Murray Bridge’s historic Railway Station Refreshment Rooms are to be given a new lease of life as a community attraction under a new Green Corps program being launched by leading community services group, Mission Australia, in partnership with the City of Murray Bridge.

Mission Australia’s State Manager Mark Herselman said the project would clean up and restore the State Heritage listed Refreshment Rooms, which currently are in a state of disrepair.

“The building is an icon of Murray Bridge,” Mr Herselman said. “We’re delighted to be able to launch a restoration project which serves an important heritage and community role, as well as providing valuable training for local young people.”

The 26 week program, to involve ten local participants aged from 17-20 years old, is expected to begin this month (February 2007) and will include:

• painting and decorating to heritage guidelines
• restoring wooden floors to a heritage standard
• restoring kitchen to a fully functional operating state
• repairing and renovating kitchen cupboards and shelving.
• installation of Heritage design fencing
• iandscaping in keeping with the character of the building

Green Corps is an Australian Government youth development and environmental training program. It provides young people with the opportunity to volunteer their time and effort to conserve, preserve and restore Australia’s natural environment and cultural heritage.

Participants receive a training allowance, uniforms, safety equipment and nationally accredited training (Certificate1 in General Construction, Senior First Aid Certificate) in return for their commitment.

“We’re expecting strong interest from young people wanting to be involved in the project,” Mr Herselman said. “This is a great opportunity to get involved in the renovation of a local heritage landmark and to develop skills in a range of fields, including construction and landscaping.”

“It will also of course help towards addressing the regional skills shortage.”

For more information, please contact:

Mark Herselman, Mission Australia State Manager, (08) 8218 2800 or 0403 183 002 or Chris Rann, Rann Communication, (08) 8211 7771