Tracking the history of local railways

HAPPILY watching a train rumble through Hamilton this week is Southern Grampians Shire Councillor and long-term advocate for rail services, Dr Katrina Rainsford and Geelong historian and author, Norman Houghton OAM. Norman has recently released a book, Rail Centre Hamilton, which describes the rich history of the Western District’s freight and passenger rail services, creating nostalgia for locals who remember the services and branch lines. Photo: GLENN GUY.

By Macey Sanders

August 17, 2024 | 4:00 PM

A LIGHT has been shone back on the history of the Hamilton Railway Station, and its prospective future of possibly returning to passenger rail services, with the release of the book, Rail Centre Hamilton – the life and times of its branch railways 1884 to 1995.

From 1870s to the 1970s, Hamilton rail ruled supreme in the transport stakes until it was inevitably overtaken by changing economics and road transport competition.