Blacktown City has recently celebrated the grand opening of the Nurragingy Miniature Railway in Doonside, a fantastic new family attraction nestled in the bushland of Nurragingy Reserve. The railway, which was constructed in partnership with the North Western Model Engineers Inc. since 2016, is now open to the public on the third Sunday of each month from 10 am to 3 pm.
The grand opening took place in April 2023, marking the completion of the second stage of the project, which was unveiled in 2019. The Blacktown City Council and North Western Model Engineers Inc. have worked tirelessly to design and construct the railway, with the help of numerous volunteers. According to Blacktown City Mayor, Tony Bleasdale OAM, the project wouldn’t have been possible without the dedicated efforts of these volunteers.
Mayor Bleasdale praised the North Western Model Engineers Inc. for their incredible talents and knowledge, with many of the volunteers having backgrounds as engineers, diesel mechanics, station masters, and train drivers. “The Nurragingy Miniature Railway has been a labour of love for many volunteers over the past seven years,” Mayor Bleasdale said. “Since the soft opening in 2019, the team at North Western Model Engineers battled a bushfire-ridden summer, COVID shutdowns and persistent wet weather to complete the second stage of this marvellous project.”
The Nurragingy Miniature Railway is a fun and educational attraction that people of all ages can enjoy. It is a marvellous project that showcases the talents of the North Western Model Engineers Inc. and highlights the community’s dedication and hard work. “Together, they have built a fabulous new attraction for people of all ages in Blacktown City and beyond,” said Mayor Bleasdale.
The railway’s latest additions include a 300-metre track extension and supporting structures and buildings, such as a train station, ticket booth, signal box, carriage storage shed, and steaming bays.
Blacktown City Council is proud to partner with the North Western Model Engineers Inc. to create this exciting new attraction that provides the community with wonderful opportunities to spend time outdoors, surrounded by the beautiful bushland of Nurragingy Reserve. The grand opening of the Nurragingy Miniature Railway is a testament to the determination and commitment of the volunteers, who have worked tirelessly for seven years to make this project a reality. The railway is sure to become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and Blacktown City Council looks forward to welcoming everyone to this wonderful new attraction.