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“Working for our Community” |
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Pomona & District Community House Inc. |
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House history |
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The history of the Station Master's “House” and railway at Pomona can be traced back to the early days of our settlement. This history is part of transformation that occurred in the late 1800’s as a result of gold being found in Gympie by James Nash in 1867.
The origin of the name "Pomona" is from Greek Mythology - Pomona being the Goddess of fruit. At that time large numbers of citrus fruit were grown in the area and it was felt that the district would become a major fruit supplier.
Circa 1930 2008
In 1910 the Noosa Shire Council was established with Pomona as the centre of administration and location of as the Shire Office. As rail services continued to improve Pomona became recognised as a major district Railway Station requiring the provision of quarters for its employees.
The Railway Department constructed the Station Master's “House” and a number of others buildings. However it is believed that the Station Master's “House” was first occupied some time after 1910.
The building still remains intact today and in the same position, with minimal alterations having been carried out since it was first constructed. It has been part of Pomona's history seeing two world wars and its residents came and went as part of their duty to the Railway Department.
However by the end of the 1960s changes took place that would alter the railway forever. By mid 1970 steam was at an end and the diesel locomotive prevailed. The Department first removed the water filling stations and coal facilities then the signalling system was overhauled resulting in automatic gates over the road crossing doing away with the gatekeeper who had been vigilant over the years.
During the 1970s rail freight dwindled and the passenger rail service was in a decline all due to the family car and the semi-trailer. The Railway Department embarked on a major rationalisation which included an upgrade to electric rail and the sale of many railway buildings.
The last Pomona Station Master finished his duty in mid 1991 and the building became redundant. Noosa Council moved to acquire the land and building to ensure that ownership was retained by the Community. In August 1993, Noosa Council acquired the property for $90,000.00.Shortly thereafter, Councillor Doug Bettens initiated a public meeting to gauge Community support for a Community centre and in November 1995 a steering committee was formed under his guidance.
The steering committee later formed the Pomona and District Community House Inc. and entered into an agreement with Noosa Council on 4th July 1996 to operate the Station Master's “House” as the Pomona and District Community House Inc. |
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“Working for our Community” |
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Pomona & District Community House Inc. |