This section provides updates on the progress of the YVR
as work continues on the restoration of the Healesville to Yarra Glen corridor.

Commencement of regular timetabled passenger train services

On 17th July 2010, the YVR formally launched its Passenger Train Service with Walker Railmotor RM22. This marks the first time in 30 years that a regular timetabled passenger train service has operated within the Yarra Valley. This long awaited achievement comes as a result of the dedication and hard work of the YVR volunteers to restore RM22 and to rebuild the rail corridor between Healesville and Tunnel Hill to train standard.

YVR Train operation crew proudly beside RM22

The first official passenger train service operated by the YVR was launched by The Hon Tim Holding MP, Ben Hardman Member for Seymour and Cr. Tim Heenan of the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

From the 17th July 2010 the YVR commenced operating passenger train services from Healesville Station every
Sunday of the year, Public Holidays and Wednesday to Sunday during School Holidays.
The YVR would like to thank all of our supporters, members and volunteers who were present on the day to celebrate this milestone achievement.

The events of the Passenger Service Launch were captured by the tourism website www.dotheyarravalley.com.au including an interview with The Hon Tim Holding MP

Bushfire Recovery Grant

	Bush fire damage near Tarrawarra

The YVR has been successful with a funding submission to the Bushfire Recovery Community Infrastructure Program through Regional Development Victoria, the funding grant is sponsored by the Bendigo Bank. The funding will be utilised for the reconstruction of the timber trestle bridges within the rail corridor which were destroyed in the Black Saturday Bushfires. Engineering assessments and the redesign process for these works has commenced.

Work for the Dole

	Regular track restoration by volunteers will be complimented by Work for The Dole assistance

The YVR has recently achieved the status as a Host for a pilot Work for the Dole scheme. This program is brokered by Mission Australia and funded by the Department of Education Employment and Work Place Relations (DEEWR). This activity will focus on restoration works along the rail corridor, buildings and infrastructure, assisting the YVR in achieving their restoration goals.

Reconstruction Plans

The receipt of the Bushfire Recovery Grant combined with the
donation of materials from the Department of Transport and Metro,
has enabled the YVR to accelerate its reconstruction plans.
The immediate goal of the YVR is to commence passenger trolley services from Yarra Glen Station to Train Trak Winery, approximately 3km, with further plans to then extend the trolley service to Tarrawarra, approximately 4.5km from Yarra Glen. The restoration of this section of mainline will be completed to train standard in preparation of the full restoration of the Healesville to Yarra Glen rail corridor. Line side clearing is well progressed within the section between Yarra Glen and Train Trak Winery. Track restoration works have commenced at the Yarra Glen end of the rail corridor.

THE RECENT SUPPORT RECEIVED BY THE YARRA VALLEY RAILWAY HAS ENABLED THE ACCELERATION OF THE RESTORATION EFFORTS. THE YVR IS NOW WORKING TOWARDS THE COMMENCEMENT OF PASSENGER TROLLEY SERVICES FROM YARRA GLEN. THIS COMBINED WITH THE PASSENGER TRAIN SERVICES OFFERED FROM HEALESVILLE STATION WILL CONTINUE TO GROW THE YARRA VALLEY RAILWAY AS A MAJOR ATTRACTION OF THE YARRA VALLEY.