CELEBRATING 150 YEARS of RAIL in BENDIGO

RAIL in BENDIGO TODAY BENDIGO RAIL – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION DAY

Sunday 21 October 2012, Bendigo Railway Station Precinct. Almost 3.5 million trips were made on the Bendigo line in the past This is a free event suitable for the whole family. 150th Anniversary Vintage Celebrating 150 years: rail in financial year, testament to the rail renaissance which has seen Most activities do not require booking, for those that do, please Steam Train Day trip Bendigo and the Bendigo refer to booking details below. record-breaking train patronage across Victoria. Brass Band To celebrate the 150th New infrastructure and trains in the past five years have resulted EVENT OUTLINE Open House: historic Bendigo anniversary of the Bendigo Line, Celebrating 150 years: rail in in a reliable and economical transport solution, offering a viable Roundhouse take a day trip in the city’s own Bendigo and the Bendigo Brass Tour of historic Bendigo OF IN alternative to the car. Commuters in the ever-evolving cosmopolitan 1.30pm–3.30pm, Bendigo steam locomotive R711. This Band is an exhibition that explores RAIL Station city of Bendigo have a service which offers a two hour comfortable Roundhouse, enter via Gate 6, vintage train has been fully the long and proud history of commute to Melbourne. 10.30am, meet on Platform Two Gladstone Street restored by Steamrail Victoria and Bendigo’s rail industry and will be officially re-launched on this acknowledges the enduring Encounter the splendour and Visit the famous 1890’s engine shed V/Line services also carry many visitors each year to see Bendigo’s day. The train departs from and contribution of the Bendigo Brass BENDIGO history of the Bendigo Railway known as the ‘Bendigo Roundhouse’ world-class events and attractions, including more than 25,000 people returns to Southern Cross Station Band to the civic and social life of Station precinct on a short tour. which will be open for viewing. who travelled by train to see the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition at (Spencer Street) also picking up the city. Tours will also be available on Bendigo Art Gallery in 2012. Arrival of Bendigo’s R711 and setting down at selected demand by retired railway employees. Steam Train suburban stations. Friday 6 July – Sunday 28 The majority of Bendigo’s train services are made by the modern October 2012 11.45am (approx) Steam Train snapshots VLocity trains which can reach speeds of up to 160km/h. These peak For further information: 3.30pm–4.05pm (approx) Post Office Gallery service trains can travel from Melbourne to Bendigo in just an hour Ensure that you are ready and [email protected] 51 – 67 Pall Mall, Bendigo and 27 minutes. waiting at the Bendigo Railway Don’t miss out on the opportunity Bookings are essential as there is Open daily 9am – 5pm Station to welcome the fully to capture the fully restored R711 limited seating. (03) 5434 6179 V/Line is about connecting communities. It is thanks to the restored vintage R711 steam train vintage team train with a photo www.bendigoartgallery.com.au foresight of the Victorian railway pioneers 150 years ago that V/Line when it arrives from Melbourne. opportunity at the station. Sunday 21 October 2012 today experiences record popularity. Without existing rail infrastructure Theatrical re-enactment Departure of Bendigo’s R711 Bookings: (03) 9397 1953 or and support from the Bendigo community to build upon, V/Line [email protected] 12 noon Steam Train couldn’t deliver what it successfully does today. www.steamrail.com.au Re-live the famous events of the 4.05pm (approx) official opening of the Bendigo Farewell the R711 steam train as it Front Cover captions Railway Line in 1862 with a classic departs for its journey back to Above: Coliban Viaduct, Malmsbury, Above: Bendigo engine shed known as ‘the 1862–2012 theatrical re-enactment. This event Melbourne. c1860s, black and white photograph from Roundhouse’ with D class steam locomotive, will feature the City of Greater original negative. PROV, VPRS 12800/P1, c1890s, black and white photograph. BENDIGO HERITAGE File H2811 Courtesy of ARHS, Vic Div Inc. Archives Bendigo Brass Band, Mt Alexander 150 years of service to the community is an Below: B82 & B83 diesel locomotives at Rifles and speeches by Sir Henry TOURS Public Record Office Victoria (PROV) images are reproduced with the Bendigo Railway Station, c1970, colour impressive stint. The strength of the rail industry in Barkly, Governor of Victoria in A variety of heritage tours within permission of the Keeper of Public photograph. Courtesy of David Bernoth Bendigo, and its enduring infrastructure, is 1862, and the City Mayor. iconic buildings in the Bendigo Records, Public Record Office, Victoria, Australia. testament to the people who lived and breathed its 12.45pm