NSWHRSI NEWSLETTER Issue 27

K will do

HRSI

NSWHRSI NEWS

May

2021

A 1974 view of Coolabah railway station in north western NSW on the Bourke branch line. Christopher Gillespie collection.

NSW HERITAGE RAILWAY STATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE NEWS ISSUE N.27 WELCOME to the 27th newsletter Larry Angell, JHR, TFSW, ARTC, Newsletter index of NSWHRSI. The objective of this Girilambone Shire Council, Peter newsletter is to inform, educate and Walter, Christopher Gillespie, Nathan WELCOME / MAIN NEWS 1 provide insights about the latest Markcrow, Suzie Wakefield, Dunera GRAFTON RAILWAY BRIDGE 2 updates, plans and heritage news Museum, Bob Richardson, Ladysmith Tourist Railway, Warren Travis, Warren relating to Heritage Railway Banfield, Stephen Imrie, Simon Barber, BOURKE RAILWAY STATION HISTORY 3 Stations and Infrastructure (HRSI) Rodney McDonald, Peter Watters across NSW. The news in is ON YER FEET – THE GRATE INSIGHT! 18 separated into 4 core NSW regions – Northern, Western and Southern HISTORY OF SIGNAL BOXES IN NSW – A NSW and Sydney. BREIF HISTORY 20

MAIN NEWS PANORMA VIEWS OF HERITAGE RAILWAY STATIONS 25 Phil Buckley, NSW HRSI Editor

NSW NEWS 26

Copyright © 2014 - 2021 NSWHRSI.

All photos and information remains NORTHERN NSW 27

property of NSWHRSI / Phil Buckley

unless stated to our various WESTERN NSW 34

contributors / original photographers

or donors. SOUTHERN NSW 38 Credits/Contributors this issue – Rob SYDNEY REGION 63 Williams, Trove, Glad Eldridge, Leonie Montgomery, Weston Langford YOUR SAY - HERITAGE PHOTOS 80 collection, Robert Taaffe, NSWSR, Ralph Snowball, Collywolly, SARNSW, Jess Drady, Lake Macquarie Library OTHER NEWS, LINKS AND NEXT ISSUE collection, Broken Hill Shire Council, 81 Page | 1

NSWHRSI NEWSLETTER Issue 27

GRAFTON RAILWAY BRIDGE by Rob Williams Due to the numerous river crossings the North Coast Line was built in various stages. The final stage to complete the link from Sydney to Brisbane was completed in 1932 with the bridge across the Clarence River linking South Grafton to Grafton railway stations. It’s a unique bascule type meaning it can be raised and lowered by counterweights to allow ship movements. The bridge has two levels, the top being for cars and the bottom for both pedestrians and rail. Right, Grafton bridge, Credit Grafton Rowing Club I can recall as a kid that there was a huge outcry and division of opinion in the late 1970’s that a person was employed to sit in the control room even though no ships had come through for many years. From memory it was a strong union that kept his “job” to sit there on top of the bridge waiting for that ship to one day appear. Eventually he lost his job plus the water main crosses the bridge too so it’s impossible to raise now.

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BOURKE RAILWAY STATION - HISTORY Located at the 824.830 km marker in north western NSW, is a disused and unconventional railway station design. This is the modern day relic remains of the former once operational Bourke railway station. How did such a strange design appear in northwestern NSW? HISTORY By 1877, there was significant political pressure to minimise the diversion of trade from western New South Wales to Victoria and South Australia via river trade along the Darling and Murray rivers. The town of Bourke had become the key centre for pastoralists in western New South Wales since its formation in 1861. Provision was thus made to extend the line to Dubbo, reaching Wellington in 1880 and Dubbo in 1881. At the time, Dubbo had grown into a town of strategic importance on the stock routes between northern New South Wales and the Victorian goldfields.

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March 1880 story in The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser “BOURKE RAILWAY STATION. A deputation introduced by Mr. Coonan, M.L. A. — Messrs R.Green (mayor of Bourke), W. H. Daniel (town clerk), C. Cowper (sheriff). Hinton. Fetherstonhaugh, Readford, A.Booker, and H. L. Beyers, M.L. A. — waited on the Minister with regard to the site of the terminal station of the Bourke and Dubbo Railway Extension. Mr. Coonan, M.L. A., who was principal spokesman, called the attention of the Minister to the necessity of carrying out the programme the Government had in view of extending the railway beyond Dubbo towards Bourke. The deputation were desirous of having the railway carried on with as little delay as possible, and taken close to the town of Bourke. They were already aware that the Government intended to earn the railway on through Dubbo, but as they were undecided as to where it would end, they wished to direct attention to the many reasons for bringing this terminus as near Bourke as possible. This town was of great and growing importance, and it was mainly owing to the easy access to it by conveyances, that it had increased in importance, so that the line could be easily taken there. Again owing to the importance of the place a handsome revenue would be obtained from it, were the line brought into the town. With reference to the extension to Cobar, he thought the Minister would see that by carrying the line to Cobar he would not facilitate that to Bourke while if they brought the line to Bourke, the people of Cobar would also be accommodated. The importance of Bourke was shown by the following statistics of revenue collected there. The Customs revenue from the Bourke bond in 1878 was £10,000,and in 1879 £12,000 ; 50 steamers arrived at the town annually, bringing about 200 tons each ; while from 55,000 to 60,000 wool bales of wool left the place yearly. The daily traffic was about 500 tons. The live stock trade was now all diverted to Melbourne or Adelaide, but with a railway it would be brought to this market. Cobar sent away about 2000 tons of copper a year, but that went via Orange, and was still retained in the colony, so that this trade would not be affected injuriously by the line to Bourke. About £40,000 had been expended upon the Bourke bridge, and that would be all thrown away if the railway were not brought there. The south west Queensland trade would all be caught by New South Wales with this line, and the increase of revenue would be very great. These were very strong reasons why come directly to the town of Bourke, and he knew of no sound reason that could be adduced against it. Other speakers followed in the same strain, one of them asserting that the accounts given of the late floods at Bourke were grossly overdrawn by interested persons. The highest flood that ever happened in Bourke for 20 years only extended over the river flats with a depth of about afoot. A very low embankment would remove every danger as far as the line might be concerned. Mr. Covveu pointed out that Bourke was peculiarly fitted for a terminus, as being in the very centre of a magnificent pastoral country; and that Cobar, which had also been proposed as the terminus, was a town, or rather village, solely dependent on one mine, which, though everyone ' wished it prosperity, might decline like the Peak Downs and other mines, while Bourke would certainly improve. The Cobar Copper Company, if circumstances warranted it, could construct a tramway for NSWHRSI | Issue 27 5

themselves to communicate the Bourke and Dubbo line, a line which would bring to New South Wales a vast amount of traffic now diverted to other colonies. Mr Lackey could scarcely at once give the deputation the information asked for as to the terminus, but up to the present time there was nothing to cause the Government to waver from their first intention as to the line between Dubbo and Bourke. If the railway officers said that Bourke was not a proper site for a railway terminus, the Government could not make it there, and it might be a mile or so north or south of the town. But they must have a good site, and up to the present nothing had boon settled. With reference to the observations and remarks of Mr. Coonan and others he would say that the Cobar deputation would not interfere with the purpose of the Government as to this line. They wished to secure the large traffic which was now evading New South Wales, and were pushing on the line in the Darling district. It would be at Wellington, very shortly and at Dubbo 5 or 6 months after, and he hoped that then there would be very little delay, before the first sod for the commencement of the line to Bourke was turned. The Government felt the importance of it, and he did not think the residents of Bourke need feel anxious about it. This closed the interview, and the deputation, after thanking the Minister, withdrew.” CONSTRUCTION With the expansion of the NSWGR system west of Dubbo, the coming of the iron rails finally opened up the vast inland to white settlement. As the new farmers headed west this enabled the creation of the new towns. Bourke railway station seen in the 1880s. NSWSR The north western railway line reached Narromine in 1883.The railway station was the first building in the future town. The nearby established village of Warren was provided with its own rail connection at the nearby town of Nevertire in 1882, and eventually a branch opened to Warren in 1898. Further expansion of the northwest line saw rail reach the site of Nyngan in 1883.The nearby village of Canonbar where a coach stop had been created, decided to move to the more established the town of Nyngan. As efforts by the NSW Government to serve the increasing population on the large farming properties in the north western area railway development from Nyngan towards Bourke was give priority over heading further west to present day Cobar. It was also undertaken to exert economic influence over the northern NSW and southern QLD towns. At the time, most of the trade was going down the Darling River to South Australia by paddle steamer. Beyond Nyngan, the Bourke line swept across the plains in a straight line for 116 miles (187 km), then the longest stretch of straight railway line in the world. It reached the temporary terminus of Byrock in 1884 before reaching its final destination of Bourke in 1885. The SMH August 1885 reported “THE RAILWAY TO BOURKE. The extension of the Great Western Railway to be opened on the 3rd proximo commences at Byrock, the present terminus, 455 miles 42 chains from Sydney, and ends at Bourke, 503 miles 40 chains, being a total NSWHRSI | Issue 27 6

distance of 47 miles 78 chains. This length is the second portion of contract No. 3 (Nyngan to Bourke) of the extension Dubbo to Bourke. The height of rail level at Byrock is 497 feet above high water, spring tides at Sydney, and at Bourke it is 348 feet, giving a fall of 149 feet towards the latter place. The earthworks upon this section are exceedingly light, consisting almost entirely of shallow banks, there being only 440,000 cubic yards, or about 9200 cubic yards per mile of excavation taken to embankments, of which 420,000 have been obtained from side cuttings, and the remainder from seven cuttings, which do not average more than 4 feet in depth. The whole of the line is straight, with the exception of two curves of 40 and 480 chains radii respectively, and of a total length of 71chains. The gradients number 43, and vary from 1 in 96 to 1 in 2640, a length of 33 miles 55 chains being level, or nearly so. There are no stations or platforms between Byrock and Bourke. The whole of the land passed through belongs to the Crown. In order to effectively drain the large area of flat country through which the railway passes, numerous 5 and 10 foot timber flood openings have been provided in addition to a very large number of 3-feet box drains. Several timber viaducts, consisting principally of 20 and 40 10-feet openings, have been constructed specially at the Bourke end of the line to carry off flood- waters. At Bourke, the terminus of this great trunk line, a spacious station-ground 60 acres in extent has been provided, and fully 21 miles of sidings have been laid down in order to facilitate the conduct of a vast traffic which will eventually be concentrated at this particular centre of a large pastoral district. About two miles on the Sydney side of the station, sheep and cattle races, with the requisite sidings, have boon erected in a large reserve set apart for the trucking of stock. Upon entering Bourke station-yard, at 602 miles 45 chains, there is a level crossing. The engine-shed, 157 foot by 53 feet, is a timber and galvanized iron structure, with shingle roof, built on pile foundations, and covers three lines of rail. Inside this building benches for workmen have been fitted up, and there are pits for the cleaning and repairing of locomotives. In addition to these pits two others have been placed outside, near the engine tank, each 40 feet long. At the back of the shed there is a store for tools, &c, 28 feet x 18 feet. The engine tank, 28 foot square, supported on timber framing, on brick foundations, is supplied with water pumped up from the river Darling at a distance of half- a-mile. The site of the pumping-engine-house is on a portion of a wharf reserve which has been resumed for this purpose at Wortumurtie or Eighteen-mile Point. The requisite hydrants have been fitted up, and the supply piping laid down in Richard street. The goods warehouse, also a timber and galvanized Iron structure built on piles, is 132 feet long by 28 feet wide, with two covered platforms each six feet wide running the whole length of the building back and front. There is an office outside 13 feet x 12 feet, with two uncovered platforms, one at each end of the building each 12feet x 15 feet, the total length of platform accommodation measuring 370 feet. Ample road accommodation has been given to the goods warehouse by two approaches from Anson-street, opposite Glen and Richard streets respectively. There are also very extensive sidings for loading and unloading purposes. A large coal stage constructed of timber 250 feet long by 15 feet wide has been provided with double siding accommodation, together with an engine turntable 50 feet in diameter. At Richard-street there NSWHRSI | Issue 27 7

