When the Kempsey to Macksville rail line opened on July 1, 1919, the Nambucca Valley was changed forever. To celebrate the centenary of that historic day, Leanne Welsh, historian Geoff Minett and Pat Kerr organised a special event at Macksville Train Station complete with displays, music and food.
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Tony Veness was on hand proudly showing off his magical G-Scale trains, while Macksville CWA and other local organisations provided the food and some great stories about the station. There was an authentic One-ton Tip Dray used in the construction of the railway, a horse-drawn cart, and even some keen people dressed in costumes from the bygone era.
Daphne Salt and Jeannette Rainbow from Wauchope came along for the ride to show their support for the centenary celebrations.
"We have been attending all the 100-year celebrations up and down the coast, we all support each other," Daphne said.
"It's so important to support the railway, and keep this crucial piece of history alive, for years everything was transported by rail, and in the war years, trains were instrumental in transporting troops and equipment," Jeannette said.
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Tomorrow will see an official opening ceremony for the railway, righting a wrong of history that saw the Kempsey to Macksville sixth section of the north coast railway line never formally opened due to an outbreak of the Spanish flu.
Melinda Pavey MP is expected to deliver the official opening speech at 10.25am along with the commemorative plaque unveiling. Retired assistant station master from Macksville Ron Curtis will then cut the centenary cake at 11am.
For more information about the centenary event tomorrow, contact Leanne Welsh on 0407-682-179, Pat Kerr on 0498-999-838 or Geoff Minett on 6568-1265.