IT WAS the event capturing the imagination of Warwick, and it was honoured at the Australia Day awards.

The Southern Downs Steam Railway received the award for the community event of the year for the re-enactment of the egging of Prime Minister Billy Hughes in 1917.

The event was staged at the station on November 18, drawing crowds from beyond Warwick, as well as relatives of egg thrower Patrick Bronson from across the country.

Upon looking back, SDSR president Peter Gregory said it will hold a special significance in the volunteer group's history.

"It came as a surprise to win the award,” Mr Gregory said.

"I was in the train with (the actor portraying) Billy Hughes, and I said to him 'have a look at this'. I had never seen so many people on the platform.

"The event went off well and was successful. All groups involved played a big part in this.”

While the award looks at the contribution of the SDSR to the WEGGI event, Mr Gregory feels it recognises the input of volunteers in many facets.

"A lot of the people who volunteer never worked on carriages before, they just did it because of the love of it,” he said.

"They spend a fair bit of time here, and are all volunteers.

"The award recognises the hard work they've put in.”

The 100-year celebrations of the WEGGI wasn't the only significant event taking place throughout the year, with train trips to Hendon and Wheatvale.

"There were about 600-700 people who rode on the train during Jumpers and Jazz,” he said.

"It was a big event for us, and we took four trips during the program.”

The group also welcomed further community involvement in 2017, with the 'Work for the Dole' program coming on board.

As for 2018, Mr Gregory said the group is looking forward to running a three-day trip to Goondiwindi, as well as another Jumpers and Jazz tilt.