Local pride and love of heritage may save a 101-year-old tram from the scrap heap.
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Bendigo Tramways has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help cover the cost of restoring Tram No. 7.
Tram No. 7 is a 101-year-old J-Class tram that operated in Melbourne, Ballarat and Bendigo.
The fact the rare tram serviced Bendigo during its career is the reason Bendigo Tramways is hoping the Bendigo community will come on board to help get it back on the tracks.
“It hasn’t been in regular service for 45 years and is currently in a dilapidated state,” Bendigo Tramways manager Luke Jenkins said.
“We have some of the funds we need to start the restoration process, but need to raise a further $30,000 to enable us to complete the job.
“(That) is why we are appealing to the community to join us in getting it back on the road.”
Bendigo Tramways is so keen to see the community contribute to the project that locals will be able to have their name on a piece of transport history.
Those who donate towards the project will be able to claim naming rights to various parts of the tram – including the seats, driver’s cabins or one of the controllers.
So far $3000 has been contributed by locals.
“We have even partnered with True Brew to create a collectors pack of beer with specially designed labels and are hoping people will consider it as a potential Christmas gift with a great cause attached,” Mr Jenkins said.
People who make a $50 donation will secure one of the limited edition six packs that can be collected from the Bendigo Tramways or Central Deborah Gold Mine.
For $100 you can have you name etched on a window of Tram No. 7 while $450 will get your business an advertising panel on the inside of the tram.
Big spenders can donate $2000 to advertise their business on the roof of the tram while $600 gets one of the driver’s cabins named after you.
People who donate $350 will have their name on a seat while certificates of thanks will go to people who donate just $10.
The crowdfunding campaign began on November 30 and runs until February 28. To donate to the campaign visit www.chuffed.org/project/tram7