Cockington Green Gardens would like to thank the many wonderful people involved in assisting us as a result of the unfortunate incident involving our miniature steam-train on Thursday, 28th September 2023 and also convey our thanks to the many people who have posted very kind comments about their experiences at the attraction over many years.
This has been a difficult period for everyone, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the incident.
The first responders who attended and assisted those affected, including fire brigade personnel, ambulance paramedics and police were incredible and demonstrated why the community should feel safe and secure in the presence of such professional people.
WorkSafe ACT staff who have had a difficult task in identifying the cause of the incident and issuing directives and recommendations have conducted themselves with the upmost professionalism as difficult as this has been for Cockington Green Gardens.
Cockington Green Gardens staff involved on the day also responded with great calm, care and professionalism, especially in supporting those visitors affected by the incident. The tour staff including drivers and visitors who were on the tours with some of those affected by the incident were also wonderful in providing help and care.
The Cockington Green Gardens miniature steam-train has been a highlight for visitors for more than 40 years and our objective is to now respond to directives and recommendations required to be met to deliver a safe and enjoyable experience once again.
Last year, we renamed our miniature steam-train engine, Mighty Mike, in honour of one our favourite and most-loved drivers, Mike Stynes. Sadly, Mike passed away in March 2022. Mike gave lots of joy to many thousands of visitors and we certainly want to honour his great contribution over many years by reinstating the train ride.
Finally, we have so many loyal visitors and particularly our 12-month passholders who often frequent the attraction with their young children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, etc. just to have a ride on the train. To all of you, thank-you for your great support. We certainly regret this incident and the subsequent inconvenience of the train’s ongoing absence for the time being, but the team will be working to have the train back on track as soon as possible.