Hi there, my name is Bruce Cumming, Chairperson of the Southern Aurora Memorial Committee, a sub-committee of the Violet Town Action Group Incorporated.

-In 2018 this community team started a project to build the Southern Aurora Garden. Since then we have won National, State & regional awards for street art, mental health & wellbeing, history/ heritage and tourism.

-in 2025 we re-started (after Covid etc delays) our second phase which is creating a unique railway carriage-museum venue.

-this original NAM2337 sleeper-car was built in 1959/60 and ran on the famed Southern Aurora intercapital express until 1986 when the service was discontinued.

-we are working hard as a volunteer group refurbishing the carriage, which was stripped bare in 2016 by the previous owner. We are reliant on small local funding initiatives to cover the cost of materials: including firewood & merchandise sales & gold-coin donations.

-our dream is creating a very special exhibition space attractive to tourists, locals, rail fans and history buffs. We will install one original sleeper compartment to show visitors what travelling first class overnight was like. We will have shelving, mobile display cases, period furniture, power, lighting and ventilation to create a secure exhibition space and venue for visitors & locals.

You can find info on our progress on our Facebook page Facebook.com/SouthernAuroraHistoryVioletTown

-we hope to complete enough works to open NAM2337 in 2026 the 40th anniversary since she was retired in August 1986 with a significant event.

-great progess is being made installing unique architectural lining material called ‘BendyPly’ in the curved roof space. It’s a technical challenge that our volunteer builder Trevor is successfully solving. SEE THE PICS.

-next is lining of the walls. Your donations are helping us make this progress by helping us pay for materials. …… Thankyou for your generosity

-we are also doing local fundraising through firewood sales etc & seeking sponsorships.

THANK-YOU EVERYONE