A CROWDFUNDING campaign to return a 101-year-old tram to Bendigo’s tracks has reached its target.
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More than 180 people donated to raise a total of $31,655, which was beyond Bendigo Heritage Attractions target of $30,000.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions chief executive Peter Abbott said the community-raised funds, combined with money already set aside would give the Tramways between $80 and $90,000 to restore Tram No. 7.
“A lot of crowdfunding campaigns start strongly but just miss their target,” he said.
“We had 186 people donate between $5 and hundreds of dollars to reach our target.”
There were many perks offered for people who donated.
People who made a $50 donation secured a limited edition six pack of beer featured a custom-made Bendigo Tramways label.
For $100 people will get their name etched on a window of Tram No. 7.
Big spenders donated $2000 to advertise their business on the roof of the tram while two people paid $600 to get their names on the driver’s cabins.
People who donated $350 will have their name on a seat.
Mr Abbott said restoration of the J-Class tram would begin in mid April.
“We have starting buying material for it and are currently working on a Yarra tram which is due for handover in April,” he said.
“After that handover, we will start work on renovating the J- Class and hopefully have it operating by next Christmas.
“We are really trying to focus on upgrading and caring for our heritage trams. This one been on a list for renovation for a while.”
When the 101-year-old J-Class is restored, it will not be the oldest tram operating in Bendigo Tramways’ fleet.
“It won’t be the oldest but it will be the best restored and most recently renovated,” Mr Abbott said.
“It has been off the tracks for about 40 years, so it will be great to have it back again.
“The board is keen to make sure investing in the existing fleet but it is nice to do a project like this.”
Mr Abbott said the community-raised funds showed how much people care about the heritage trams.
“It’s great that everyone put in something so it can come together,” he said.
“A lot of people who donated used to ride the tram in 1960s and 1970s, which is a nice connection.
“Some people have family members who worked for tramways or have driven trams.
“Over the last few months we have been increasing our profile locally and this project is a great way to tap in to the community.”