is a level crossing and gatekeeper's cottage. This cottage is built of brick, and contains four rooms, and is situated on the Sydney side of the crossing. On the other side, and close to the passenger station, a comfortable and commodious residence for the station-master has been built of brick with galvanised iron roof, containing seven rooms, with hall, lobby, pantry, and verandah in front. The passenger station, a large and handsome building built of brick with cement facings, has verandahs to both platform and road fronts, and is 102 feet in length and 30 feet in width. The roof is of galvanised iron, with ornamental iron ridge capping. The wide covered verandahs, supported by fluted iron columns with ornamental spandrils, give a pleasing and effective look to the structure. Ample road approaches have been made from Anson-street, opposite Richard and Sturt streets respectively. The rooms are large and lofty, and consist of a general waiting-room 21 foot by 20 feet with porch 9 feet by 8 feet to road approach; ladies' waiting and ante rooms, 16 feet by 18 feet and 16 feet by 7 feet respectively, parcels, office, 16 x 26, and telegraph, ticket, station-master's and left luggage offices, all 12 feet x 16 feet. Porters' and Iamp rooms, &c., are placed at either end, being separated from the main building by yards, in which are erected sheds. The platform is 442 foot in length, the width being 20 feet in front of the building, and 15 feet at the ends, which are ramped. There are two carriage docks constructed of timber, each 60 feet long. The water supply for all these buildings is obtained from underground rainwater tanks. Messrs. Mann, Carey and Co. are the contractors for the general works upon the extension, and Mr. James Douglas is the contractor for the station buildings”. Opening of the Bourke railway station in 1885 for services to passenger and goods. Freemans Journal 1885 reported ”OPENING OF THE RAILWAY TO BOURKE. The opening of the railway to Bourke by the Governor took place on Thursday under the most favourable circumstances. Trains from the metropolis, containing his Excellency the Governor ;the Hon. F. A. Wright, Minister for Works; the Hon. E. Barton, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, many members of Parliament; Mr. Play fair, Mayor of Sydney, and several aldermen, arrived together, five trains in all coming from Sydney. Right, Bourke railway station, 1885.Credit State Library of NSW It was 2 o'clock when they drew up at the platform. A vast crowd for that part of the country was congregated on the platform and in its vicinity, and music and cheers filled the air. Along the platform, and in front of the more representative portion of the community, stood 200 school children. In their hands were tiny flags which they waved glee .The beauty of the scene was increased by an immense triumphal arch composed of evergreens, and containing a representation of the Royal arms with the words ' “Welcome to Bourke” and “Progress and Prosperity”. The weather was fine. The town is, of course, in fact, the number of visitors from Sydney and outlying districts being variously estimated at between 2000 and 3000. Altogether, 5000 persons are there, and hotel accommodation is of course at a premium, all the available beds and sleeping space having been allotted days ago. Flags of all nations were visible at different parts of the NSWHRSI | Issue 27 8

town, and banners and bannerets floated gaily in the breeze. The demonstration may be regarded as a great success in every respect. The town of Bourke may be congratulated on the complete ness of its welcome. The opening of a railway in any country district generally marks the commencement of a new era in its, history and such is the fact in the case of this township, although it is doubtful whether, while droughts continue, the advantages of the line will be fully utilized. One of the important advantages which the good people of Bourke will reap from the railway will be a reduction in the cost of the carriage of goods to and from the metropolis, and no doubt the line will be thoroughly appreciated in the future. As the train conveying his Excellency the Governor, Minister for, Works, Speaker of the Assembly, Hon. W. H. Suttor, Mr. H. A. Unwin, and Mr. A. C. Budge approached the station, the hundreds of navvies whose hands had constructed the railway gave vent to their feeling of joy in ringing cheers”. “Their demonstration of applause and congratulation was almost instantly renewed by the thousands who were massed around the station. The Governor, in performing; the opening ceremony, said: 'Mr. Wright, Mr. Mayor and Gentlemen, — During my term of office here as her Majesty's representative, I have had the good fortune and privilege to participate in the inauguration of three of the most important events which have taken place in this colony. I opened the first great International Exhibition held in the southern hemisphere — (cheers) ;?— I was present at the great gathering at Albury, when the last rivet was forged in the iron road which binds together in fraternal friendship the two premier colonies of Australia— (applause) ; — in 1882 I had' the happiness of opening the railway extension to Hay, which placed the Murrumbidgee in direct communication with the metropolis — (cheers) ; — and now, at the approaching close of my official duties here, I have the happiness to crown the edifice by opening the important extension to Bourke — (loud cheers) — thereby completing the long sought for and much desired union of the east and west. (Hear, hear.) The benefits which must result therefrom are too numerous for me to particularise. I will therefore conclude by declaring the Great Western line of railway opened for traffic to Bourke.' (' Hurrah,' and prolonged cheers.). A banquet was held in the evening in the engine shed near the terminus, at which about 200 ladies and gentlemen sat down “. 1890 heavy rains and flooding saw the region around Bourke heavily impacted and the railway station become an island of dry land. Right The station in flood 1890. State Library of New South Wales Expansion of rail infrastructure in the yard during 1890 included new features like a loading bank, a small coal stage, locomotive depot and in 1891 a drivers' barracks were added.

Daily Telegraph September 1929 reported ” BIG WOOL FIRE AT BOURKE Destruction at Railway Station BOURKE, Friday. — A. fire, which broke out in the railway station here to-night destroyed 120 bales of wool from Toorale and Jandra stations. The wool was valued at £3000, and was waiting for transit to Sydney. The bales were still smouldering at a late hour, and were endangering other bales.” NSWHRSI | Issue 27 9

These 3 photos below come via Glad Eldridge, who used to work at Nyngan railway station, and Leonie Montgomery who produced the excellent 2 books on the Nyngan to Bourke and Cobar rail histories. Left Mark Allen 1954 view and right, 1950s view uncredited

A 1950s view from the ARHS collection

Western Herald story September 1959, Station needing a update,– “Condition of Bourke Railway Station. The Hon. J. B. Renshaw,M.L.A., Minister for Local Government and Highways, has received the following letter from Mr. P.D. Hills, Acting Minister for Transport :—"I am writing with further reference to your personal representations on behalf of the Darling Shire Council regarding the condition of the station buildings at Bourke Railway Station. The Commissioner, for Railways informs me that quotations are being obtained for the painting of the station buildings and Station Master's cottage at Bourke. The matter will have consideration when this information is received and a further communication will be forwarded to you as early as possible. The Commissioner regrets that funds are not available for sewerage connection."

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FIRE DESTROYS BOURKE STATION In late February 1965 the Bourke railway station building's southern wing was destroyed by a fire. The fire started in the parcel office room and spread westerly through the building. Water was directed from a small verandah into the ceiling and flooring. The main damage was in the parcels office which was well stacked with merchandise carried on the train. Lingering remains - 1967 Western Herald April 1967 reported “ Railways Commissioner for Bourke Railway Station Mr. Neil McCusker, Commissioner for N.S.W. Railways, displayed a sketch plan of the new Bourke Railway Station while on a short visit of inspection to Bourke on Wednesday morning. The plan provides for the demolition of all the old buildings except for the gabled roofed rooms at the extreme East and West. These will be renovated and act as historical exhibits. New buildings will be constructed between these. The Commissioner informed our representative that tenders would be called for the new building within the next two weeks. The Shire Council was represented by cilrs. Jones,Whitbread and Williams; the Shire Clerk, Mr. R.Reynolds; Engineer, Mr. R.McKellar; and Health Inspector, Mr. J. Latham. Matters placed before Mr.McCusker included the provision of more refrigerated units on the train west of Dubbo; assisting in the beautification of the area, where steps and lawns are envisaged; better control and - more trains when school children travel home and back to school at holiday periods; and a request for a section to be set aside in - carriages for nursing mothers. The Commissioner will look into and report on all these matters. He felt sure a further refrigerated unit would be made available.”

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September 1967, Western Herald

REBUILD Western Herald March 1968 $75,000 Railway Station For Bourke “Work commenced this week on the demolition of old buildings and the construction of a new Railway Station for Bourke. The new building, estimated to cost $75,000, will be of steel framed brick construction with a flat roof. It will be air-conditioned by an evaporative air cooling system. Bourke Railway Station Master, Mr. W.Chadban,in announcing details of the new buildings, said that the new Station Building had been designed by Railway Department Architects and would be constructed under supervision of the department's Divisional Engineer from Dubbo. Mr. Chadban said that tenders had been invited locally and from other parts of the State. It had been won by Mr. C. F. Bennell. Mr. Bennell has only recently completed construction of Stage Two of the Bourke Intermediate High School and his work is well known to residents of Bourke. A spokesman for the contractors said that local labour would be used whenever and wherever possible. A beautification scheme embracing a park, new entrance and a driveway with sealed approaches is included in the overall plan. The height of the platform will be raised 10 inches on the completion of the new Station building. Mr. Chadban said that the Bourke Station was the first new one to be constructed in the West of the State since Broken Hill was completed in the early 1960's.It is expected that the building portion NSWHRSI | Issue 27 12

of the overall development of the Bourke Railway Station will be completed in six months. .The new Station will replace the existing one which was built in 1885, the year the Railway first came to Bourke. This old building was partly destroyed by fire in 1965”. The burnt building was replaced in 1968, becoming the first station building in New South Wales to be air conditioned. The station and yard was one of NSW more isolated railway precincts. The 1960s new build station designs in NSW saw the window panels high up near the roof line in minor stations too like Edgeroi etc. Western Herald, 1968. Photograph shows completed Bourke railway station building. It is described as the most modern Railway Station building in country N.S.W.

SERVICES A variety of passenger and goods services operated along the line from Nyngan to Bourke. In July 1891 a train conveying 350 non union shearers arrived at Bourke and created chaos in the town as union workers tried to ensure the non union workers didn't get off the train. The north west land of NSW was suitable for farming and this output produced livestock for sales which meant these animals needed to be mainly moved to the city. One of the recurring themes in the Western Land Board Reports was the need for improved transport facilities in the Western Division.” Right Bourke seen in 1949, SLNSW NSWHRSI | Issue 27 13

“This problem was mentioned in 1903 and repeated in 1908: The construction of railways in the Western Division has been consistently advocated by us for the last six years...with sufficient facilities for the removal of stock--fat or otherwise--the safe carrying capacity of the vast areas of leased lands...will be greatly increased, while at the same time the serious deterioration of the country that must of necessity be taking place under existing conditions will be prevented”. Right, Bourke railway station 1952, Jeff Carter In the 1950s 620 sets started to operate on the North West line and ran from Dubbo to Bourke. The railmotors hauled a special lightweight trailer, a TP parcel van for goods/luggage needs. The NSWSGR provided additional passenger services between Dubbo and Cobar, Coonamble and Nyngan to Bourke with the 600 class non air conditioned fleet. THE 900 SERIES DEB RAILMOTORS ARRIVE From December 1957 until September 1975, Bourke was served by the Far West Express, which connected with the Western Mail from Sydney Central at Dubbo. The Far West Express was a 3 DEB 900 series air- conditioned carriage passenger train operated by the New South Wales Government Railways radiating out from Dubbo to Bourke, Cobar and Coonamble. They were introduced between 1951 and 1959 with total of 36 cars / 9 trains constructed at the Chullora Workshops, Sydney. They were an improvement on the 620s railmotors and they were of lightweight mostly aluminum construction. Left, January 1963 Cobar For West Express DEB, right Bourke Down Far West Express DEB (Weston Langford collection)

The construction techniques were developed from manufacturing Beaufort bombers during WW2. The end power cars weighed in at around 32-35 tonnes and. The end cars were powered and were semi-streamlined at one end. The centre car or cars were trailers at about 30 tonnes. The DEB 900s seating (generally the same as today's long distance modern train fleet) was somewhat luxurious in first class with a 2+2 with special NSWHRSI | Issue 27 14

rotating and reclining features. In 2nd class standard 2+2 NSWGR rollover were utilized. In each set a trailer car in the middle would have a galley section which would provide a staff compartment for the service of meals to passengers at their seats. The DEBs could do Bourke to Dubbo in around 5 hours on what was considered to be a very rough track. The timetables saw the 900 set kept busy in north west NSW and ran from Dubbo to Bourke on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and up to Coonamble on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Cobar was serviced only on Thursdays and was turned around the same day and scheduled to go back to Dubbo to provide connection with the Mails in the evenings. DEB sets connected in the mornings at Dubbo station with the overnight Western Mail from Sydney.

