Little River locals are being encouraged to get their blue suede shoes on to help revive one of the town’s old bluestone buildings.
The Little River Station Shuffle and Supper is being held on Saturday April 20 to raise funds for the restoration and revival of its old ticket office and waiting room.
Built in 1864, the bluestone building on the station platform has been boarded up and unused since the 1970’s, but a group led by Little River resident, Marian De’Rosario is seeking to have it renovated and turned into a community hub.
“We formed a group and applied to Vict Tracks community use of vacant rail buildings program – in late 2017 – initially it was rejected and then in 2021 after a lot of campaigning we are able to get funding under the program,” said Ms De’Rosario who is president of Little River Railway Station Revival.
While the Vic Track funding will pay for works on the outside of the building, the revival group need to raise funds to fit out and furnish the inside, which is where next Saturday’s dinner dance comes in.
“There will be a three course meal and it’s $80 dollars per head and there’s also raffles and an ipod shuffle,” said Ms Rosario who added that while the name and poster might suggest and 1950’s rockabilly style of event, all types of music and dancing would be on offer.
“There’ll be a mixture, you can pick the music and type of dancing you want.”
The revival group hopes the funds raised will help it become incorporated and cover insurance costs, with further fundraisers planned for later this year and next.
The dinner dance is at the Little River Sports Club from 6pm to 11pm on April 20.
For tickets visit: http://surl.li/skdgg
Cade Lucas.
