Stepping Back in Time at Bendigo Heritage Attractions

Industry Engagement Manager Carly Grigg recently took a step back in time during a unique site visit to Bendigo Heritage Attractions, an organisation dedicated to preserving and operating some of Bendigo’s most iconic heritage sites, including the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Tramways, and the Bendigo Joss House Temple.

The visit coincided with the completion of the $11 million Bendigo Tramways Development Plan, which has transformed the site with new workshops designed to store and restore Victoria’s historic W-Class trams, previously housed at the Newport Workshops. This redevelopment marks a significant investment in preserving the state’s transport heritage while supporting local skills and workforce development.

Bendigo Tramways, a living piece of history since 1890, now boasts the oldest operating tram depot in Australia and is home to what is considered the world’s best working collection of trams. The site is not only a tourist attraction but also a hub of restoration expertise and community engagement.

During the tour, Carly met with James Reade, Angus Boud, and Adrian Powell, who shared valuable insights into the workforce challenges facing Bendigo Heritage Attractions. 

These include:

• A committed but ageing volunteer workforce
• Qualifications gaps, with some required credentials no longer available or not aligned with current needs
• The complexity of restoration work on heritage vehicles
• An ageing fleet requiring specialised skills and resources to maintain

These challenges highlight the importance of strategic workforce planning and tailored training solutions to ensure the sustainability of heritage operations like Bendigo Tramways.

Carly expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to learn more about the organisation’s vital work in preserving Victoria’s transport history.