A rare colour January 1963 view of Byrock station with a service heading to Bourke 1963. (Weston Langford collection)

Weekly Goods services ran along the line to the towns and locations. CLOSURE Passenger trains to Bourke ceased on 20 September 1975 when the Far West Express was withdrawn by the Public Transport Commission and was substituted with buses / road coaches. The last freight train to Bourke ran in 1989. A massive wall of flood water 14km wide in April 1990 at Nyngan, saw the Bourke railway line embankment north of Nyngan blown by the Australian Army in order to save the town of Nyngan, removing the rail connection forever. In 2018, NSW TrainLink began trialling a day return coach service from Bourke to Dubbo, as well as from Brewarrina to Dubbo. The service, running on Wednesday and Thursday, travels to Dubbo in the morning and returns in the evening. In 2021, NSW TrainLink coach service runs from Bourke to Dubbo where it connects people to the Central West Express train which operates to Central. Sadly public railway services still cease at Dubbo as there appears to be little appreciation that some city and country voters in towns west of Dubbo need train services.

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Phil Buckley photos 2019 of the unused and decaying Bourke station NSWHRSI | Issue 27 16

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The Bourke Railway Precinct in 2021 is curiously listed on the NSW State agency Heritage S.170 register as an important structure as it demonstrates the creative achievement of being the first NSW railway station to be air conditioned. The property belongs to the Country Regional Network (CRN), which is owned by Transport for NSW and in early 2021 is operated by John Holland Rail. ______ON YER FEET – THE GRATE INSIGHT! Everyday people walk to railway stations, then go to either stand on a platform or wait in waiting rooms, use the toilet and staff use their office or operations rooms. NSW railway station in the late 1800s started having foot scrapers to remove dirt and gravel from shoes before people entered the rooms. Many stations still have these in place. With demolished stations the only clue to where the rooms were might be the foot scrapers. They are cast iron with a section of longitudinal metal scrapers separated by around 5mm and there are generally 12 rows in each scraper. Below is a scraper repainted at Gundagai railway station by Phil in September 2014 using paints donated by Dulux Paints Australia. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 19

Stockinbingal railway station in n2011 before vandalism and termite damage took over.

Below are examples of foot scrapper at Exeter, Ladysmith and Wingello railway stations.

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HISTORY OF SIGNAL BOXES IN NSW – A BREIF HISTORY RAIL DEVELOPMENT With the development of rail in NSW from 1850s, a system to control the trains was needed to ensure separation, safety and scheduling was kept to. Whitton’s arrival in 1856 would see expansion of the NSW rail network but minimal focus on safety and signaling. Rail operations were initially deemed safe as they would run to the timetable and the need for safety was not highly regarded as an important aspect for overall on time running. At Penrith an accident took place which caused the Commissioners to have to take note of safety and which would be met with such technologies like the interlocking systems. Note the Type classification was devised by Bob Taaffe as there was no consistent official classifications. THE EARLY YEARS Initially the railway line from Sydney CBD to Granville was mostly single line until duplication was undertaken in 1857 and then quadrupled by 1869 as traffic grew. A series of first generation signal boxes Type B signal huts were constructed at Redfern, Parramatta and around Newcastle. Also found in Sydney yard early were small buildings called Pointsman Shelters which housed a staff member who would move the points in the yard. Near misses and accidents caused the Commissioners had to find ways to ensure the public’s safety. New technology such as interlocking mechanisms were proposed to the NSW Government. This led to further signal box developments between 1881-1910 until more technically advanced, larger capacity boxes being constructed. Right, Knapsack signal box, Blue Mountains and below its diagram map. NSWSR

1878 was a watershed year as an accident at Emu Plains finally convinced all that the need for safety and interlocking via signal frames and boxes was needed. What happened was new processes like staff and ticket on single line operations was expanded and double block telegraph instruments were installed for double lines. These system made sure there was separation between trains. The next big leap forward for NSW was the 1879 Garden Palace Exhibition where rail safety technologies were on display and caught the attention of the NSW Government rail staff. McKenzie and Holland business were able to get sales of their interlocking machines. The first interlocking machine was located at Burwood in 1881. The buildings that covered interlocking machines were called signal boxes and appeared from about 1883 along the Main Suburban line and at NSWHRSI | Issue 27 21

junctions or level crossings to help control traffic. The 1880s-1890s saw development undertaken of large signal boxes on main lines in Sydney and on lines heading north west and south out of Sydney. The first style was a Type D which appeared at Petersham in 1883. This was the beginning of a series of big signal boxes across Sydney and NSW. More designs were developed one which became a standardized style the Type E. This was improved D model and examples were installed at Albury in 1887 and Teleraba Type E in 1899. As signal boxes were developed slight improvements on each design saw different classifications with sub variants like Types D0, D1, D2 etc. Right, Fernleigh loop signal box. Credit Western Langford DESIGN FEATURES OF ELAVATED SIGNAL BOXES Early signal boxes were built from built in timber, then brick, a mix of timber and brick. By the mid 1910s pre cast concrete would become a new material along with fibro started to be used on signal boxes as cladding. For signal boxes that needed some height above ground the designs comprised of a few different aspects - doorways to the entry to the pit to house the interlocking mechanisms, stairs to above this area lead to the operating room with the staff area housing the mechanisms arms to pull over, space to do paperwork to manage the levers/personal needs and windows to look out on to the track area. Top of the signal boxes had awnings, roofs and for many a name board. After the 1910s relay rooms were also added downstairs to house the systems to relay the signal via wires, transformers and batteries etc.

Right, Adamstown former E model signal box 1899. Ralph Snowball Collection Ground level signal boxes generally had an entry door and some windows for line of sight operations on the track. By the early 1900s traffic was becoming busier and with the opening of Central further signal boxes were needed for the inner city region. Outer suburbs like Hornby, Penrith, Campbelltown all had signal boxes too. With more technology appearing in the 1910s to 1950s, elevated and ground level signal boxes shrunk in size and manpower needed. Right, Hurstville signal box 1926. Credit NSW records The Type M boxes introduced pre cast concrete and fibro designs across the network. Examples built in Sydney included Type I, M, O and S boxes. Some brick elevated power boxes were built at Blacktown, Clyde, NSWHRSI | Issue 27 22

Granville and Auburn. These designs represented the last of the conventional, elevated signal boxes built using the traditional design with an upper level where the interlocking frame was operated with a bottom level relay room. With changes to the signaling operations in the late 1990s these types of boxes were redundant and some like Blacktown saw conversion to offices for communications and control systems consultants. Left, Auburn signal box, 2018. Collywolly collection/Wikipedia, right, a rare view of 2 generations of signal boxes at Wickham.

Below is a 1940s view of the Newcastle signal box. Credit State Archives and Records NSW.

By the 1960s few signal boxes were needed to be created but some were and these very different to the original 1800s era types. By the 1970-2000 era, signaling had transformed due to the introduction of CTC operations. This meant most signal boxes closed down with only a handful left in uses. Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs once had a few signal boxes, as seen by this view of the line to Darling Harbour from Central, with the Ultimo signal box. It shows an early 1980s view of a goods train heading to Central. Nowadays this former inner city goods line is instead an inner city walkway. The signal box sadly was burnt down in early 2000s. See the view at https://maas.museum/app/uploads/sites/7/2015/09/00220869.jpg

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Teralba signal box and sadly in right view being demolished 1980s. Credit Lake Macquarie Library collection

All the modern era 2021 signalling is most carried out from a few select CTC boxes in Newcastle, Sydney and Cootamundra under ARTC. In 2021 a number of signal boxes remain in NSW namely as heritage icons, while a small number remain operational. PRESERVED SIGNAL BOXES Signal boxes preserved and reused include Newcastle now a café - https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6524971/landmark-heritage-restaurant-the-signal-box-opens-in- newcastle-east/. The preservation of Chatswood’s former box - https://degnan.com.au/chatswood-signal- box/ and seen below 2016 view by Phil Buckley.

Formerly operational but now preserved Petersham and Tarana signal box by Phil Buckley.

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Robert Taaffe has written 4 excellent books on signal boxes in NSW. The history of NSW railway and tramway signal boxes based on many decades of research.• Approximately 2000 pages over 4 volumes. • More than 1400 signal boxes detailed. • More than 1600 photos - many in colour, the majority never seen in print before. • Maps. • Thematic history of NSW railways & tramways and the context in which signal boxes were constructed. • Analysis of each design type. • The designers. • Materials, fittings and various design elements. • A brief history of interlocking machine types used in NSW - first time ever. • Brief review of interstate signal box types. • Scale drawings by Greg Edwards. This series of books were published in 2019 and 2020 with only limited copies produced. Some volumes have sold out but some can be brought direct (Volume 3 and 4 together) from Robert via email at [email protected] or maybe try at the ARHS or other second hand bookshops around Australia bookshops for individual volumes if still in stock.

Some views below of the photos in the above books, showing Bobs own photos and his extensive photo collection. Left, Rare 1980s view of the former Thornleigh station signal box, right, rare view of the former Epping signal box.

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Left, Boronia signal box, right, Lake Cargelligo signal box.

PANORMA VIEWS OF HERITAGE RAILWAY STATIONS Over the last few months NSWHRSI has done some panorama photos of some NSW heritage railway stations. A few are presented below. Hornsby

Central

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Temora

Circular Quay and Sefton

Croydon

______NSW NEWS NSWHRSI IN THE NEWS - ADVOCATING FOR RAIL HERITAGE AND MORE PASSENGER SERVICES TO COUNTRY NSW ALONG WITH SAVING LIVES BY REDUCING ROAD TRAFFIC On March 27 2021, from 715am to 728am Phil was interviewed by the ABC News radio in Central West NSW, which took interest in his rail heritage volunteer and media works. This discussion was focused on * his rail heritage volunteer work over the years which has included or still does assorted rail projects across NSW from Merriwa, Glenreagh, Nimmitabel to Bombala and out to Girilambone, * how railway heritage restoration works maintain country town's heritage, * how reopening closed up heritage railway stations has benefits for towns in that they can bring in important daily passengers and heritage tourism for the regions. * decaying, needing repairs or unrestored stations were mentioned at Cumnock, Newbridge, Clandulla as key central west NSW examples where the action is needed or is being undertaken via grants like at Molong and Girilambone. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 27

* mention was made of the strong resistance, and sometimes rude treatment towards people as was given to Phil recently at Andrew Constance MP office, by a largely Sydney centric government to not allow country NSW towns the chance to reuse country heritage railway stations. Places like Newbridge, Stockinbingal ....aren't able to be reused or restored easily.....thus this limits the economic benefits of supporting important small businesses in country towns. * tourism spending does help towns and that flow into regional NSW with a restored heritage railway station in use/operation/museum can be proven like places at Gundagai, Werris Creek, etc. It is hoped the extensive on air live discussion this morning will see more country western NSW locals take up the local debate with their council, MPs and get more rail heritage action going. Interestingly, within minutes of the interview ending, a high powered Central west NSW businessman phone Phil directly to discuss how Central west NSW was not progressing under the LNP - Liberal National Party via their minimal efforts and how the people had to vote in Independents politicians as the key to getting heritage stations reopened and more local jobs happening. The high powered businessman told Phil that the NSW Nationals are desperately trying to unseat the Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party from the Central West and regional NSW. The ever so growing voter turn away from NSW Nationals he thought may see the National Party extinct within a few years, as they can’t advocate successfully for NSW regional voters, something Phil and many others can see in NSW, as there are so many unrestored and refused to reopen heritage railway stations. The ongoing policy to limit community and local access to reuse/restore heritage stations has to change and this debate today maybe is a starting point. NSWHRSI kindly thanks the ABC Central West team - Michaela, Lauren and others for their time and the wonderful opportunity to reach out to a large audience across western NSW to get the rail heritage tourism message out further. It is hoped this media opportunity will get people talking and funds flowing - instead of constantly putting up barriers and can’t happen speeches - into regional NSW stations for passenger and tourism needs. ______NORTHERN NSW NEWS BROADMEADOW RAILWAY DEPOT The future of the Broadmeadow depot is still uncertain despite efforts by local community groups pushing to have their suggestions heard, it seems likely the rail heritage of the site will be dismantled. See more at https://www.newcastleherald.com.au/story/6898113/renewed-push-to-bring-broadmeadow-railway-land- back-to-life/ BYRON BAY RAILWAY PRECINCT In March 2021 Byron Shire Council announced…….. it would work to restore the rail corridor in the Byron Bay CBD. Byron Mayor Simon Richardson said that the revitalisation works will reuse and open up the area from Lawson Street to the new bus interchange. It will involve the Railway Park, the Byron Bus interchange, the Byron Bay bypass, Visitor Information Centre and the two car parks in the vicinity. These works will help improve local and tourism pedestrian and cycling links and are the result of planning and intense discussions with the local community to form a Byron Bay Town Centre Masterplan NSWHRSI | Issue 27 28

The works will see the restoration of the heritage features of the station area and help to understand the importance of the rail history of Byron Bay. A very important part of the works is the Byron Bay shire council determination to retain the railway line in the station precinct areas. The Editor feels that the expected outlay on these works of an eye watering $40 million could easily reopen large sections of the closed down railway line to the north and south of Byron Bay. If such works to reopen the line do ever go ahead this would improve local access and reduce massive 4-7km long road traffic jams in Byron Bay. The Byron Bay Shire Council railway precinct works are expected to run from March to June 2021. A letter to editor of Echo newspaper in March 2021 - https://www.echo.net.au/2021/03/rail-destruction/ discussed the heritage impacts on the rail site. CASINO RAILWAY STATION Plans to improve the station has seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Casino railway station. As part of the planning process, initial investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Casino railway station fully accessible. Works will be finished by 2022.

