The Rail - Everything you need to know about the Mount Gambier Railway Lands

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The Rail initiative of Council has concluded

The Mount Gambier Railway Lands is a unique and exciting new public space located in the heart of the City of Mount Gambier.

'The Rail' is an initiative of the City of Mount Gambier which aims support the community to test and trial a range events and activities at the Railway Lands.

In the lead up to the opening of the site, The Rail project team has completed over 80 site meetings and tours to introduce a range of community members to the space, each of which have shared their ideas and provided feedback.

As a result of these meetings, the Official Opening held on Sunday 15 November showcased a diverse range of activities, all of which were led and contributed to by our local community. The event created a fantastic opportunity to start experiencing first-hand how The Rail can lend itself to a variety of different events and activities moving forward.

The Rail project team was onsite at the opening to explore ideas about how the Railway Lands can continue to develop as a unique and exciting public space for the City of Mount Gambier. This feedback has been collated and will inform how we best encourage and manage activity at the site.

Didn't make it to the opening? Use this site to find the latest news, ask questions or provide your feedback regarding the Mount Gambier Railway Lands or 'The Rail' activation program.

Got a great idea? Share your thoughts, pictures and concepts at any time by using: #therail5290


The Mount Gambier Railway Lands is a unique and exciting new public space located in the heart of the City of Mount Gambier.

'The Rail' is an initiative of the City of Mount Gambier which aims support the community to test and trial a range events and activities at the Railway Lands.

In the lead up to the opening of the site, The Rail project team has completed over 80 site meetings and tours to introduce a range of community members to the space, each of which have shared their ideas and provided feedback.

As a result of these meetings, the Official Opening held on Sunday 15 November showcased a diverse range of activities, all of which were led and contributed to by our local community. The event created a fantastic opportunity to start experiencing first-hand how The Rail can lend itself to a variety of different events and activities moving forward.

The Rail project team was onsite at the opening to explore ideas about how the Railway Lands can continue to develop as a unique and exciting public space for the City of Mount Gambier. This feedback has been collated and will inform how we best encourage and manage activity at the site.

Didn't make it to the opening? Use this site to find the latest news, ask questions or provide your feedback regarding the Mount Gambier Railway Lands or 'The Rail' activation program.

Got a great idea? Share your thoughts, pictures and concepts at any time by using: #therail5290


The Rail initiative of Council has concluded
  • Installation of 'Signalling Change'

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    Installation of the second major commissioned artwork has commenced at The Rail.

    Titled Signalling Change, the piece celebrates Mount Gambier's rich railway history by referencing railway signals, crossing barriers and indicator lights.

    Created by artists Trevor Wren and Dani McLean, Signalling Change will be installed on the plaza extending from Elizabeth Street, adjacent the Nature Play area of the site.

    More information about the project, the artists and the installation can be found in the FAQ's for Signalling Change.

  • Railway Lands Murals - Ben Brumby

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    The second of two significant murals has been installed at The Rail.

    Created by local artist Ben Brumby, the piece highlights his personal talent in the creation of high quality airbrush art.

    Ben Brumby is well known to many people as a local sign writer and airbrush artist. His capacity extends from custom designs to photo realist portraits.

    While much of his art has been in the automotive and motorcycle scene, Ben has been working on a variety of substrates from golf clubs to the large scale mural now displayed at the Railway Lands.

    Ben annually works with and studies under world renowned Australian and International artists. He is passionate about the craft of painting and hopes this work will build greater recognition of the use of airbrush as a unique tool for artists.

    Ben’s work is bold, edgy and different to anything seen already in Mount Gambier on a public scale. This significantly contributed to the selection panel’s support for his concept.

    Throughout the development of the piece, as Ben’s initial concept has evolved, we now see that the old guitar has become a crucial feature in the work. The Guitar is a Barclay – the very guitar Ben’s Grandfather used to strum out old Jazz tunes and Country music over 4 decades ago. Ben describes him as having been ‘a true artist’, stating that music was crucial to him, like it is to so many people - music was both a release and a passion.

    Ben’s painting represents the liberating effect music has upon many people. The bright colours which surround the semi-realist central figure (painted in black and white) represent the vibrancy and transportive effect of the music being played. Although the musician is almost faceless, he could be many people.

