Help Keep Our Local Railway Stations Blooming with Rail Care SA
Every day, hundreds of people begin and end their journey at one of the three railway stations within the 5049 Coastal Community. Whether they’re heading to work, school, an appointment or a day out in the city, these stations are more than just places to catch a train. They are part of the neighbourhood.
A well-maintained station with colourful gardens, healthy shrubs and trees and welcoming public spaces can brighten someone’s morning in ways we often don’t realise. It creates a sense of pride, encourages respect for the space, and reminds commuters that people in the local community care.
That’s exactly what Rail Care SA is all about.
What is Rail Care SA?
Rail Care SA is a volunteer program led by Public Transport South Australia that brings local communities together to care for railway station environments across the Adelaide metropolitan rail network.
The program supports volunteers in creating attractive, welcoming station precincts through activities such as:
- Gardening and maintaining garden beds
- Planting flowers, shrubs and native species
- Keeping weeds down
- Public art and beautification projects
- Community engagement and neighbourhood pride
No special gardening experience is required. Whether you’re an experienced green thumb or simply enjoy spending time outdoors with others, Rail Care offers an enjoyable way to contribute to your local community.
Three Stations, Three Active Volunteer Groups
The 5049 Coastal Community is fortunate to have three railway stations, each with its own active Rail Care volunteer group.
Seacliff Railway Station
Seacliff Railway Station, which straddles Wheatland Avenue, is known for its many mature plantings and established shrubs and trees. The volunteers help preserve the station’s leafy character, ensuring it remains an attractive gateway to the suburb.
Marino Railway Station
Marino Railway Station has recently received several significant upgrades, including improved lighting, a new 24-hour emergency phone and ten live security cameras covering the platform, underpass and car park.
Alongside these infrastructure improvements, the Rail Care volunteers continue to maintain the gardens and surrounding landscape, helping create a station that feels welcoming as well as safe.
Marino Rocks Railway Station
Marino Rocks Railway Station has seen many new plantings established in recent years. The gardens continue to grow and flourish thanks to the ongoing care provided by local Rail Care volunteers, adding colour and greenery to one of the most scenic sections of Adelaide’s rail network.
Small Efforts That Make a Big Difference
It’s easy to underestimate the impact of a few hours spent weeding, pruning or planting flowers.
Every tidy garden bed, freshly mulched tree and colourful display is seen by hundreds of commuters every day. Those moments of greenery can make waiting for a train just a little more pleasant. They help create stations that people respect and enjoy using.
Volunteering also offers benefits that extend beyond the gardens themselves.
Many Rail Care volunteers enjoy:
- Meeting neighbours and making new friends
- Spending time outdoors
- Gentle physical activity
- Learning about plants and gardening
- Contributing to a healthier, more attractive neighbourhood
- Taking pride in improving a shared community space
The friendships formed while working together are often just as rewarding as the gardening itself.
Looking for a Meaningful Way to Get Involved?
If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to start, Rail Care SA offers a welcoming and practical way to become involved in your local community.
To become a Rail Care volunteer, you’ll first need to register with Rail Care SA through the Adelaide Metro website. Once you’re registered, you’ll be connected with your local volunteer group and provided with the information you need to get started.
You can also keep an eye out for the Rail Care flags at Seacliff, Marino or Marino Rocks railway stations. When the volunteers are working, they’re always happy to stop for a chat, explain what they do, and answer any questions you may have about getting involved.
Whether you live in Seacliff, Kingston Park, Marino, Marino Rocks or elsewhere in the 5049 Coastal Community, there’s a volunteer group nearby that would love an extra pair of hands.
Every flower planted, every weed removed, every garden maintained and every hour volunteered helps create railway stations that reflect the pride our community has in where we live.
After all, beautiful public spaces don’t happen by accident. They grow because local people care.
Interested in joining?
Visit Rail Care SA to register and learn more about becoming a volunteer
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