CASINO TO MURWILLUMBAH BRANCH LINE The rail line closure and trail launch amendment passed though NSW Parliament in October 2020 and will mean that there is likely to be no more north east coast NSW railway line except for the 3km track left around the Byron Bay section. The entire NE coast will be as it was nearly 100years ago…isolated from Sydney except by car. Lismore has a population of around 28,400 and has no rail access. The majority of the NE rail line from Casino to Murwillumbah in NSW is now closed down, despite the ongoing heavy road congestion and the horror of future road deaths and injuries. Byron Bay council is pushing ahead to keep rail in its area. During January 2021 the initial contract works to begin the controversial rail trail were commenced – see more at https://www.echo.net.au/2021/01/works-begin-on-northern-rivers-rail- trail/?fbclid=IwAR1PaKOr3mla5Rcyc6RbgQ18qzVjgVQuuw2CkH9fa-l5Vy_LM3ATuNj-uNI . Community consultation by Councils has been taking place around the region to discuss dual trail and rail uses but the Tweed Heads Shire Council wants a rail trail.

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DEEPWATER RAILWAY BRIDGE In March to April 2021 the redundant Deepwater railway bridge was demolished due to “safety reasons”. Works were expected to have taken place over 20 days. The bridge was demolished to increase safety of road users and people walking under the bridge. A view of the bridge as it was in 2012 – https://www.flickr.com/photos/25245971@N08/8919241211/. Earlier plan to demolish the bridge in mid 2018 were put on hold as seen in this story - https://www.gleninnesexaminer.com.au/story/5463982/work-on- deepwater-river-railway-bridge-postponed/ GLENREAGH RAILWAY STATION 2021 is the 4th year since a community plan was launched for a lease of the Glenreagh station and yard. Since that time ARTC has not agreed to such a lease. An interesting development then took place in January 2021 with the railway station committee stating they have hopes of soon being able to confirm that the Glenreagh railway station is being put back on the Section 170 Heritage and Conservation Register. This means ARTC has to acknowledge the historical retention and preservation of the station building and yard. ARTC was approached in late March 2021 by NSWHRSI to confirm why the station site is still not maintained. ARTC states to NSWHRSI that they have strict lease arrangements in place with the New South Wales Government for all the disused stations under their control…..which equals no indication of planned restoration work or assistance by ARTC to the local group. Minimal works covering the use of plywood over doorways and windows along with props to hold up the roof awning on the main line side is not considered by many to be signs of extensive restoration works. GRAFTON DEPOT TURNTABLE In February 2021, the restored former Grafton railway depot turntable went on public display. See more at https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1996618923808562&id=100003814207783 GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY LINE The Great Northern Rail line, north of Armidale, is perhaps next on the chopping block of the Sydney based Parliament/Politicians as threats are heard that the line might be closed down for a rail trail. This could be achieved by the very anti country rail based public transport NSW state government. It seems rail trails advocates have been pushing hard for their latest walking track. See more at https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6946727/new-england-rail-line-could-close-by-2021-rail-trail- group-claims/?fbclid=IwAR1_DmnxAGef-34cGDWZJgh8HaTv3U6HKIc-MrghLljIoHwnPaAFvrqKnfI How many bike /walking tracks do the rail trailers need in NSW when we already have a large number of national parks, city and country towns with such facilities for their needs? The cost of rail trails will be borne by all NSW taxpayers but mostly by local residents who live near trails and are affected by the potential for rubbish/pollution and its associated costs left by riders and walkers and sadly the eventual vandalism rail trails bring to the untouched country NSW regions. In March 2021 a rail trail news story appeared about plans to seek the Great Northern Line to be converted to a rail trail operation. See story at https://www.prime7.com.au/news/7462928-rail-trail

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GUNNEDAH RAILWAY STATION Plans to improve the station have seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Gunnedah railway station. As part of the planning process, initial investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Gunnedah railway station fully accessible. The upgrades will provide access to people with a disability, limited mobility, and parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Main changes will see construction of a paved forecourt area around the station building entry, upgraded access ramp from the platform to the waiting room, two kiss and ride spaces and two new accessible car spaces, formalised coach parking, modifications to the waiting room and ticket counter, improved amenities including ambulant toilets, tactile indicators along the platform, improvements to wayfinding and lighting. Works are expected to complete in early 2022. HAWKESBURY RIVER RAILWAY STATION Accessibility upgrade construction has been finalised by early 2021 at Hawkesbury River railway station.

MERRIWA RAILWAY STATION This year, after 12 years of issues around platform safety, it seems that repairs are finally to happen to ensure that the entire platform wall and edge is safe. Trent Pegler as MRS President has managed to achieve the funding breakthrough. Trent advises people that "access to Merriwa Railway Station will be limited starting from Friday 16 April 2021 until 30 June 2021. This will allow for maintenance, including weed spraying, to be carried out. Once work starts on the platform, The Station area will be fenced off while repairs take place"Trent advises people that "After many years seeking help from Upper Hunter Shire Council, and the now former State member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, with no success, funding has been provided by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW), with the assistance and management of John Holland Rail (JHR) and their staff, to carry out comprehensive repairs to the Platform at Merriwa Railway Station. JHR have engaged Morestone Group based in Bathurst to carry out the work including: • Removal and replacement of existing barge wall and upright supports • A new gravel surface along the entire length of the Platform Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the financial year". NSWHRSI | Issue 27 31

Trent tells people that "access to Merriwa Railway Station will be limited starting from Friday 16 April 2021 until 30 June 2021. This will allow for maintenance, including weed spraying, to be carried out. Once work starts on the platform, The Station area will be fenced off while repairs take place". It's estimated based on past rebuilds that Merriwa will cost around $150,000 to $300,000 for the rebuild. Photos Phil Buckley collection from 2009 to 2018 showing decay and serious risks associated with the platform wall.

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MOREE RAILWAY STATION Plans to improve the station have seen planning commenced for an accessibility upgrade at Moree railway station. As part of the planning process, initial investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Moree railway station fully accessible. Main improvements will see upgrades to existing footpaths and ramps around the station precinct, relocate existing accessible car space and taxi zone to be closer to the station entry, a formalised bus stop at the station entrance, modifications to the waiting room, improved amenities including ambulant toilets, a new boarding zone on the platform, upgrade to the pedestrian level crossing, tactile indicators along the platform, improvements to wayfinding and lighting. Works expect to be complete in late 2021. MURWILLUMBAH RAILWAY STATION In a planned move in March 2021, a bicycle shop moved into the now closed down railway station. It is curious why a bike show made it into the station despite community groups claiming they tried but were refused access to a lease over the past decade. A rail trail is maybe to replace the former railway line towards Crabbs Creek in the next few years. NARRABRI RAILWAY STATION Plans to improve the station has seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Narrabri railway station. As part of the planning process, initial investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Narrabri railway station fully accessible. Inland rail works will see the line north of Narrabri to Moree cut off from 1 April to 31 October 2021. Inland Rail intended to close from Penney’s Road, Bellata to Moree. In 2022 similar track possession will take from Penney’s Road south in 2022. This will mean bus coaches will be required to transfer Explorer rail passengers between Narrabri and Moree to link with the existing passenger rail services. NEWCASTLE RAILWAY STATION In March 2021 new tenants moved into the former railway station buildings. A grand opening of Easel Art Space was undertaken which was to showcase a pop-up exhibition showcasing works from assorted local artists. The branch line section from Wickham to the Newcastle station was closed by NSW Liberal Premier Mike Baird in December 2014. He said the line would never be built.

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OURIMBAH RAILWAY STATION Construction is underway on an accessibility upgrade at Ourimbah Station to improve the station. As part of the process upgrades will make Ourimbah railway station fully accessible. The Ourimbah Station upgrade will provide a station precinct that is accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Main benefits include two new lifts connecting the existing footbridge to the platforms, a new station entrance from the Pacific Highway, a new access ramp from the Shirley Street commuter car park to Platform 1, minor changes to existing waiting rooms to provide equitable access and platform resurfacing, improved amenities, lighting and CCTV for security and safety. Works are expected to be completed in 2022. SCONE RAILWAY STATION April 17 2021 was Scone railway station’s 150th with some great news being publicly released on the reactivation / opening up of the station hopefully in the long term for heritage viewing and local reuse if a lease is possible under TFNSW discussions. See more at https://scone.com.au/scone-railway-station-150-years/

TAREE RAILWAY STATION Plans to improve the station have seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Taree railway station. Key benefits to include a new ramp to the platform, upgrades to footpaths and walkways between the platform and car park, upgrade the two existing accessible car spaces, modifications to the waiting room and ticket counter, improved amenities including ambulant toilets, tactile indicators along the platform, improvements to lighting to increase safety and security. Works to be to be complete in early 2022. WEST TAMWORTH RAILWAY STATION In early 2021 Tamworth Regional Council was reviewing its heritage assets and the planned review was extended to possibly reusing the closed down West Tamworth railway station along with the former station master's house. The historic railway station was saved by Council from a looming JHR/TFNSW demolition request in 2018 – a reminder of this issue can be seen here https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/5310391/making- railroads-to-save-historic-west-tamworth-train-station/. ______

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WESTERN NSW NEWS BATHURST RAILWAY STATION In early 2021 the station is undergoing restoration repairs to the main building. NSWHRSI understands that the works, under the Sydney Trains Major Periodical Maintenance Program and Annual Works Program are expected to be completed in mid 2021.The works are set to include external sandstone restoration and removing and replacing all chimneys. See more at https://www.westernadvocate.com.au/story/7091199/restoratio n-at-bathurst-railway-station- underway/?cs=115&fbclid=IwAR3hJP8FRKiUybAOmzp_G32D45Yw2RSc41LjOOR_Mvlx8kDFFOhYSz4-xAw BLACKHEATH RAILWAY STATION Planning is underway for an accessibility upgrade at Blackheath railway station with planning examining identification of what upgrades will be required to make the station fully accessible.