Region will be available. For further development. Introduced in the early 1850s, railways information please visit quickly spread across the state of Victoria, linking Short official proceedings will www.bendigotourism.com. towns and cities, carrying passengers and freight follow the theatrical re-enactment. For more information please contact: KIDS ACTIVITIES and providing jobs and a social focus for thousands. Book launch: ‘Melbourne to BENDIGO VISITOR CENTRE Bendigo Railway 1862-2012’ Throughout the duration of the Toll free (within Australia) 1800 813 153 Photos above: Courtesy of V/Line Community Celebration Day there Email [email protected] Web www.bendigotourism.com On the 20th of October 1862, with much fanfare, 1.00pm, Victorian Railways will be a range of extra activities to the first official train arrived from Melbourne to the Institute (VRI) building ensure that children of all ages booming gold rush settlement of Bendigo (then For all those passionate about the experience a memorable day. Sandhurst). The Bendigo line, one of the most history of the Bendigo Line, make impressive railway lines in Australia, is still in full sure you book to attend the launch Above: Promotional image for the railways operation today, boasting impressive architectural and the Bendigo Goldfields; prominent mine of the Bendigo Historical Society The City of Greater Bendigo appreciates the tremendous support from the following organisations: owners and directors with new A class feats including the Taradale Viaduct and Big Hill book, ‘Melbourne to Bendigo Railway steam locomotive and Bendigo station, Tunnel. Since its establishment in Bendigo, the rail 1862-2012’. Refreshments will be c1890s, black and white photograph. industry has made a significant contribution to the provided. Bookings are essential. Courtesy of ARHS, Vic Div Inc. Archives. PROV, VPRS 12903/P1, File H1118 development and economy of the city. RSVP to BHS on (03) 5442 1005 or Railway map of Victoria (detail), 1947, [email protected]. paper, glass, wooden frame. Collection of Glenn Thomas. Photo: Ian Hill Plan of land, Wandong, Heathcote and Bendigo Railway Station Precinct, c1890s, A New Era Sandhurst Line (detail), 1888, ink on paper. black and white photograph from original Courtesy of State Library Victoria negative. Source: Museum Victoria Post Second World War saw the slow decline of the railways due largely to the increased Working the Line adoption of more cost effective road transport. Many smaller As railways stretched across country stations and branch lines the colony, multitudes of staff were systematically closed as were required for varying roles HISTORICAL OVERVIEW of part of what was known as and responsibilities involved in ‘rationalisation of the railways’. the BENDIGO RAILWAY LINE servicing the lines. Juniors started off as station porters, locomotive By the 1960s, steam locomotives cleaners and workshop apprentices, had all but been taken over by Railway construction contractor’s diesel electrics bringing about Transport Solutions – locomotive named ‘Bendigo’, c1858 – 1863, working their way up the system the end of the steam era. The Planning the Bendigo Line black and white photograph. Courtesy of to become stationmasters, drivers ARHS, Vic Div Inc. Archives, K.W. Turton Victorian Railways came to an Collection and highly skilled tradesmen. The discovery of gold in Loyalty, punctuality and dedication end in 1983 when two new Bendigo in 1851 resulted in a were demanded and therefore, organisations were established; Opening the Line huge demand for transport working on the railways was not Assistant Stationmaster hat, c1960s, the State Transport Authority, cotton, vinyl, brass badge, Collection Barry operating under the business services to transfer people and The first official train arrived just a job; it was a life. Pianta Bendigo Railway Station Precinct, c1905, gold to Melbourne and the ports. name V/Line and the Metropolitan T. J. CONNELLY, Sandhurst and 16 Franklyn in Bendigo on the 20th of October postcard. Collection of Darren Wright. Bendigo Station Street, West Melbourne, Australia 19th At first, thousands travelled from Image: Ian Hill Transit Authority. By the late 1862 carrying the Governor of century, Locomotive engine lamp, c1860 1990s, the Victorian railway Melbourne to Bendigo by foot, Victoria, Sir Henry Barkly. At the official opening on the – 1870, steel, brass, ceramic. Collection on horse-back, by bullock dray Following the official ceremonies 20th of October, 1862, there was system was entirely privatised. of Glenn Thomas. Image: Ian Hill or horse-drawn coach. In 1852, was a banquet attended by 800 no Sandhurst Railway Station. By the Melbourne, Mt Alexander & guests which was followed by a 1863, a grand station building, Murray River Railway Company grand ball. The evening was well