Helen Hobbs, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

While many locals already know how much time and care Les Millikin puts into maintaining the Serviceton Railway Station, it’s clear that visitors from across Australia — and even overseas — have noticed too.

Online reviews tell a story of a man whose quiet dedication has left a lasting impression on hundreds of travellers who’ve stopped in at the historic station.

On TripAdvisor and Google, visitors describe Les as “a lovely bloke,” “an absolute gem,” and “fascinating to listen to.”

“We stopped for a quick look and ended up staying for an hour,” one reviewer wrote. “Les, the caretaker, arrived and showed us around, filling our head with the history of the station. Such a knowledgeable, lovely man who made our visit so much more interesting.”

Another said,

“We came for the geocache and ended up with a private tour. Les knows every inch of the building and brings the place to life with his stories.”

Dozens of similar comments mention Les by name — praising his warmth, humour and encyclopaedic knowledge of the building’s past. Many say meeting him was the highlight of their trip.

As one visitor summed it up:

“What an absolute treasure — this man keeps history alive.”

Les has been caring for the Serviceton Railway Station since moving to the town in 2002. Over the past 23 years, he’s taken on everything from mowing lawns and cleaning rooms to guiding tours and answering questions about the station’s role in the early days of interstate rail travel.

Locals often see him out and about maintaining public spaces and helping neighbours, while tourists see the same generosity in action at the station.

Now, with his recent recognition as West Wimmera Shire’s Senior Citizen of the Year for 2025, it’s clear that both the community and visitors alike value the enormous contribution he’s made.

In an age where many people post reviews, it’s heartening to see so many take the time to write about a volunteer who has turned a quiet station stop into an experience to remember.

If you haven’t visited the Serviceton Railway Station lately, perhaps it’s time for another look — and a chat with the man who brings history to life.

This article appeared in Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times, 29 October 2025.
Related story: Serviceton’s Les Millikin recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year