BLAYNEY TO DEMONDRILLE BRANCH LINE A news report in January 2021 spoke of the NSW Government providing funds for yet another study on reopening the Blayney to Demondrille railway branch line. See more at https://www.youngwitness.com.au/story/7091758/high-level-design-to-determine-whether-rail-line-is- reactivated/?fbclid=IwAR29xLVKDYgq7XicZa4s2oCeZFVBNOpoXuFB0diA1xY8wXiUqzS_2gQWiZc The irony is that the Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, is suggesting the reopening of the line is needed for the region. However the same Minister who stated in public media in the last few years that it is too EXPENSIVE to reopen railway stations in his own electorate. This includes locations like Newbridge, Georges Plains, Wallerawang etc. He can't have it both ways – supporting yet again another study into regional railways and at the same time denying his electorate much needed reactivation of passenger railway stations and services whose frequency needs would not impact on other train services. Some voters suggest National Party MPs are simply giving lip service to their voters' needs while allowing Sydney voters $30 billion Metro rail systems. Meanwhile country voters' hopes and aspirations are essentially constrained with people not seeing where the $400m country rail budget is spent on services and stations. Railway lines reopened in NSW have the potential to give options to people and freight, allow older people some access to trains, stop ruining our highways with freight that could be on a train and cut back on vehicle accidents. Given the unknown outcomes of the current Pandemic’s effect on international travellers it might be well to think of Rail Travel Tourism as a potential growing trend. This perceived neglect has resulted in voters ditching parties like the Nationals in favour of minor parties. This seems to result in spending of cash in some regional towns by the mainstream political parties at election time. The Cowra region is facing more rail trail proposals. During September 2020 the NSW Government released a 12 page report on the proposals to tentatively reopen the entire branch line. However NSWHRSI | Issue 27 35

it seems the line doesn’t meet desired cost ratios for reuse at this time and more work and studies have to be undertaken. Despite this news, the reopening of the whole Blayney to Demondrille line section is viewed as potentially fake news by many in NSW. This is because with some research you find that the town of Young at the southern end of the branch line, recently released new plans for the town for 2040 showing a rail trail in the middle of the town using the same space to be occupied by the rail line. It seems the NSW Government has not publicly announced this change. We cannot help but wonder why. See the Hilltops Shire report at http://www.hilltops.nsw.gov.au/getattachment/Services/Building,-Planning-and-Transport/Strategic- Planning/Local-Strategic-Planning-Statement/Hilltops-2040_Draft-LSPS.pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU The NSW Government appears extremely reluctant to bring back the Cowra railway line and very unwilling to support Central Western NSW businesses and rail tourism operations. This creates the loss of many potential uses for rail and local jobs. During October 2020 a group of bike riders in the region launched, no doubt heavily supported by Rail trail NSW organisation, a campaign to turn the Cowra line from Greenthorpe to Grenfell into yet another rail trail!!. See more at https://www.cowraguardian.com.au/story/6952054/going- greene-for-rail-trail-proposal/ BROKEN HILL RAILWAY STATION NSWGR 1919 The latest news on attempts to save, restore and reuse the 1919 era station building is of mixed outcomes. It is understood that ARTC submitted to the Department of Heritage NSW an application to replace the failing asbestos roof with Colorbond. The Heritage office response was that Colorbond roofing is not acceptable for restoration uses. This has caused delays for the proposed restoration, as the companies that provided the quotes to the local volunteers, have reportedly now moved out of Broken Hill and the town people are having to now seek new quotes. As of April 2021 it would be fair to say that some frustration is felt by locals involved in attempts to restore the station. Concerned Broken Hill resident Larry Angell has shared these photos, seen below, online in April 2021 to show the inside of the station – the decay, vandalism and large unused space. Thanks to strong efforts by Larry for getting the station back onto the local “radar”, it means this station could easily become a new museum for the town but concerned locals wonder if their state and federal politicians don’t really understand the potential it could bring Broken Hill in more tourism and job security. In mid April 2021 NSWHRSI contacted Broken Hill Shire Council with some queries on the heritage 1919 era station. To our surprise we were told by a spokesperson some good news in that the Council is taking a positive interest in the long term outcome of the station. They are assessing what can be done with it and how it could benefit the city. They were interested in the examples around NSW I provided where towns have restored and reused the stations for known tourism gains. In late April 2021 Larry presented a report to Broken Hill Shire Council. In late April 2021, Broken Hill Shire Council discussed the station at a council meeting. The outcomes were detailed in minutes and shown below – • The history of the station in general terms with an interesting observation stating that it was once an island platform design. • The building since closure back in the 1950s has become disused and damaged. Nothing has enabled the structure to be protected. Windows, doors broken and vandalism throughout the building along with roof damage has been noted. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 36

• They stated maintenance of the station is the responsibility of ARTC and they have been contacted for information to be provided to the councilors and heritage committee.

• Council is able to lobby/encourage ARTC to adopt an adequate maintenance and security program. • Longer term the Council sees potential for marketing of the historical railway station site and supports leases agreements to be implemented to possible users.

It is hoped now that Broken Hill Shire, Council is taking proactive involvement to try and see the station come alive again, this will provide long term benefit to the local people. We wait to see what this Council’s action does for the long term.

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CLANDULLA RAILWAY STATION In April 2021 works commenced at Clandulla railway station. The front part of the main station building has been sealed off. NSWHRSI had asked Transport for NSW via JHR for a site update but didn’t get a reply in time for publication. NSWHRSI expects that the works will be the same refurbishment and replacement of internal fixtures, repair of damaged external fixtures that were done to Lue and Molong. Works will likely finish mid to end of May weather permitting COONAMBLE RAILWAY STATION Coonamble Shire Council is looking for community organisations, businesses or people willing to reuse their local heritage railway station. Since this story the Council has confirmed to NSWHRSI that the station remains unused and they are seeking expressions of interest to have it reactivated. NSWHRSI has provided council with some advice to assess in regards to this reuse. See more at https://www.coonambletimes.com.au/beautiful-building-going- to-waste/ DUBBO RAILWAY STATION Plans to improve the station have seen planning commence for an accessibility upgrade at Dubbo railway station. Upgrades will provide a station precinct that is accessible to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. The upgrades will take place to existing paths around the station precinct, a new accessible kiss and ride zone, modifications to the waiting room and ticket counter, improved amenities including ambulant toilets, new tactile indicators along the platform and improvements to lighting and wayfinding. FORBES RAILWAY STATION The Inland Rail is set to alter rail heritage at the Forbes railway station. As part of modification works, the station building awning is intruding into the railway corridor and will be hit by double stacked containers. ARTC says that a partial trimming of the awning section may be required. ARTC is also conducting investigations into trimming the platform brick coping along with slewing the track. Slewing will mean that passenger trains may not be able to use Forbes station ever again. GIRILMABONE RAILWAY STATION Due to flooding events across NSW and other circumstances beyond Bogan Shire Council's control the intended major station repair works for February, March and April 2021 were not undertaken. Some work was managed however. This has been focused in a few areas of rebuilding the station. Carpenters, like local Jess Drady, have been employed to build the timber frame work in areas like the new toilet block, the bearers NSWHRSI | Issue 27 38

and joists for the new floor going throughout the buildings, the awning on the platform and guttering works. Jess provided these photos showing some of the results.

In early to mid 2021 Phil Buckley spent time organising a community sponsor to come onboard and support the project with a donation of supplies. NSWHRSI will continue to bring you the progress news as the 1880s NSWHRSI | Issue 27 39

era Girilambone railway station is brought back to life for tourism and community reuse. In the meantime you can now join the Bogan Shire Council approved Facebook page to follow the restoration and site news - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014019782414651/ LACHLAN RIVER RAIL BRIDGE The Inland Rail is set to alter rail heritage at the 1913 era Lachlan River railway bridge. The wrought iron steel truss bridge structure has sway bracing across the middle of the bridge, which at this time impedes the movement of double-stacked freight trains. As part of modification works ARTC is assessing the bridge along with options being considered for a possible replacement bridge. LUE RAILWAY STATION Lue station was observed being worked on April 2021 with the front part of the main station building sealed off with fencing and a JHR ute spotted inside the compound. Transport for NSW via JHR advised NSWHRSI that works including refurbishment and replacing internal fixtures, repair of damaged external fixtures and that works will be complete mid to end of May weather permitting. MILVALE WATER TANK The Inland Rail is set to alter rail heritage at the Milvale water tank. The water tank is intruding into the railway corridor and will be hit by double stacked containers. It is understood that a detailed survey of the water tank along with the water pump is to be done to determine if the water tank structure will be able to remain after being modified or will be have to be removed thus allowing the safe passing of double stacked freight trains. MOLONG RAILWAY STATION During February 2021 a temporary work fence was placed around the entire station while it was undergoing an extensive upgrade to fix many damaged sections and maintenance defects. TFNSW via JHR told NSWHRSI that works included replacement of existing guttering and downpipes, repainting of external walls, replacement of various other fittings including doors, eaves, gables and awning posts, replacement of damaged weatherboards and that the works were completed by April 2021. The local Molong Library is slated to move out of the station to a new library site in the town during 2021. What this means for the station's long term future after these repairs are complete is not known. Locals are pressing the NSW Government to bring back a train stop like at Millthorpe. The station is on the line to Broken Hill which has currently only 1 service a week each way by an Explorer passenger train. JHR advises that no final decision has been made on future use for the railway station. If anyone is interested in seeking a lease to use the station or be seeking to licence the site, they can contact the CRN property team for an application. Peter Walter kindly sent in his photos of the works from February 2021. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 40

NEWBRIDGE RAILWAY STATION In March 2021 the residents at Newbridge were again in the local media trying to have the local MP... Paul Toole, who is also ironically the Minister for Regional NSW, to fund their public transport and tourism needs with the reopening of their railway station. The residents have been fighting the NSW government since 2015 for their station to be reopened. Since the locals have started their campaign, Paul Toole has said it's too expensive to reopen the Newbridge station yet Millthorpe had $1million spent on it in the last few years to reopen. Paul Toole also claims opening the Newbridge station for a train, which may stop for 1 minute, will end up delaying many other freight trains on the western line. If that is the case, how can he explain the train stopping anywhere on the line for passengers …..like at say Rydal, Millthorpe or Blayney? See more at https://www.blayneychronicle.com.au/story/7190192/opportunity-lost-as-newbridge-misses- out-on-rail-tourism-boom/?cs=521&fbclid=IwAR3lbVObR1mX5Hy8vNweGSpZcN- K5zel7pnXx9gCQ52sTZXaPgN6uY0O16Q On the Easter long weekend of April 2021, heritage rail motor tour trips from Bathurst to Newbridge were undertaken. Sadly for Newbridge businesses the trains couldn’t disembark passengers to explore the village or eat, as the NSW Government stubbornly refuses to fix and reopen Newbridge railway station. NSWHRSI contributor Nathan Markcrow said “Easter long weekend when they were doing rail motor runs to Newbridge and back to Bathurst, I got talking to Blayney mayor Scott Ferguson who was there also watching the train. He said he is very keen to get the station closer to being opened up by side stepping Paul Toole (MP) as he doesn't seem interested (Scott said his father or grand father was a station master there, so all the more reason he wants to see it opened)”. Nathan’s photos of the train services that could have helped boost Newbridge’s local businesses and job creation / security… a word all MPs salivate over……It was a sadly and simply just a “bridge too far” thanks to local MP Paul Toole and his disinterested LNP government. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 41

PARKES RAILWAY STATION Construction is underway on an accessibility upgrade at Parkes railway station. The upgrade will provide a precinct that is accessible for people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Key benefits will include upgrading the existing footpath, new ambulant toilets and a family accessible toilet, upgrading the existing accessible car spaces and kiss and ride, a formalised bus stop by the station entrance, improvements to station pathways, CCTV, lighting and wayfinding. The project is expected to be completed by early 2021. It was noted in April 2021 that Parkes station had a paint refresh with the building painted grey. It is understood this is likely to be an undercoat colour. We wait to see what the new colour scheme is…. RAGLAN RAILWAY STATION No news is available on any positive long term reuse outcomes for the station. The NSW Government will not allow public access to the island platform station which is essentially a restricted site being located in an operational corridor. What this means long term for the locals and NSW heritage is unknown. However the locals could use a railway station at their doorstep rather than drive 8km into Bathurst which only further causes road congestion issues and potential accidents on the already busy Great Western highway. New security fencing is in place to prevent photographers trespassing.

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RYLSTONE RAILWAY STATION Rylstone railway station repurposing plans were announced by Buzz Sanderson of the Kandos Museum. In March 2021 the Kandos Museum revealed they had made a submission to Transport NSW for the repurposing of Rylstone railway station, the Goods Shed and the yard. Buzz tells the public that “the proposal has come about through 5 years of effort by the museum commencing with the train to the 2016 Rylstone-Kandos Show, the successful advocacy by the museum for the reopening of the Kandos-Rylstone rail section, the encouragement of tour operators to come to Kandos, Rylstone and the wider Mudgee Region and the support of many in the community including the present lessee of the Rylstone Station. The proposal involves many stakeholders at state, regional and local levels, all of which will need to consulted and their input gathered up to form a successful project. It also will require considerable funding and it will require a concerted and sustained effort on the part of the Kandos-Rylstone community. The proposed repurposing consisted of three key elements.

 Firstly the return of the station to passenger and visitor services within a museum context to support tourism within our district. The museum will have a focus on the history and social and economic impacts of the coming the Gwabegar Line.

 Secondly, that the good shed be transformed into a woodwork joinery of commercial standard - The Joinery. The Joinery is to have a focus on railway wood working used in both buildings and rolling stock. It is intended to develop The Joinery into a centre of excellence to preserve and grow the pool knowledge, skills and experience, to provide training and job opportunities locally, to provide immersive tourism experiences through workshops and demonstrations and to service the needs of the heritage rail community.

