West Wimmera Shire Council is embarking on a project to professionally record the history of the historic Serviceton Railway Station.

The project involves creating a high-quality audio recording of local historian Les Millikin as he narrates the detailed history of the station, capturing his extensive knowledge and personal insights about the significant heritage site.

Council has received $1700 from the Public Record Office Victoria’s Local History Grants Program to fund the initiative.

Mr Millikin, a longtime volunteer and tour guide for Serviceton Railway Station, has spent many years sharing the stories of the heritage-listed site.

Storytowns director Jarrod Pickford toured the station with Mr Millikin last week and began recording his detailed accounts of the station’s history and significance.

Established in 1889, the station stands as a testament to the inter-colonial rail routes and the complex history of the South Australian-
Victorian border.

The station’s two-storey brick structure and its storied past are well known to Mr Millikin, who is regarded as the custodian of its many tales.

The audio recording of Mr Millikin will serve as a lasting memoir of his invaluable contributions as a volunteer at the station since the 1980s.

The recording will also act as a safeguard against the potential loss of the historical information, ensuring the stories of Serviceton and its railway station are preserved for future generations.

Known for his unexpected and thorough tours around Serviceton, Mr Milliken often crosses the road from his home to the station to personally show visitors around whenever he sees tourists arrive.

Over the years, he has taken on various volunteer roles including maintenance man, curator, janitor, and overall caretaker.

Renowned for his authenticity and occasional colourful language, Mr Millikin is deeply knowledgeable about the history of trains, stations, drivers, and cargo. “History is history, and if you’ve got it, you might as well talk about it,” he said.

“We’re only a young country, so we have to look after what we’ve got.”

Council acting chief executive Brendan Pearce said the Serviceton Railway Station was a symbol of the community’s rich heritage.

“This project is an important step in preserving the stories and memories that define our past,” he said.

“Les has dedicated countless hours to sharing the history of the station with tourists.

“It is vital that we capture this piece of history, so that it will continue to inspire and educate visitors long into the future.”

While council does not own the station and has limited influence over its physical preservation, the project allows the essence of the site to be captured, preserving its legacy.

In the future, the recording could serve as a virtual tour guide at the station or be used at tourism information centres and railway museums, contributing to the visitor economy, and enhancing the understanding of historical events.

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