    This is an important work, ambitious in scale, and subject matter. It celebrates people’s ability to be transported through music – no matter their circumstances. It is a tribute to the arts and announces there is something new going on in Mount Gambier, which is exactly what was sought.

    For more detailed information about the creation of this mural, please see the FAQ's

    To ask a question about the murals, please log in and visit your questions answered

    To provide feedback about murals at The Rail please write your thoughts in our feedback section



  • Railway Lands Murals - Diana Wiseman

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    The first of two significant murals has been installed at The Rail.

    Created by local artist Diana Wiseman, the piece has a unique connection to the site, featuring the images of birds whose names were used for individual carriages of the ‘Bluebird Railcars’ which provided rail passage for many local residents to and from Adelaide.

    Diana Wiseman is a local visual artist who has developed acclaim for her work as a printmaker and painter. A former Junior Primary school teacher, Diana was a founding member of the Friends of Riddoch Art Gallery and is a passionate local advocate for the arts. She has exhibited locally every year since 1979 and her work is held in many private collections and galleries.

    This is the first opportunity for Diana to present her work in such a large scale within the public realm in Mount Gambier.

    The creation of the mural required great precision, with her 30 x 95cm print shipped to Sydney to be professionally scanned before returning to Mount Gambier to be locally printed at 10 times its original size. Diana engaged the assistance of local signwriters 'Hyland Fox' to print and install her work.

    This is the first of two significant pieces which will be delivered at the Railway Lands. While both pieces are considered temporary, each has the capacity to be on display for several years.

    For more detailed information about the creation of this mural, please see the FAQ's

    To ask a question about the murals, please log in and visit your questions answered

    To provide feedback about murals at The Rail please write your thoughts in our feedback section


  • #STEMfun16

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    #STEMfun16 is an action packed program of free and fun activities across over 2 days, across 3 sites.

    This free event is being held in Mount Gambier on Saturday & Sunday 28th - 29th May 2016, with The Rail the venue on the Sunday between 1pm and 5:30pm

    The event supports STEM – Science Technology Engineering Maths and offers a range of interactive activities that support development in these areas.

    Check out the poster for all the activities.

  • Lime FM - Limestone Coast Community Festival

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    With a bucking bull, kids games, dunk tank, entertainers, market stalls, multicultural presentations and a pop up bar, there was plenty of activity at the inaugural Lime FM Limestone Coast Community Festival on the weekend. Were you there having fun? Let us now your feedback

  • Mount Gamiber RFDS Support Group 20th Anniversary Celebrations

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    Congratulations on the Mount Gambier RFDS Support Group on a successful 20th Anniversary Celebrations at the Mount Gambier Railway Lands. Were you one of the thousands in attendance? Let us know your thoughts on our feedback page


  • Harmony Day

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    The Migrant Resource Centre looks forward to bringing you fabulous Harmony Day celebrations on the Railway Lands this Saturday 19 March from 12:30pm.

    With a jam-packed program of live entertainment and food from different cultures, the event promises to be a fun day out for the whole family.

    Bring the kids to play table tennis, play soccer or lawn games and blow giant soap bubbles into the sky. Or join textile artist Jo Fife and quickly weave your own colourful mat to place on the fence along the Railway Lands.

    A big thanks to the Mount Gambier City Council and the Mount Gambier Rotary Club as our main sponsors. We also thank She’s Apples and Arena Sports Store for their sponsorships.

    Hope to see you there. If possible, please bring a plate of your favourite food to share and wear something orange to suit the Harmony Day theme.

  • South East X South West presents Louise Adams live at The Rail

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    LOUISE ADAMS BAND, make their national debut, in a special Community Concert at 'The Rail' (Mt Gambier) on Sunday 13th March!! Due to the amazing support of local businesses and other event partners, this is a special family-friendly event put on BY the region FOR the region, with FREE ENTRY to all supporters of live music and musicians, local talents, strong supportive regional communities and good times!

    The Sunday of the March long weeked (SA and Vic), will see a unique event occur, a showcase of just some of the impressive and diverse talents coming out of SouthEast SA and SouthWest Victoria....all culminating in the physical and geographic centre, Mount Gambier.