 Third, reinstate the gardens and grounds of the station and yard.” Further strong community action in March to April 2021 saw mentions by locals who want the station back in a rail use were made on facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RylstoneRailwayStationandYard. The locals are seeking to get the station fixed up for more inbound railway tourism and passenger trips. STUART TOWN RAILWAY STATION During December 2020 NSWHRSI noted that what appears to be work on drainage and gutters at Stuart Town railway station. A Sydney Trains spokesperson has said Sydney Trains is currently restoring the Stuart Town station building to original condition. Temporary PVC downpipe extensions have been installed to divert stormwater from the building. Work is due for completion mid-year.

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WALLERAWANG RAILWAY STATION In November 2020 minor restoration works were being undertaken to the non operational passenger railway station at Wallerawang. See news at https://www.lithgowmercury.com.au/story/7016115/wallerawang- railway-station-restorations-underway-with-30000-boost/ Like the nearby closed railway stations at Georges Plains, Newbridge, etc, Wallerawang needs to be reopened for local passengers and tourism. Rydal, with a way smaller population than these other locations, has a working pick up/drop off station. Why not these other locations too? The local Nationals MP, Paul Toole is on public record as stating it’s too expensive to reopen country railway stations and that the passenger trains stopping at extra stops would severely slow down other trains on the Western line. Can timetabling not manage to cope with that for the sake of a few short stops for customer convenience? How did the NSW rail network manage in the early to mid 1900s when a lot more trains operated out west? ______SOUTHERN NSW NEWS

ARIAH PARK RAILWAY STATION

In late 2020 Ariah Park railway station was observed with safety fencing on the platform. It is known for a while that the locals residents/voters have requested TFNSW / John Holland Rail to repair the platform wall. In March 2021 Nigel Judd from the locals Ariah Park community announced that TFNSW had rebuilt the platform wall and the platform too. Phil Buckley photos March 20201.

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BOMABALA RAILWAY STATION

Reports emerged in March 2021 that the local rail heritage community group maintaining Bombala station and yard with a few people, were no longer able to carry on as not enough volunteers are in the group. By April they had undertaken 2 more working bees and the station works is now closed til Spring 2021.

COOTAMUNDRA RAILWAY STATION

Plans are underway to improve passenger accessibility at Cootamundra railway station. Works expect to be finalised in 2023.

DAPTO RAILWAY STATION

Plans to improve the station have seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Dapto railway station. As part of the planning process, initial investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Dapto railway station fully accessible. Works to be finalised by 2022.

GOULBURN RAILWAY STATION

Construction was underway in January 2021 on an accessibility upgrade at Goulburn railway station. The Goulburn upgrade will provide access to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Main upgrades to include accessibility upgrades to the paths at the station entrance, a new accessible kiss and ride bay, new kerb ramps to the existing bus and taxi zone, relocated accessible parking spaces to connect to the upgraded pathway to the station entrance, upgrades to the waiting room and ticket counter on Platform 1, new Boarding Assistance Zone and accessible help points on Platform 1,two new ambulant toilets, improved lighting and way finding. Works are expected to be completed in mid 2021.

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GRIFFITH RAILWAY STATION

Plans to improve the station have seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Griffith railway station. As part of the planning process, initial investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Griffith railway station fully accessible. The station upgrade will improve access for people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Key changes to include a new accessible path from the station entrance to the car park, a new coach bay and bus shelter, a new accessible car space, upgrade of the existing side ramp between the car park and platform modifications to the waiting room and ticket counter, improved amenities including ambulant toilets, a new boarding zone and new tactile indicators on the platform improvements to wayfinding and lighting. Works expect to be completed in early 2022.

GUNDAGAI RAILWAY STATION

Here you see what happens when you allow as voters the much hyped and oversold "rail trail" agenda to overtake historic railway stations in NSW like at Gundagai in southern NSW. A new care taker has been in the role since January 2021 it is understood but as this photo, right, by NSWHRSI contributor Suzie Wakefield on March 19 2021, it shows how no site care is undertaken on the railway line in front of the station.

The NSWHRSI Editor, Phil also visited Gundagai in April 2021 to just see how bad it was and saw these views below. To my dismay I was requested to actually pay a donation to help fund the upkeep of this heritage station site...... which is thought to be bordering on neglected. You can make a decision and see below and decide for yourself if the rail trail lead GHBI is maintaining Gundagai station……

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The current GHBI caretaker told people on a local Gundagai facebook page in April 2021 that they did up to 8 hours a day of hours work each day of a week (so up to 56 hours in total) at the Gundagai railway station. They further claimed the photos in early 2021 by Phil and Suzie ….. that show the weeds and grass are basically lies and that the site was maintained and highly cared for.

In April 2021 site key observations by Phil included:

• The railway corridor is not cleaned/mowed between the railway tracks….snakes can easily be there, as past caretakers have told people. All past caretakers including volunteers, like Phil, have helped to keep this area tidy. The weeds growing on the rail corridor southern end are nearly waist high.

• Spiders and dead bugs observed inside the buildings on the windows. Clearly not swept or maintained.

• Beer bottle rubbish on the line – how is this meant to attract tourism if littered with rubbish?

• Destruction of heritage museum artefacts – with display photos and items taped on to displays boards with no glass protection. Anyone could steal the photos and items NSWHRSI Editor Phil spent from 2011 to 2014 coming all the way from Sydney to help to maintain Gundagai station. Also other former GHR volunteers have said it is appalling to see, how the rail trail agenda has ruined the once well maintained and popular tourist site. Just before Phil left as a volunteer in 2014 he won a grant for the display boards in order to protect the assorted rare documents and photos but the display boards have been used in a wrong manner since 2015.

• No security on the site, as the caretaker wasn't around for about 1-2hrs when NSWHRSI visited. We found the site was fully open which isn’t wise, as heritage Items could be stolen from the site ...as has happened in the past.

• Under the current GHBI rail trail agenda it’s an “honesty box donation” entry process and that means they will never get proper charges covered to run the museum site. The past caretakers up to 2017 that Phil knows, of were on site and ensured visitors to the museum were paying a site entry fee. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 48

These view below show the highly maintained and cared for site under the GHBI rail trail agenda lead by the President Mason Crane.

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Last year, the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council closed down any rail trail plans for Gundagai yet GHBI, who leases Gundagai station, with a pro rail-trail board under President Mason Crane, seem to think rail trails will come back to Gundagai. Rail trail people across NSW are only focused on ripping up the rail lines…and at Gundagai they are focused more on reusing the rail bridge as shown by the GHBI Gundagai station facebook page – where they hardly mention the Gundagai railway station in the last 1-2years. Too many that’s a clear clue that the station isn’t a priority. NSWHRSI has heard from a few business owners in Gundagai in early 2021 with feedback that suggests that the rail trail agenda is not really welcomed in the town and wider region.

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The front of Gundagai railway station looks like a country holiday resort rather than a heritage railway museum. The signal box hasn’t been possibly cleaned indepth over the 6 years as the Pettitts sign is covered in dust. Phil Buckley restored this station sign back in 2014. The 2 staff boxes - red and blue - also seen below, on the left side wall of the signal box were donated to the railway museum in 2014/5. The platform foot scrapper was last painted by Phil in 2014.

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It is appalling the Gundagai railway station site is left to rack and ruin under the pro rail trail ethics. If indeed it is true that up to 56 hours of site care a week is done, it would ensure none of these observations as pointed out above would be seen. Transport for NSW needs to ideally cancel or withdraw the station lease from pro rail trail GHBI and instead allow a new pro-rail heritage community group of volunteers to take over and bring back a tidy, cleaned up and maintained Gundagai station railway to enable tourism to flourish once again.

HARDEN RAILWAY STATION

During March 2021 NSWHRSI visited the heritage NSW government operated and maintained Harden Railway Station in south west NSW. Last time we were there around 2 years ago I saw the LNP government had grossly underfunded the maintenance and cleaning needed for the station. I noted pigeon droppings everywhere and the station looked untidy, neglected and dirty. At the time it was reported to have once a week clean from Cootamundra station. I complained, as did others, to TFNSW to get more funding to clean it up, bearing in mind that pigeon droppings can carry disease. This is a station that has passengers on a daily basis.

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2 years on and nothing has changed as these photos from Phil’s inspection below show. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 53

Sadly the station was in an even worse state/mess - see more detailed photos at https://www.facebook.com/NSWHRSI/posts/2851657475099888

Steph Cooke, the local MP for the electorate in which Harden falls, and her NSW LNP Government can't fund proper weekly care for Harden railway station. The result is that the first thing a passenger or tourist sees on arrival at the station is pigeon droppings everywhere. The local MP has a quote on her website "Steph is committed to fighting for our community and is not afraid to rock the boat if it means ensuring our region gets the services we deserve". To me, and many others, the question needs to be asked... why, after years of non action to keep Harden railway station clean, is Steph unable to get the extra cleaning services funded by the Transport Minister? Is she afraid to “rock the boat”?

Harden's keys issues as seen by me, are -

• Piles of droppings can be seen all across platform areas, on window sills, in the waiting room floor and seating areas. I complained about this health hazard before 2 years ago. This station needs a serious deep deep clean. NSW Health might have some thoughts on biohazard implications of people breathing in pigeon droppings. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 54

• Platform lights are nearly full of bugs and appear to have not been cleaned in years. Is there a safety hazard attached to this?

• There is a fire hazard in the walkway tunnel under the tracks with grass piled to 40cm approx in a 5m long pile.

• The appalling state of the station makes it clear that one person a week from Cootamundra doing the care is inadequate. It needs a Sydney Trains style deep clean effort every few months. Other operational public railway stations on the southern line are not like this with bird dropping and damage to buildings. Why does Harden look so neglected? This story at link, shows a lack of care to the station since 2016-17 - https://twintowntimes.com.au/ _/2017/02/rats-of-the-sky- destroying-harden-railway- station/

A complaint was lodged in March 2021 with the office of the Minister for Transport Andrew Constance MP and TFNSW to try for a solution to this problem. This complaint has had no further response than my earlier one. The phone contact with Minister Constance’s office was met with a very rude and unprofessional response.

NSWHRSI received in April 2021, seen left, a reply from the NSW Government discussing their cleaning up and maintenance of Harden station.

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HAY RAILWAY STATION

April 2021 saw works commence at Hay railway station on repairs to the Guards Van and the FS 248 passenger carriage. These have been used by the Dunera Museum since 1999 and needed an upgrade/repair.

NSWHRSI spoke to the museum President David Houston and has gained the following insights – the museum now comes under Hay Shire Council control so they have been able to access a drought stimulus grant for $170,000 to fix the carriages/museum setup at the station. Bob Richardson visited in April 2021 and took these views below.

The repairs were meant to start in 2020 but have been pushed back to April 2021 and may not finish by June 30 2021. The repairs will be:

 FS 2148 Carriage – works will include overhaul carriage with interior lining replaced, replace the walls, repair to windows, repaint inside and outside and allow new museum exhibits to be displayed inside.

 Guards van MHO 1808 - repair windows, modify internal fit out to include more display space and new video display set ups. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 56

The Dunera museum website is at https://www.duneraassociation.com/dunera-boys-museum/. Since opening in 2005 they have had 46,000 visitors to the museum. Hay railway station has 4 community groups who reuse rooms – the museum, a local radio station and 2 other community groups.

Phil Buckley views from 20121 of the FS carriage and guards van.

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JUNEE RAILWAY STATION

Plans are underway to improve accessibility at Junee railway station. The upgrade would provide a station precinct that is accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Works will expect to be completed in 2023.

LADYSMITH RAILWAY STATION

In March 2021, the Ladysmith railway station turned 100 years old and a special event was held by the Ladysmith Tourist Railway committee to celebrate this occasion. The Ladysmith team hosted railway trike displays, fettler demonstrations, market stalls, historic engine ralley, blacksmithing, tractor displays, vintage cars, model train, historic museum display, light horse display, and more. Over 300 people attended across 2 days which was a welcomed sight in the small country town. Local politicians also attended the event.

Ladysmith Tourist Railway Inc. is working on expanding its activities, which will need a significant expansion of its membership, for participation in track maintenance, administration, motor repairs, and other tasks involved in operating a railway. Particularly, personnel are required to operate Section Cars. Persons interested in being involved in Section Car operation as a Drivers, assistant Drivers, guards, and motor mechanics, will be trained in special training sessions. If you are interested to support the LTR contact Alan on email [email protected] / ph: 0438629733. Also becoming a member or being a Family Member will not only help assist with their costs but also entitles members to have a ride on the trikes any time they are at Ladysmith. The Ladysmith Tourist Railway can be followed at https://www.facebook.com/Ladysmith- Tourist-Railway-1913033042304945

Information and photos of the event via Ladysmith Tourist Railway. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 58

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In April 2021 Phil did a night photoshoot of his popular “Under the stars” series at Ladysmith with an amazing 91 year LTR volunteer assisting.

