, we love welcoming new members of the ‘Rattler Family’.”

The Mary Valley Rattler dates back to a time when Gympie was one of Australia’s richest gold fossicking regions and credited with saving the fledgling Queensland colony from bankruptcy.

The rivers of gold slowed by the early 1900s, but agriculture became the new glittering attraction for settlers from the south and a railway was constructed in 1911 to transport produce to markets in Australia and overseas.

Commercial services stopped in 1995, but a loyal group of volunteers restored the steam and diesel trains, and rebirthed vintage carriages to ensure the Rattler remained on the rails for visitors to enjoy a scenic journey through the majestic Mary Valley.

Further information about the Mary Valley Rattler services and volunteering

Image top: Mary Valley rattler’s Patrick Lourigan, Ashleigh Rimmington, Sherry Lowe, Joey Kiernan, Martin Kernick, Meredith Vincent at the Queensland Tourism Awards; image centre and below: Mary Valley rattler’s volunteers

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