The Southern Downs Steam Railway (SDSR) Mini Train is making a delightful return to this year’s Jumpers and Jazz in July festival, following its success last year.
Operating on Saturday 27 July, at Leslie Park, the mini train is once again bringing joy to children and families in Warwick.
Kevin Patterson, a dedicated SDSR volunteer, has overseen the mini train operations since their inception. He emphasised the train’s importance for the community, especially for the young ones.
“Children get a lot of enjoyment out of riding on a train, and the parents and grandparents are grateful to have the facility to provide the children a different outdoors activity,” Mr Patterson said.
“The volunteers that run the mini train also get a lot of enjoyment out of operating the train. It is good to see the children and the adults all having fun and leaving with smiles on their faces.”
Originally built and operated by members of the St. Mary’s School congregation, the mini train was stored for years before being offered to SDSR in 2018. The train, consisting of an engine and four carriages mounted on rubber tires, was restored by SDSR volunteers and registered with the Department of Transport for operation on Warwick streets.
It first saw use in December 2019 during the Christmas school holidays. Despite facing several breakdowns over the years, a new engine donated by Honda Australia through The Mower Shop and financial support from Helen Harm Real Estate enabled the mini train to continue delighting passengers.
Helen Harm expressed her enthusiasm for supporting local initiatives like the mini train.
“A couple of years ago, the Southern Downs Steam Train needed money to replace the engine in the little train that is used to advertise and promote their organisation,” Ms Harm said.
“The little train runs each school holiday in the park for a gold coin donation which helps raise funds for the running costs of the tourist trips of the big train,” she says.
“Jumpers and Jazz is for the whole family, and the little train rides entertain the children while the adults have a coffee and a break. I love supporting worthwhile causes within our community that promote our region.
The SDSR volunteers and Helen Harm are excited to see a large turnout for the mini train rides. They also remind attendees that the Downs Explorer Heritage trains will be operating during both weekends of the festival, adding another layer of historical charm to the event.
