Age no barrier to learning during ‘train buff’ visit to Benalla
It was a trip down memory lane for members of Benalla’s University of the Third Age when they visited Benalla Station for an update on Inland Rail works.
November 5, 2025
The U3A students, who were demonstrating their lifelong interest in learning, discovered what changes are being made to their local station thanks to Inland Rail Project Manager Caitlin Riley and John Holland Senior Project Engineer Kasun Rajapaksha.
Some members of the group shared their memories of the station, including Lynne Quick whose father drove trains in Benalla in the 1960s.
“Dad drove trains here years ago and it’s nice to see all the improvements being made,” she said.
Group leader Athol Graham said their visit gave the group clear insights into how Inland Rail’s work will enhance his hometown.
“We’ve now got a very clear idea following our visit here as to what is happening,” Mr Graham explained.
“Where the underpass will be, where the rail lines will be, where the other platform is going to be, and to understand how much work goes into it all.”
Mr Graham, who describes his group as “a train buff group”, threw his support behind the entire project.
“I think it’s the future of Australia,” he said. “I see what is happening in America and Europe on the railways, and the amount of stuff that could be moved by rail is incredible.
“They do it in other countries and I think it’s about time we caught up with it.
“And I see these Benalla upgrades as part of that catching up.”
