It’s official: Tailem Bend Station Master’s House will be taken over by community centre
A move many years in the making is finally underway.
A long-vacant property at Tailem Bend will soon become a community hub after being acquired by the town’s community centre.
The Tailem Bend Community Centre and Coorong District Council announced on Thursday that the community centre had purchased lot 51, 136 Railway Terrace, better known to locals as the Station Master’s House.
The long-anticipated acquisition marks a significant milestone for TBCC, which has sought to secure the property for more than a decade.
TBCC was able to acquire the property with support from the Coorong District Council.
Since 2019, TBCC has leased the on-site shed to store vehicles for the Murray Mallee Community Passenger Network; and in May this year it received two grants from state Human Services Minister Nat Cook, totalling $56,000, to buy rainwater tanks, concrete garden beds and fencing.
“The Tailem Bend Community Centre’s purchase … is a win for our whole community,” Coorong Mayor Paul Simmons said.
“We are pleased to be able to aid the centre’s growth as they seek to expand their services to further support our local residents.”
The Station Master’s House will become a vibrant hub for the Murraylands community, with plans for the development of office and community spaces, training facilities and enterprise opportunities as well as the community garden funded by the Department of Human Services.
Stage one of the site’s development will commence this month, with further works planned as additional funding becomes available.
TBCC chair Judy Bagg said the centre would welcome any support from the community, whether through donations of time or money.
“This acquisition represents a significant opportunity,” she said.
“We envision the Station Master’s House as a focal point for connection, growth and empowerment in the communities we serve.”
As part of the revitalisation of the Station Master’s House, a unique art installation will soon be unveiled, adding to the cultural vibrancy of the site, as will the community garden beds for food security support.
