Why Kerrie Marney saved Warrnambool's iconic little red train
A local community effort led by Kerrie Marney has successfully relocated and refurbished an iconic 'little red train' from a closed shoe store to the Merri River School. The project, supported by local organizations, preserves a piece of regional history for future generations.
Why it matters
This story illustrates the importance of community-led preservation of local cultural heritage and sentimental landmarks.
It's brought a lifetime of memories for Warrnambool schoolchildren, now Uncle Ron's train is on track to create even more for a whole new generation.
All articles from our website & app The digital version of Today's Paper All other regional websites in your area Continue For almost six decades, it was tradition for south-west families to take their children to Rauerts Shoex on Fairy Street each summer to board the iconic little red train to be fitted for school shoes.
When the store announced its closure in August last year, Koroit's Kerrie Marney went full steam ahead with plans to save it.
Kerrie Marney and Peter Rauert sitting on the newly refurbished Uncle Ron's Train at Merri River School. Picture by Eddie Guerrero The Warrnambool Men's Shed and Warrnambool Rotary jumped on board to relocate the train and help recreate the mural.
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