The Billinudgel Railway Station building, managed by Byron Shire Council (BSC) on behalf of Transport for NSW (TfNSW), has been used as a free community shop where people can donate unwanted items which are available for others to take since 2022.
However, the state of the building, including the removal of the entry doors, has led to Council moving the free shop out of the building and renovating the space.
‘As part of Council’s obligations to TfNSW, BSC must maintain the building to a safe standard,’ Malcolm Robertson, Acting Manager Works said.
‘We are obliged to maintain the building appropriately and this is not possible given its current use. We have informed the current occupant that Council is going to be doing restoration work on the building and it needs to be vacated.’
BSC plans to start the restoration and maintenance work on 3 August and when this is finished, there will be calls for expressions of interest from people who want to use the building for community purposes.
‘We know the community shop has served people in the community well over the last four years,’ Mr Robertson said. ‘Council’s aim is to make sure the Billinudgel Railway Station building continues to be a fixture in the community for many years to come.’
Comments on social media
Lydia Kindred, Director/Secretary at Northern Rivers Railway said, ‘The Free Shop has been established for years and has provided countless people with free items, which have been kept out of landfill. I think it’s worth saving’.
‘Hopefully the councillors will come and have a look at the shop and see for themselves what it’s all about.
Milly-Jade Middleton said, ‘This is awful. The free shop has helped so many people over the years. Closing it down over a couple of doors is ridiculous. It has clothed people, helped babies, elderly and those doing it tough. Just another move to block people getting aid when they need it’.
Kerrie McElgunn said, ‘Always good to hear the other side of the story’.
Suzi Allen said, ‘This is so sad. It is upkept by the community People need hope in this cruel world. All the places are being shut down. Mental health is at a all time high and we are in big trouble’.
John Condie wrote, ‘Good stuff. It’s a bloody mess at the moment.’
Vicki Kennedy said, ‘Pity they wouldn’t rebuild Mullumbimby Burnt out railway station for the same purpose’.
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