Binnaway was a railway town when trains were all the rage
The freight came in old wagons, from another age.
The Govt chose to kill the rail, move the freight on road
Now they are all chopped up, by trucks with heavy loads.
Our little town refused to die, it fought to stay alive,
Became a 'welcome stranger' town, determined to survive,
A doctor comes just once a week, Australia Post is there
A friendly store, newsagent, a girl to cut your hair.
There's two pubs for drinkers, or just to sit and yarn
'bout the history of the area, a farmers brand new barn,
The railway as it used to be, the oldies still in town
Or the making of a movie that won Australia wide renown.
The Royal Hotel was featured in the movie 'Shiralee'
Peter Finch the star, this movie you must see
Some pictures of rail engines, ancient stuff like that,
The big flood in the 50's that washed the old bridge flat.
But the most important items are still fresh and new
The local people who I know, are pleased to welcome you.
So stop and have a rest break next time you're driving past
Enjoy country hospitality, it will always last.
Author notes
this little yarn is typical of many small communities struggling to stay alive and vibrant.
In a list
Comments please
Comments
1 - 18 of 18
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After you have left home and then returned Bob do you say Binnaway but am back again...groans for you ...forgive the sense of humour...your yarn paints the old and new colours of your beloved hometown well...a poetic picture postcard...even if the only tourist attraction is a friendly face then it's a great place to visit...it sounds like there is a warm welcome despite the hardships...yes in the UK many parts have had to readjust re closing of certain industries...sometimes whole towns decimated...in particular with the closing of the coal mines in Thatcherite times...A movie you may enjoy centred around that struggle is Brassed Off...kinda going off tangent again and a rambling...
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Many thanks Yvette for your comments inncluding the humour. It is a friendly town and just gets on with living as best it can. The movie, Brassed Off was a good one, I have seen it. Different circumstances but similar in many ways. Our little town puts out a monthly newsletter thingo and this poem may be in it this month. I keep getting asked for 'something for the paper'.
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Excellent work, sounds like a nice place, I may drop in for a beer or two. A similar thing happened in Britain decades ago. Because of congestion they are talking about using the railways & even the canals to transport goods again!
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The same thing is being considered here. A train carries about 2000 tons with two people to do the job, a truck carries 40 tons with one driver. Our roads are congested and rail is now considered an economic option. Our little town may live in full bloom once again. Thanks for commenting. Its nice to find out thta other countries have similar problems.
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A great tribute to the town of Binnaway. I have never been there myself, but it sounds absolutely wonderful. That old charm of a little town that plods along while others bustle and drive you mad. Every verse was a pleasure to read and the flow was just right. I saw the movie, the Shiralee and it has always been one of my favourite movies. (next to picnic at hanging rock). A well written poem that tells a great story about a great little country town. Hopefully one day i shall have the opportunity to see it myself.
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Many thanks to you again for your wonderful comments. Both Lis and myself feel perfectly at home here, whether we are at our place or in the town itself. Should you visit just ask anyone and they will direct you to our place where you will be most welcome.
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Great imagery used as usual Bob
I too come from a tiny little town on the edge of the Mallee in Victoria. There are only about 800 people here and like so many small country towns, the drought is affecting us badly 
Thanks for sharing this delightful poem
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Hi Julie, we are lucky this year, the drought has left, for a while anyway. All the area round here is nice and green and looks a picture. Our little town has about 450 when everyone is at home and 445 of them are friendly souls and wonderful to have a yarn with.
Thank you for you great comments and I wish I could send you some rain to break the drought. There is another storm just over the hill north of us, maybe I could send that one.
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A great Aussie style poem about one of our struggling little country towns. You say to drop in next time you are passing by; would love to! So many country towns have gone under since they've built freeway bypasses, now you have to take a specified exit to see these places where once the journey through the country naturally took us on a road to discovery. (I hope that's not the case here)Binnaway sounds like a nice place to visit, you described it well...alby
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The freeway bypasses will never affect Binnaway. There are none in the near area, closest is 35k's away. It is a lovely little town with mostly old houses but all kept pretty tidy. Most essential services are on hand, but it classified as a 'disadvantaged' area. I am not sure what that means. probably that it's a five and a half hour drive to Sydney. When you stop at Binnaway remember, we are only 3Km away. I love to get your comments, friendly, supportive and chatty.
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lol. Yeah, I can chat away with ease. lol. So nice to know you like my comments. I like your poems...we make a good pair (Oh, but your taken, that's right! lol) alby
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Yes, you might say that i am taken. I can still flirt a bit and chat a lot. lol
Bob
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Very well expressed mate. btw I loved the book of The Shiralee.
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The movie version with Peter Finch was also very good. The local pub was used for the pub scenes and its the same now as when the movie was made.
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What a fabulous write! I really enjoyed learning a bit about this town! And that movie sounds like something I should watch!
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A very friendly little town with lovely people, and relatively untouched by modern society's values. That movie is good, but sad. "The Shiralee" Shiralee means a burden. many thanks for your lovely comments.
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Great pictures you painted here Bob, a small country town that stays alive by the will of the people. I hope it continues to thrive!
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We came to this district about 4years ago and although we were about 40k's away we were made welcome by Binnaway from day one. We are only 3 K's away now and are locals.
I thank you for your wishes for our little town, and your encouraging comments.
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