including a platform, offices and RECENT PUBLICATIONS was formed. In 1856, the Colonial organised and a huge success the Station Master’s residence, plus Government was forced to buy until the visitors made their way a Goods Shed and small workshop out the flailing company and to the station to catch the 5:30am had been built. By 1890, an established the Victorian Railways train back to Melbourne. additional platform, and a walkway ‘Melbourne to Bendigo 1862 – 2012’ Department to complete the line. Confusion reigned as there was to connect the platforms, had been In 1858, Cornish & Bruce were not enough water for the engines. constructed, as well as a large ‘Melbourne to Bendigo 1862-2012’ is a 60 page illustrated Bendigo Railway Station staff, 1940s, black and white photograph. Image courtesy of V/Line awarded the contract to construct The train eventually made its way locomotive shed with 24 radiating publication exploring the story of rail coming to Bendigo including the line. back to Melbourne at midday. lines for turning, housing and personal anecdotes from local railway men and women; a wonderful maintaining engines. The west souvenir to celebrate 150 years of rail in Bendigo. ‘Melbourne to Freight and Goods North Bendigo Rail Bendigo 1862 – 2012’ is written and published by Bendigo Historical Building the Line wing of the station building was Bendigo Railway Station Platform One, badly damaged in a fire on Workshops Society (BHS) and is for sale through the Society and at Bendigo c1970s, black and white photograph. A large part of the rail industry Visitor Information Centre for $15. To preorder a copy of this book A feature of the Bendigo line Christmas Eve, 1965. PROV, PTCM2369 in Bendigo was the transportation of On 19 November 1917 is the number of impressive call (03) 5442 1005 and leave your name and contact details. goods. Wool, grain, fresh produce, Victorian Railways opened the tunnels, viaducts, bridges and raw materials and livestock were North Bendigo Workshops, aptly culverts designed and built to the Extending the Line ‘Celebrating 150 years: rail in Bendigo and the Bendigo just a few of the things that made located at the intersection of the best British mainline standards. Brass Band’ With no substantial engineering up regular goods traffic in and out Swan Hill, Echuca and Heathcote During construction, strikes and obstacles, the extension of the line, of Bendigo, one of the principal lines. Men at the workshop made a ‘Celebrating 150 years: rail in Bendigo and the Bendigo Brass Band’ work stoppages were frequent. from Bendigo to the Murray River receival and dispatch points in the vast array of items for use across compliments the above named exhibition currently on display at In July 1861, matters came to a at the Port of Echuca, took just two state. The Goods Sheds were a key the railway system including Bendigo Art Gallery’s satellite social history space, Post Office Gallery. head when between five to six years. Upon completion of this distribution and storage facility at everything from tools to machinery The catalogue features images of items on display and tells a short hundred men marched along the 55 mile (88 kilometre) extension, the station and were primarily parts and full locomotives. At its history of the rail industry in Bendigo and the evolution of the line from Malmsbury to Kyneton Rail enthusiast steam tour vintage train on 19 September 1864, the initial occupied by contractors responsible peak, the North Bendigo Workshops Bendigo Brass Band. The catalogue is published by Bendigo Art Gallery destroying property as they went. tickets, c1980s, cardboard. Collection of Darren Wright. Image: Ian Hill boom of state wide railway for the conveyance of goods to had over 600 employees, many who and is available for sale at the Gallery and at Bendigo Visitor development ground to a halt and it customers throughout Bendigo. began as apprentices and worked Information Centre for $9.95. would be another seven years until their way up to become skilled Bendigo Goods Shed, 1873, black and Knowsley Railway Station platform, late 1800s railway expansion was continued. tradesmen including boiler-makers, white photograph from original negative. – early 1900s, black and white photograph. By the start of the railways North Bendigo Rail Workshops, 1982, black PROV, VPRS 12800/P1, File H1802 Courtesy of ARHS, Vic Div Inc Archives 1900s and white photograph. Courtesy of Kevin upholsterers, fitters and turners, had quickly spread across the Butler and Mike Butcher blacksmiths and carpenters. Railway map of Victoria (detail), 1947, paper, glass, wooden frame. Collection of colony, linking towns and cities Glenn Thomas. Photo: Ian Hill like beads on a string.

Taradale Viaduct under construction, c1860, black and white photograph from original negative. PROV, VPRS 12800/P1, File H2959