TRAIN enthusiasts celebrated the official reopening of a central Victorian station yesterday.Victorian Goldfields Railway and the state government celebrated as it showed off the restored Maldon Railway Station.The government spent $600,000 repairing the station after fire ravaged the historic building in late 2009.Victorian Goldfields Railway president Paul McDonald praised Castlemaine-based Vic Restorations Building Services for the restoration efforts.“They have done an excellent job restoring Maldon to its former glory,” he said.“Their attention to detail has been their hallmark... the roof slate came from a quarry in Wales that has been producing roofing slate since the 13th century.”The refurbishments include a new slate roof, repaired windows and doors, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and interior work on the ceilings, kitchen and station master’s office.Investigators believe an electrical fault caused the October 2009 fire in the heritage-listed building.Mr McDonald said the station was an integral part of Maldon.“The station has been part of the heart of the township since it was first opened in 1888,” he said.“It served a vital role in supporting the gold mining industry and the economic development of the region. “Now it plays an equally important role in supporting tourism in the region and bringing history to life for our thousands of visitors annually.”Public transport parliamentary secretary Edward O’Donohue represented state Transport Minister Terry Mulder at the opening.“The station is an important reminder of Maldon’s role as a prominent mining centre and it now looks better than ever and will continue to play a vital role in tourism for the region,” he said.“The railway’s hardworking volunteers do a fantastic job keeping the romance of the steam age alive and well.”