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MOSS VALE RAILWAY STATION

Plans are underway to improve passenger accessibility at Moss Vale railway station. Station upgrades would provide a station precinct that is accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage.

NARRANDERA TO TOCUMWAL BRANCHLINE

IS THE SECRET NARRANDERA TO TOCUMWAL RAIL LINE STUDY TO BE FINALLY RELEASED UNDER A MOTION IN THENSW PARLIAMENT?

You may recall a few years ago there was a very expensive study undertaken to examine reopening the Narrandera to Tocumwal branch line in southern NSW. Well, that expensive $500,000 study that was declared by the LNP as "commercial in confidence", is now shortly to be released to the NSW Upper House in full . A motion by the Shooters Fishers Farmers Party was recently passed as successful. We will now see what has been hiding behind the study and why it’s so secret..... https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/Hansard/Pages/HansardResult.aspx#/docid/HANSARD-1820781676- 84767

NSWHRSI spoke to Helen Dalton's office in March 2021 seeking an update on the release of the report, which was delayed another week at the time of the call. The critical ...and scary power play part of this issue..... are in these words off her facebook page...... "Helen Dalton MP...Mark Banasiak and I fought to hard to get Steph Cooke MP and the NSW Nationals to release the secret $500,000 taxpayer-funded Narrandera to Tocumwal rail re-opening report. We succeeded, Parliament of NSW released it on Wednesday. But the sneaky Nationals have put a “privileged” seal on it - meaning only politicians get to read it.That’s not good enough. What are they hiding? The public paid for this report. The public should be allowed to read it.The fight continues..." end quote. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 61

QUEANBEYAN RAILWAY STATION

Plans to improve the station has seen planning commenced for accessibility upgrade at Queanbeyan railway station. The project will provide a station precinct that is accessible to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Main benefits sees upgrades to existing paths and kerb ramps at the front of the station, a new kiss and ride zone in the existing car parking close to the station building, a new accessible car space and taxi zone at the Sydney end of the station car park, modifications to the waiting room and ticket counter, improved amenities including ambulant toilets, improvements to wayfinding and lighting. Works are expected to be complete in late 2021.

QUEANBEYAN TO BOMBALA BRANCH LINE

In March 2021 the Snowy Monaro council debated the Queanbeyan to Bombala line rail trail and decided to not move ahead with the planned project for the moment it seems – see story for more details at https://www.bombalatimes.com.au/story/7154179/council-shelves-monaro-rail-trail- project/?fbclid=IwAR2Bf8pTg_rcRab6Ow1c_IKVm75N4Az0hGwBl2B8XT4te1n4rDsUM0pJLZc

STOCKINBINGAL RAILWAY STATION 3 years on from initial public and private letters to the NSW Government asking to have leasee ARTC fix the decaying Stockinbingal railway station, it seems nothing has occurred. A video of the damage at the station can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/heritagefornsw/posts/2773652162878239. At the moment it is understood that TFNSW lease the station to ARTC who are responsible for keeping the station in decent condition and for preventing the predictable damage by termites on wooden buildings in this country. The cost of rectification, reputedly $150,000 could have been avoided by timely care and attention. ARTC was approached in late March 2021 by NSWHRSI asking why the station was still not repaired despite assurances in December 2018 that work would be soon done. ARTC in 2021 states to NSWHRSI that they have strict lease arrangements in place with the New South Wales Government for all the disused stations under their control…..which equals no indication of planned restoration work or assistance by ARTC……but then intriguingly in mid 2021 they have announced plans it seems to undertake some termite spraying of the station buildings. Surely ARTC have some accountability for this station’s upkeep…. apart from some recently belatedly promised termite spray. It is way too late judging for spraying termites by Phil’s photos below taken in recent months. They show part of the externally visible destruction. At the time of writing it is understand that it is the intent of locals to set up a Committee to attempt to work toward a solution to the problems at this site. They may well have a long long road ahead of them, as the local Nationals MP Steph Cooke does not seem to have created the “change” that she reputedly said she would assist to occur and to “rock the boat” ….has not appeared to result in any visible waves at this point. Her email newsletter update she sends out doesn’t mention anything about the station ever being fixed by the NSW Government either. So there is still the lingering question …….as to who exactly is going to fund and fix the Stockinbingal railway station – ARTC or TFNSW? NSWHRSI | Issue 27 62

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______SYDNEY REGION

BANKSIA RAILWAY STATION

Construction is underway on the accessibility upgrade at Banksia railway station to improve passenger / customer access.

BARDWELL PARK RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

BEECROFT RAILWAY STATION

Construction is underway to improve accessibility at Beecroft railway station. Changes to improve passenger / customer accessibility at include two new lifts, new and upgraded access paths throughout the station precinct, a new kiss-and-ride zone and improvements to CCTV, wayfinding and lighting.

BEXLEY NORTH RAILWAY STATION

Construction is underway at Bexley North railway station to improve passenger accessibility as part of the Transport Access Program. Facilities include a new lift and upgraded station entrance, stairs and canopy, new accessible pathways throughout the station precinct, reconfigured and upgraded commuter car park, including two new accessible parking spaces and improved amenities such as accessible toilets, CCTV and lighting.

BIRRONG RAILWAY STATION

Construction is still underway on an upgrade at Birrong railway station to improve passenger / customer accessibility. As part of the planning process, preliminary investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Birrong station fully accessible. During August 2020 a new lift and footbridge was installed north of the station building. The upgrades will be completed in 2022. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 64

CAMPSIE RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, were done with pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

CENTRAL RAILWAY STATION

Latest news on the Central to Eveleigh railway corridor / precinct development can be seen at https://shared- drupal-s3fs.s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/master- test/fapub_pdf/A+A+western+gateway/Explanation+of+Intended+Effect.pdf . Over the last few months Metro railway conversion works have changed Central’s skyline with cranes on site and more digging and modifications works now underway in the passenger walkway areas. The modifications to the platform 9-15 area, with the new Metro roofing, was completed in late November 2020 with all arches in place. Warren Travis photos showing the last major part being installed.

February views of the Metro works. Phil Buckley

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12th March 2021 was the Central Clock towers 100th anniversary. See stories at https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/blog/happy-birthday-central-station-clock-tower/ and https://surryhillsnews.com.au/sydney-central-station-clock-tower-100/

Photos of the clock tower from Phil Buckley collection. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 69

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Warren Travis views from April 2021 of the new Metro concourse and stairs.

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CRONULLA RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

DENISTONE RAILWAY STATION

Planning is being undertaken to assess how to improve passenger / customer accessibility at Denistone railway station. As part of the planning process, preliminary investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Denistone fully accessible. The upgrade may include new lifts, accessible pathways, and new accessible amenities such as a family accessible toilet. Works to be finalised by 2023. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 72

DOONSIDE RAILWAY STATION

Plans are underway to improve accessibility at Doonside railway station. The upgrades will provide a station precinct that is disability accessible for those with limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage. Works to be finalised by 2023.

ERSKINEVILLE RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, saw pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

Planning is also being undertaken to assess how to improve passenger / customer accessibility at Erskineville railway station. As part of the planning process, preliminary investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Erskineville station fully accessible. Works to be finalised by 2023.

FAIRFIELD RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

FLEMINGTON RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

GORDON RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, were done with pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

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GRANVILLE RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

HORNSBY RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

HURLSTONE PARK RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, were done with pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

KILLARA RAILWAY STATION

Plans are underway to improve accessibility at Killara railway station.The upgrades would provide access to those with a disability, limited mobility, parents/carers with prams and customers with luggage.

LIDCOMBE RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

MARRICKVILLE RAILWAY STATION

In December 2020, a Metro railway contract was awarded to a joint venture of Haslin Constructions and Stephen Edwards Constructions for the Metro upgrade of Marrickville railway station. Early Metro works at Marrickville railway station commenced in early 2021. These were for inspecting, testing and survey of station buildings and in surrounding locations, investigation, NSWHRSI | Issue 27 74

modification and relocation of station and utility services including potholing inside the rail alignment and along Victoria Road near the station. Other tasks included clearing of vegetation, pruning and tree removal inside the rail alignment where required will also be needed. Additionally during January to February 2021 Sydney Trains work undertook work to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, with pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

PENRITH RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, were done with pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

PENSHURST RAILWAY STATION

During late April to early May 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, will see pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

PETERSHAM RAILWAY STATION

Planning approval has been granted for an accessibility upgrade at Petersham railway station. Upgrades are to include two new lifts connecting the existing footbridge to the Terminus Street station entrance and the station platform, a new access ramp and stairs from the Trafalgar Street station entrance to the existing footbridge, upgrade works to the existing footbridge and stairs, a new accessible parking space adjacent to the Terminus Street lift, a formalised kiss and ride area on Terminus Street, new bicycle parking on both sides of the station, improved amenities such as new male and female ambulant toilet, a new family accessible toilet and CCTV and lighting. Works are expected to be completed in 2022.

POWERHOUSE MUESEUM RELOCATION

The looming demolition of Willow Grove heritage home and other heritage infrastructure at Parramatta to make way for the new museum has further angered voters across NSW. It is still unclear what is to happen to Ultimo Powerhouse site and the rail heritage items on display there, let alone the whole collection.

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PYMBLE RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities were undertaken and included pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

Pymble railway station upgrade will provide a station that is accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, carers/parents with prams and customers with luggage. The upgrade are set to include three new lifts to connect Pacific Highway, Grandview Street and the station platforms to the existing footbridge, a new forecourt on the Pacific Highway side, connecting the existing footpath and bus stop to the new lift, improvements to accessible parking bays and new kiss and ride near the Pacific Highway lift entrance, improvements to amenities including a new family accessible toilet and a unisex ambulant toilet, new handrails and treads on stairs where required, additional CCTV and lighting. Works are expected to be completed in 2023.

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

REDFERN RAILWAY STATION

During January to February 2021 work was undertaken with staged platform construction of Platforms 6 and 7 at Redfern.

Work on the new modern southern concourse bridge and stairs began early 2021. See more at https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/100m-redfern- train-station-upgrade-to-start-within-weeks-20201216- p56o26.html?fbclid=IwAR3VXVO- Acl4hRf_Aw3wbOCBH2PmKa_GuflMhdVytt5lKcau_TX hTCLHNXQ. Seen right in April 2021 with some progress. The works have been undertaken on platforms and is progressing with hoardings now installed on platforms 2/3, 4/5, 6/7,8/9 and 10 along with footings for the new concourse to follow soon.

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Further works are being undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Redfern Station fully accessible. The upgrade may include new lifts, accessible pathways, and new accessible amenities such as a family accessible toilet.

REVESBY RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

RICHMOND RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, were done with pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

ROCKDALE RAILWAY STATION

During late April to early May 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, will see pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

ROSEVILLE RAILWAY STATION

Planning approval has been granted for an accessibility upgrade at Roseville railway station. The upgrade is understood to include new lifts, accessible pathways, and new accessible amenities such as a family accessible toilet. Works are underway in 2021 on the site upgrades. NSWHRSI | Issue 27 77

STANMORE RAILWAY STATION

Planning is being undertaken to assess how to improve passenger / customer accessibility at Stanmore railway station. As part of the planning process, preliminary investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make Stanmore station fully accessible. Works are expected to be completed in 2023.

ST MARYS RAILWAY STATION

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Submissions Report has revealed St Marys railway station heritage is at risk from the Metro line going ahead. The report says “Heritage listed items St Marys Station is a heritage listed item of State significance. A number of heritage assets associated with the station (including the Goods Shed, jib crane, signal box, the station building on platform 3/4, station platforms and pedestrian footbridge) are located in the vicinity of the tunnelling and cut and cover station excavation proposed to the south of the existing station. The predicted settlement (this is ground movement) impacts on the signal box, station building on platform 3/4 and the station platforms are around 10 to 25 millimetres which is in the slight risk category (compared to negligible risk category as identified in the Environmental Impact Statement). The predicted settlement impact on the pedestrian footbridge is around 40 millimetres which is also in the slight risk category (the pedestrian footbridge was not identified in the Environmental Impact Statement). The preliminary assessment has identified that without mitigation the Goods Shed may be subject to settlement of around 50 to 55 mm that could result in damage to this structure (no change in risk from the Environmental Impact Statement). Mitigation measure GW3 identifies a range of measures to manage potential ground movement impacts on the Goods Shed building during construction.”

