IHBCF Grants in Action:

Supporting Longevity at the Altona Miniature Railway

The Hobsons Bay Community Fund is proud to have supported the Altona Miniature Railway (AMR) on a project that builds long-term local capability and community connection. As a long-term investor in Hobsons Bay, we look for ways to strengthen the grassroots organisations that make our community unique.

The AMR has been a fixture in Altona North since 1976. Run by a team of 65 volunteers, the railway is a space where local people, many of whom are retirees, apply technical and engineering skills to maintain the 1.5km track. For many members, the club provides vital social connections and a sense of purpose. Membership remains open to anyone interested in engineering, gardening, or simply being involved in a family-friendly local club.

In 2025, it was excellent to see the result of this grant on the rails: a new "Conrail blue" caboose. While a great addition to the fleet, the project’s focus was on volunteers' health and safety. Many of the railway’s older carriages required guards to work in cramped conditions, which can be a barrier to participation for some members. The new caboose features ergonomic seating and accessible controls, allowing volunteers to perform their roles with less physical strain.

The impact of this volunteer team is best seen during their popular public open days, held on the third Sunday of every month at 1-21 Blenheim Rd. In the last financial year alone, these volunteers provided over 23,000 rides to the community each year.

By investing in the practical needs of these volunteers, we are helping to ensure that the Altona Miniature Railway remains a strong, community-led part of our community for the long term.

You can read more about the Altona Miniature Railway on their website here: www.altonaminiaturerailway.com.au