Full steam ahead!

Published on 10 December 2015

Rockhampton’s Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association (MELSA) are gearing up to build a new shade structure in time for the New Year and they’re on track thanks to Council extending their land lease this week.

President of MELSA Ian Roberts said Council’s support ensures their club will continue to build and maintain their models and attract new members.

“Council has supported us on several things over the years from using the park to funding some of our equipment,” Mr Roberts said.

“It really means that we can continue to build our models, maintain our tracks, hold open days each month, and hopefully get more people involved in this really enjoyable and interesting hobby.”

Parks and Recreation Committee Chair Councillor Cherie Rutherford said giving a helping-hand to community groups was always top of mind.

“MELSA is a wonderful institution for our community that has been operating for more than 30 years,” Cr Rutherford said.

“It’s such a unique group giving members the opportunity to meet regularly and build authentic model steam trains, but most importantly they bring joy to all who come along to their regular open days.”

MELSA was established in the 1980s and has an array of diesel, steam and electric steamers.

The club holds invitational weekends and runs family fun days on the first Sunday of each month.

The next open day is on Sunday 3 January 2016.

What: Model Engineers and Live Steamers Association Family Fun Day

When: Sunday 3 January 2016

Where: Leichhardt Park, Campbell and Cambridge Street, Rockhampton

Time: 1pm – 3.30pm

MELSA  holds a Reserve Lease over part of Leichhardt Park. In the coming months they will construct a covered roof structure to set up the trains and complete necessary maintenance.