    There are many in our regional community,... along with Louise, whom are passionate about regional music and arts, believing it is important to support and encourage local talent and successes, for both those living in the SE and SW region and those from this region who have ventured beyond. The idea for SouthEAST x SouthWEST was borne.

    With Pop-up-bars by Koonara Wines and The Gambier Hotel , twilight markets, local food vendors, jumping castle, mini golf supplied by TOP PUTT Games and great vibes this is a family friendly event with a difference!!

    This weekend coincides with the World's Greatest Shave, a national campaign for the Leukaemia Foundation, and so a beautiful collaboration has occurred that will bring the wider region's community together in a show of gratitude and support. As the event's Charity Partner, the Leukaemia Foundation will be fundraising at the event, and bring to the stage an entertaining presentation of a couple of the big 'shaves'! There will also be the fun and colourful Hair Colouring Booth, and other shedding and shaves of hair, beards and mo's!

    THE ACTS!
    LOUISE ADAMS is a name that many around Australia have become familiar with over the last 12 months....with great success on Australia's X Factor 2015. Now being touted as one of the most exciting new female artists in the industry today, Louise combines her influences of blues, soul, jazz, country and rock to deliver her well known unique style of singing and music. A talented singer/songwriter, now a signed Sony artist and with support from the industry, 2016 is going to be a very interesting year!

    SouthEAST x SouthWest is also proud to announce a selection of just some of the talent from the region, with performers coming from both sides of the border, and even returning to their home region for the event from further interstate and international endeavours!!

    I HAVE A GO is an exciting new addition to the wonderful world of children's entertainment! We are delighted to have them on board!! Fronted by local lad Matthew Braithwaite, who is returning to his hometown to provide fantastic music, dance and fun for the little ones!

    THE LED SLEDS are a hot local SouthEast SA band from Penola and Mount Gambier bringing the vintage Rockabilly and Rock and Roll vibes for the night.

    JOSH RAWIRI is a Portland son with an increasing presence at music festivals around Australia. He is tall, has a smile for all, and can wail like no other!

    GAVIN CLARKE is a young artist making waves interstate in the world of dancing and also music and will return to his home region for the unique event.

    SouthEast X SouthWest presents an event with a difference! Don't miss out!!

  • Rockin' The Rail Karaoke Challenge

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    A summers night of fun, family, friends and laughter @ The Rail!

    Friday 12 February 2016 from 6:30pm

    :: Pop up bar by the South Aussie Pub

    :: Food stalls by Soul Projects catering and events, Vanilla Bean Cafe, Zambrero Mount Gambier, The Gravy Boat, D & S Catering, Southern Hotdogs, Community BBQ, Strawberries Galore Loxton, Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co

    :: Guest Judges - Louise Adams, Ali Villani, Ben Hood

    :: MC - Jase Scheidl

    :: Fun - Perfect Pix Photobooth Hire, TOP PUTT Games, Blue Lake Jumping Castles

    :: Entertainment - YOU...if you dare!

    Register a team or go solo by Friday 5th February Email: srothall@leukaemia.org.au or Ph. 0481 000 780

    :: Admission $5 for Adults, Children Free.

    All proceeds to the Leukaemia Foundation ~ Supporting our regional patients and families.

  • The Rail POP-UP BAR featuring regional vignerons and craft brewers

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    Friday 15th January, 4.30pm-10.30pm

    Drop by the NEW LOOK Mount Gambier Rail Lands Precinct and join local wineries, breweries and cider companies for a relaxed night under the stars.

    Featuring:

    + Live entertainment from Ben Hood and Dj’s.

    + Craft brewers: Good Intentions Wine Co + Blue Lake Brewing Co and The Cide Project

    + Wineries: Koonara Wines + Patrick of Coonawarra + Katnook Coonawarra and Wangolina

    This is a family friendly event, with games and activities including; mini golf from TOP PUTT Games, Petanque, totem tennis, and Croquet - thanks to Penola Croquet Club.

    Food trucks by Sorrentos CAFE and Bricks & Mortar Coffee Co

    Free entry, $5 commemorative Polyc...arbonate glass to keep. Wine, beer and cider sold by the glass and bottle.

    Bring your mates and the kids, and soak up the city vibe of this amazing community space.

    #therail5290