LEVEL CROSSING removals have made the Frankston line the talk of several towns this year but one group has quietly got on with the voluntary job of ensuring two stations always look the best they can be.
The Chelsea Bonbeach Train Station Group has hosted monthly working bees for the past nine years of its existence to make sure Chelsea and Bonbeach stations “are clean, green, safe and graffiti free”.
“The CBTS has a lot to be proud of again this year” Group president Vicki Jans said.
“The highlight is no doubt the installation of toilets in the Chelsea Shopping Precinct at Chelsea train station. We campaigned strongly for this amenity and our petition was supported by the community and local councillors.”
Ms Jans said people join the group because they want to make a visible difference in the community, make new friends or enjoy planting greenery at stations.
Hundreds of members of all ages have taken part in working bees since the group’s formation nine years ago.
“Committee members also develop or grow skills they’d never expect to and being part of the committee is a great way to try out your skills in leadership, marketing, project management, finances, grant applications, strategic partnerships, organising events, networking and influencing and coaching of new groups,” Ms Jans said.
“Be sure to give our volunteers a supportive word of encouragement when you see them in the station gardens during working bees.”
Projects being planned include the completion of gardening works at Chelsea train station.
Anyone interesting in joining the Chelsea Bonbeach Train Station Group can attend the group’s annual general meeting to be held at 7pm on Thursday 7 September at Longbeach PLACE, 15 Chelsea Rd, Chelsea.
See cbts.org.au or call Wade Ransby 0410 776 506 for further details.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 30 August 2017