An opening ceremony, paying tribute to early residents, and to launch the new “Information Bay” will be held on May 10

The old ghost town Farina will come back to life in May as volunteers work to restore the crumbling buildings and fading streets.

A group of school children outside the Farina Post Office in 1900

Once a bustling railway town complete with two hotels and a lemonade factory not far from the foot of the Flinders Ranges, the town was deserted some 40 years ago.

From Monday, May 4 to Friday, May 16 a stonemason and anyone who wants to drop in and volunteer some time will help preserve Australia’s history by stabilising buildings, creating an information bay, labelling buildings and marking out the streets.

The information bay will include historic photos and stories about the town, which once had a population of more than 300.

An opening ceremony, paying tribute to early residents, and to launch the new “Information Bay” will be held on May 10 in the morning, followed by a barbecue lunch. Opportunity exists to participate in a tag-along tour around Farina Station in the afternoon.

Visitors are welcome, but please advise of your attendance on Sunday to assist with catering.

The underground bakery is progressing towards again baking – bread, pies and pasties!

Convenor Tom Harding said the initial impetus for the project was made possible by the enthusiasm and cash donations from his Tag a Long Tour Group of May 2008 responding to Farina Station owner Kevin Dawes’ vision, and his desire to preserve the neglected history of Farina.

Mr Harding is pleased that already about 30 people have put up their hand to be involved.

Accommodation is available at the Farina Campgrounds (Camping Grounds) and nearby towns.

Farina is located about 300 kilometres north of Port Augusta, between Marree and Leigh Creek.

Farina is located almost 300 kilometres from Roxby Downs, between Marree and Leigh Creek.

Farina is located about 600 kilometres north of Adelaide, between Marree and Leigh Creek.

For more information contact Farina Station owners Kevin and Anne Dawes on 8675 7790 or farinastation@bigpond.com

Is there any information that needs to be included about food, accommodation, a ceremony/opening?