Micheal Taylor, Lyn Diskon, Julie Poplin & Jenny Carter of the Boorowa Op Shop.
In 2021, a passionate group of local residents formed the Boorowa Galong Rail Trail Committee with a clear mission: to transform the disused rail corridor between Boorowa and Galong into a vibrant rail trail for walkers and cyclists. This 35-kilometre stretch, once part of a vital transport link in the last century, has lain dormant for years. But the vision now is to breathe new life into it, not with trains, but with foot traffic, bike wheels, and community connection. “We’re one of the first groups in New South Wales to get going with a rail trail,” says Julie Poplin, a dedicated member of the committee and a driving force behind the project. “It’s been done successfully across Victoria, but here, it’s still pretty new.”
Since its inception, the committee has worked tirelessly, first raising funds to conduct a feasibility study, then securing more support to complete a detailed rail trail development plan. They’ve undertaken environmental assessments, biosecurity reviews, and are now working closely with the local council, a necessary step, since the corridor is on government land.
“A lot of the progress hinges on council involvement because of government regulations,” Julie explains. “But recently we set up a liaison committee that includes council representatives, so things are moving forward.” The next big milestone is obtaining a lease for the corridor and finalising the environmental report. After that, the committee hopes to apply for major capital funding likely to be in the ballpark of $15 million from state and federal sources. If all goes to plan, construction could begin within the next two years.
The journey hasn’t always been smooth. “Sometimes we feel like we’re bashing our heads against a brick wall,” Julie admits. “But then we get a win, a report approved or new support from council and we think, okay, we’re getting somewhere.”
The trail won’t just be a pretty path through farmland though the scenery, particularly when the canola is in bloom, is undeniably stunning. It’s also an opportunity to enhance local tourism, promote health and wellbeing, and stimulate the regional economy.
“There’s not a lot for people to do in rural areas like this,” Julie says. “The rail trail gives people a reason to get on their bikes, go for a walk, and appreciate the countryside. It’s great for mental and physical health, and it gives families and visitors an activity they can enjoy together.”
Local businesses are already seeing the potential. One operator is exploring an e-bike hire service, while accommodation providers are considering trail-related packages. In Galong, where there’s currently little in the way of retail services, the local Progress Association is planning to offer tea, scones, and coffee to trail users from the community hall. There’s even talk of vending machines and coffee carts at either end of the trail. It’s something I’m really passionate about,” Julie says. “The committee is only about a dozen people, and it ebbs and flows depending on what’s happening. But we’re all committed. We’ve had great feedback from Rail Trails Australia and Rail Trails NSW, they say we’ve done extremely well in a short amount of time.”
Julie’s commitment to her community doesn’t stop with the rail trail. She’s also a founding member of the Boorowa Op Shop, which has become a beloved fixture of the town since opening nearly eight years ago. “I’m on the management committee and do at least one shift a week, sometimes more,” she says. “I also manage the roster for supervisors and keep track of volunteer hours.”
This isn’t just a shop; it’s a hub of community spirit. In the last year alone, the Op Shop donated $44,000 to local charities, with the current year expected to exceed that amount. Volunteers nominate the local charity of their choice from the Early Education Centre and Hospital Auxiliary to Burrowa House and St Vincent de Paul and profits are divided based on hours worked.
“We’re stopping a lot of stuff from going into landfill, especially from house cleanouts and deceased estates,” Julie explains. “We get calls asking if we can collect items, and we go out with a ute, bring it back, and sort through it slowly. But we also provide essentials that people would otherwise have to travel out of town for, such as clothing, books, DVDs, and school uniforms.”
The Op Shop also plays a vital social role. For many volunteers, it’s a place to connect. “It’s their outing for the week,” Julie says. “They come down, do a shift, chat, have a cuppa. It’s good for their wellbeing. For those who can’t help at fundraisers like barbecues, this gives them a way to contribute.”
It’s this same spirit of service, inclusivity, and grassroots determination that fuels both the Op Shop and the rail trail. Together, they represent what’s possible when a small community comes together around shared values and common goals. “Whether it’s giving back through the Op Shop or pushing forward with the rail trail, it’s about making Boorowa and Galong better places to live, not just now, but for generations to come.”
– Liam Stuart
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