The group built and has operated a miniature railway track at Deniliquin’s Memorial Park.
But a dwindling volunteer base and insurance costs, not to mention repair works required after the extended floods late last year, could prevent the community facility from re-opening.
ERSME member David Lay said they need people and donations to assist in getting the tracks back up and ready for run days.
The miniature rail was established in Deniliquin in 2014, but Mr Lay said they are now unusable.
“The temporary tracks that had previously been used in Memorial Park since 2014 cannot be used any more,” he explained.
“The excessive amount of water from last year’s floods has undermined the track beds, making them unstable and unable to support the trains.
“Society members have not repaired these tracks yet as they wish to put their efforts into constructing a brand new train track.
“Our biggest hurdles at the moment are a lack of members and the cost of insurance.”
Mr Lay said insurance alone is $2300, which he said is beyond reach for the small community group.
But without insurance, the group’s plans to repair or construct new tracks cannot begin.
“We are looking to the public and local businesses for support, donations, volunteers and new members to help us bring back the trains,” Mr Lay said.
Those who can donate or volunteer are asked to reach out to ERSME via its Facebook page.
For those looking to donate or lend a helping hand, the society members have put together a Facebook page where locals can leave a comment expressing their interest in volunteering or donating.
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