Rob Hales reflects on the loss of Tailem Bend’s oldest railway house

Exclusive: The owner of a century-old home on Railway Terrace which burned down last month shares his life story.

Rob Hales reflects on the loss of Tailem Bend’s oldest railway house
Rob Hales stands in what is left of his family’s historic railway home at Tailem Bend. Photo: Glenn Power.

When Rob Hales sits in what is left of his quaint walled backyard at Tailem Bend, he sees more than a burnt shell of a home that was destroyed by fire last month.

He sees reflections of 65 years of life, history, and community, all centred around what is believed to be the first railway house built in the town.