In the far flung reaches of rural and remote South Australia a tug-of-love is unfolding over – of all things – a disused rail shed which folklore has it has hosted some VIP guests.
South Australia’s strangest rural stoush stars two ghost towns 300km apart, Sir Donald Bradman, General Douglas MacArthur, some enthusiastic restoration groups and a tug-of-love over an abandoned railway shed.
Farina, 55km south of Marree, once had a population of 600, a railhead, two pubs, an Anglican Church and brothel according to Wikipedia but the 2021 census recorded just 15 residents in the wider 8500 sqkm district.
Eurelia, 16km north of Orroroo also had a railway, with reports WWII US General Douglas MacArthur helped a distressed local woman during a water stop prior to his famous “I shall return” (to the Philippines) speech at Terowie railway station, and that Sir Donald Bradman was another famous guest at the station. The 2021 Census records 21 residents in the wider district.
Adelaide-based Adele Eliseo of the Eurelia Preservation Society says the Farina Restoration Group has submitted a request to the Department of Environment and Water to dismantle the Eurelia rail shed and relocate it to Farina where enthusiasts are restoring local landmarks.
Eurelia railway shed. Picture: Supplied
“The Eurelia Rail Shed holds immense significance to the district,” Ms Eliseo said.
“The iconic structure is a living testament to the area’s rich railway history. The building has quite an interesting heritage.
“For a time, it was used as a refreshment room. There are stories of it hosting the legendary Sir Donald Bradman back in the day.
“The Eurelia Preservation Society firmly believes that this historical gem should remain in its
original location for future generations to appreciate.”
Ms Eliseo purchased the former Eurelia Hall with friend Mark Jappe three years ago and the pair see great potential in Eurelia as a tourism destination.
Adele Eliseo from the Eurelia Preservation Society at the Eurelia Rail Shed. Picture: Supplied
She has started an online petition to keep the shed where it is.
A Department for Environment and Water statement says an expression of interest was made by the Farina Restoration Society to the department in September 2023 to dismantle a disused rail shed at Eurelia and relocate it to Farina.
“The shed is located on unalienated Crown land and is not heritage listed,” it states.
“Public consultation on the proposal is currently being run by the District Council of Orroroo
Carrieton, closing midday 19 January 2024. All submissions will be tabled at the Council’s next meeting on 24 January 2024 before being provided to the department for consideration.”
However, chairman of the Farina Restoration Group, Bill Brock, said while his group’s members had inspected the shed, there was now little chance of trying to move it north.
