INDUSTRY NEWS
Mt Evelyn Garden Centre secures a piece of history By Julie Melbourne, Manager, Mt Evelyn Garden Centre An iconic 1947 W-Class tram has made its final stop at Mt Evelyn Garden Centre, bringing a piece of Melbourne’s rich public transport history home to the Yarra Valley. As many within the nursery industry know Baz Humphris is always ready to try something new. He is well known for his phrases like “give it a crack” and that is what he has done. In October 2016 the government announced the formation of a reference group to formulate a strategy for over 237 W-class trams.
“The purpose was to bring a part of Melbourne to the Yarra
Following an audit, a balance of 134 trams had a condition or significance that did not lend them to being preserved for operation. These trams were offered to the public by the State Government under the expressions of interest process. More than 1500 applications were received, and Baz Humphris and Mt Evelyn Garden Centre were one of the lucky ones.
its place at the nursery earlier in the year and is set to enjoy
Manager of Mount Evelyn Garden Centre Julie Melbourne said that when owners Barry and Rebecca Humpris saw tenders advertised, the opportunity to bring a rare attraction to their nursery and Mount Evelyn was something they could not pass up.
introduced in 1923. The 927 tram that now resides at Mt Evelyn
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Valley,” Ms Melbourne said. “It completes the experience for our customers, making it a great destination to visit,” she said. With the help of two crane trucks, the slice of history took its retirement as part of a new outdoor eatery. As a condition of the tender, the tram will remain in its current well-travelled condition and provide eatery seating and a historical experience to visitors. W-class trams are one of Melbourne’s true icons and were Garden Centre was originally built in 1947. It first travelled along the new city circle tracks in Spring Street and around the suburbs of Preston.