ST PETERS RAILWAY STATION

Planning is being undertaken to assess how to improve customer accessibility at St Peters railway station. As part of the planning process, preliminary investigations will be undertaken to help identify what upgrades will be required to make St Peters station fully accessible. Works expected to be completed in 2023.

SUTHERLAND RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works were be done to improve the condition of the station and reduce trips and slips, with refurbishing Platform 2 coping and installing tactile indicators.

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SYDENHAM RAILWAY STATION

Major Metro works have been undertaken at the Station’s western and northern ends to accommodate the Metro. The former Bankstown lines have been filled into near platform height to begin major customisation works for Metro use. In early 2021 works will continue along the rail corridor between Sydenham and Dulwich Hill.

SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE

During January 2021 Sydney Trains removed all the timber mounted rail infrastructure from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and replaced it with concrete sections. See more at https://www.facebook.com/SydneyTrains/posts/2865592753761094?_ _cft__[0]=AZXpifD5hNUxhEn6a_SI1umFjK3QVR_orlJ09iglFLb8-Xk- gV4PkclWuMvqs6mAjKI2KqDFsPO4jruEiUKSoArdUPYmbhB1N4aC34 e-AybSmvaNMV9AVnKgECj1C9w1ycWFWo4ver87e5Cjl-3vKY0TL-iR8bZrfvo1Xh92JZkSWEnY5BhDk- LZiRgvtJClW3gOFbeAT3fgkq2FfihknOEV&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R

WAHROONGA RAILWAY STATION

During February 2021 works to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities were done covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas. Construction is underway for an accessibility upgrade at Wahroonga Station to improve passenger / customer accessibility. The Wahroonga Station upgrade will provide a station that is accessible to those with a disability, limited mobility, carers/parents with prams and customers with luggage. Key benefits include a new lift to provide access from the Redleaf Avenue Bridge to the station platform, platform extension to connect to the new lift, a new accessible ramp and walkway between the station and Wahroonga Shopping Village, refurbishment of the Redleaf Avenue Bridge and the pedestrian walkway, a new family accessible toilet and unisex ambulant toilet, a new accessible parking space, and spaces for kiss and ride, and taxis, a new canopy for the Platform 1 boarding assistance zone, improvements to CCTV and lighting and eight new bike parking hoops. Works will be finished in 2022.

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

WAITARA RAILWAY STATION

Planning is being undertaken to assess how to improve passenger / customer accessibility at Waitara railway station. Key improvements will be two new lifts, one connecting the commuter car park to the underpass and one from the underpass to the station platforms, a new NSWHRSI | Issue 27 79

walkway to connect the lift landing to the platform, improvements to the Waitara Avenue Commuter Car Park including relocating the existing accessible parking spaces closer to station entrance and formalising the kiss and ride zone, regrading the platform including new tactiles, improvements to amenities including a new family accessible toilet and a unisex ambulant toilet, and associated access ramps, new handrails and treads on stairs where required, new bike rack on Alexandria Parade, widening the footpath from Waitara Avenue to the bus stop on Pacific highway, additional CCTV and lighting and a kiss and ride on Alexandria Parade. Works expected to be completed in 2022.

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

WARRAWEE RAILWAY STATION

Works were undertaken in April 2021 to improve the condition of the station and enhance customer facilities, covering pressure washing floor and wall surfaces, removing graffiti and cleaning high access areas.

WERRIS CREEK

One of the town’s 2 hotels – the Signal Hotel - is slowly being restored to be used as a hotel again. It is located just across from the heritage railway station and will be an ideal hotel in town to accommodate railway tourists. 2018 view by Phil Buckley.

YENNORA RAILWAY STATION

In a big surprise the metal cladded station building has been stripped and the timber paneling refreshed in February 2021. A Sydney Trains spokesperson said at Yennora, restoration work is under way on timber framed buildings on platform 1, in accordance with current best practice. Metal cladding that was added at a later stage has been removed from the structure. The station building is unique within the Sydney area and is listed on a local heritage register. The Sydney Trains’ expert heritage team has approved the design and specification for this project.

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YOUR SAY - HERITAGE PHOTOS Every issue NSWHRSI will publish a selection of photos from our growing collection of various railway photographers (50+ now contributing), showing different NSW stations from the 1850s onwards.

Left,Warren Banfield view of Bukalong railway station 1986,right, Stephen Imrie view of Mudgee railway station 1981.

Left, Technically in NSW but Victorian rail  Balranald railway station in 1986 from Simon Barber collection, right, from Rodney McDonald collection an unknown station in NSW 1930s maybe….can you name it?

Cowra Railway Station, then and now. The first photo in August 1979 and the second photo, 9th March 2021.Peter Watters photography

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OTHER NEWS RAILWAY PHOTOGRAPHER NOTICE FROM ARTC – ARTC RAIL SAFETY PHOTO GUIDE From photos/videos uploaded to various facebook groups over the last year, more and more modern day era railway enthusiasts are taking risks it has being observed accessing/walking into live/operational main line corridor areas and accessing closed off station areas along with signal boxes without permission or the awareness of what they are doing is “unsafe”. It is known that railway agencies in NSW(such as ARTC and John Holland Rail) do watch facebook forums for breaches and combined with reporting of trespassers by train crews, it has seen there is a need for an education campaign. The result has seen ARTC release an online rail safety guide to ensure enthusiast don’t trespass or cause a problem with railway operations while taking photos. Many photographers don’t know that there are serious fines and police action if you are found inside an operational railway corridor without a proper and valid reason. Seehttp://www.artc.com.au/library/News%20-%202014-08-09.pdf and http://www.artc.com.au/Article/Detail.aspx?p=6&np=4&id=434 for more details. WARNING NOTICE FOR NSW RAIL FANS AND TOURISTS In August 2020, the NSW Government CRN operator, John Holland Rail, issued warnings to people to not enter disused and unmaintained railway yards across NSW. People are being warned to leave sites immediately if JHR come across people roaming the old rail sites. People who refuse the directives may be at risk of fines or jail penalties if they don’t comply. What this now means is that no one can enter as a tourist into a former railway yard anymore in NSW. The political impact of this new directive is likely to cost many NSW towns and businesses local jobs, as people can’t anymore visit old railway stations it seems as a tourist and thus less money is spent. Recommended web links – NSWHRSI has a large online footprint bringing you the latest heritage news and photos. View our various online publications to learn more – * Our primary website is www.nswhrsi.org * Our primary Facebook page is at https://www.facebook.com/NSWHRSI for daily heritage railway station and infrastructure news. * Join our sister page "NSWGR History" for past current and future NSW rail news and issues - https://www.facebook.com/groups/117001524313/ * Read our older NSWHRSI newsletter issues at https://nswrailwaystations.wordpress.com/nswhrsi- newsletters/ * Visit our rail history websites for NSW country railway stations at https://nswrailwaystations.wordpress.com and Sydney stations at http://sydneyrailwaystations.wordpress.com * Join NSWHRSI on Twitter at https://twitter.com/NSWHRSI TRAIN HOBBY PUBLICATIONS RAILWAY BOOKS As some may know there is an excellent range of NSW railway stations and locomotive depot photos available from Train Hobby Publications in Victoria, who have over the years brought together many unique and nowadays very rare to find images of NSW railway stations before they were demolished. NSWHRSI at NSWHRSI | Issue 27 82

times works with the publishers to showcase select images for stories or articles and help to increase your awareness of what once existed in NSW. We highly recommend these fabulous all colour books as the best insight to NSW railway stations from the past years from the 1950s to the 1980s. Some of these titles may no longer be in print but most are still available to buy. If you are keen to buy.... check out http://catalog.trainhobby.com.au/ and review the title on the left-hand side menu.... for NSW titles :) Other pages of interest Like to learn a very indepth history of the NSW railway system this link may appeal - http://www.transportheritagensw.com.au/#!thematic-history/c1jyt ARHS station notes - http://www.arhsnsw.com.au/lunchclub.htm Railcorp state heritage register listings of stations and detailed information - http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/railcorp/railcorp-s170-register.pdf NSW station name listing - http://www.ozrevenues.com/Articles/nsw-railway-station-names.html Recommended rail history web links – NSWHRSI has a large online footprint bringing you the latest heritage news and photos. View our various online publications to learn more - HERITAGE RAILWAY STATIONS PROJECTS A variety of NSW volunteer run or community heritage railway stations projects are online with websites and Facebook pages. Join their official Facebook if you are interested. Ariah Park railway station – https://www.facebook.com/groups/3663216823715302/ Dumaresq railway station - https://www.facebook.com/groups/627419178046564/ Girilambone railway station - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1014019782414651/ Other pages of interest Like to learn a very indepth history of the NSW railway system this link may appeal - http://www.transportheritagensw.com.au/#!thematic-history/c1jyt ARHS station notes - http://www.arhsnsw.com.au/lunchclub.htm Railcorp state heritage register listings of stations and detailed information - http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/sites/default/files/b2b/railcorp/railcorp-s170-register.pdf NSW station name listing - http://www.ozrevenues.com/Articles/nsw-railway-station-names.html STOP!!!! - Heritage railway stations still to be saved / restored / reused in NSW Did you know the list below is a small sample of the many underfunded / decaying / ignored or uncompleted restored heritage railway stations across NSW. These stations still need NSW Government funding to be fully saved and restored back to a suitable community level safe for reuse – and in some cases reopened to passenger railway trains stopping at the locations. Majority of these are in the CRN network and some are in the ARTC network. Ben Lomond railway station - https://heritagerailwaysnsw.wordpress.com/ben-lomond/ NSWHRSI | Issue 27 83

Binalong railway station - https://heritagerailwaysnsw.wordpress.com/binalong/ Clandulla railway station - https://heritagerailwaysnsw.wordpress.com/clandulla/ Cumnock railway station - https://heritagerailwaysnsw.wordpress.com/cumnock/ Galong railway station - https://heritagerailwaysnsw.wordpress.com/galong/ Newbridge railway station - https://heritagerailwaysnsw.wordpress.com/newbridge/ There are even more heritage railway stations needing to be still saved / repaired / restored / reused and they include Conoble, Mangoplah, Molong, Westby, Raglan, Stockinbingal, Glenreagh and Broken Hill. So why should you worry about these? Well - unless you stand up now and do something to make your local and State MPs take notice, your state’s rail heritage is going to crumble and fade away over the next few decades / be demolished before too long. Once these buildings are gone, they are gone for good sadly and you can’t bring them back. Importantly for all MPs in electorates across NSW, restored railway stations bring country towns inbound rail and history tourism as tourists seek out old railway stations. This tourism spending helps maintains and secure critical jobs in rural NSW. Politicians love job creation schemes. Ever seen a politicians that doesn’t support tourism job retention and creations in their own electorate? A well known fact is the current NSW Governments of the last few decades are trying to privatize all functions of NSW public service and transport and rail heritage is one area. With rail heritage maintenance the majority of it in rural NSW this has been outsourced to a third party private business, John Holland Rail, which makes money from such CRN contracts. When things go wrong the NSW Government doesn’t take the blame but can shift this onto the people at John Holland Rail…. who as we have seen over the years are totally unfunded by the same NSW politicians. The only way these rural country NSW heritage railway stations will get fixed/restored and reused is by you the ordinary person of NSW applying political pressure to get funding for these stations. HOW YOU CAN HELP What you can do is now take 5mins and write and contact your local MP, the NSW Premier and the Deputy Premier via email and or phone and ask why they refuse to restore and/or reopen these above listed railway station locations and what will they do to fix this issue

NEXT ISSUE Coming up in our next NSWHRSI newsletter - issue 28 August 2021 we will examine:

 Junee to Hay branch line review  Grafton Railway Refreshment Room  Insights into local communities reusing railway stations  Plus all our regular insights to heritage stations news, developments and events around NSW. To follow NSWHRSI click on the facebook link – https://www.facebook.com/NSWRSI. NSWHRSI can be contacted on the facebook page and welcome any stories / information or photo submissions.

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TAIL END TRIANGLE PHOTO Petersham’s railway station in the late 1880s, this is the 2nd version of the station. NSWSR