Announced two years ago, the multimillion-dollar refurbishment currently includes stripping back layers of paint, the construction of new footpaths and landscaping.

The project also includes upgraded public toilets, more parking, better signage.

The project is part of the state government’s Transport Access Program.

The Wagga railway station was officially opened on September 1, 1879, after the railway line from Sydney was extended from Bomen.

The manager of Charles Sturt University’s regional archives, Wayne Doubleday, wrote in The Daily Advertiser that the government in 1879 did not organise anything to celebrate the extension of the line, so Wagga residents held their own festivities.

“A great number of flags decorated the township and the Town Band again played its part,” Mr Doubleday wrote.

“However, no officials from the government or the Railway Department were in attendance.

“Despite this, approximately 2000 people gathered at the station for the departure of the first mail train.”

In announcing the latest upgrade, member for Wagga Daryl Maguire said the upgrade would benefit not only the XPT train passengers, but also people who caught buses at the busy transport interchange.