The Australind Goes Platinum at the South West Rail and Heritage Centre
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Sun 26 Nov 2017
The
South West Rail and Heritage Centre, situated in Turner Street in Boyanup is holding a celebratory event '
The Australind Goes Platinum', acknowledging the Australind, and its
70 years of service on
Sunday,
November 26 from
10:00am to
2:00pm.
To reignite old memories and to inform younger ones, there will be displays showing the
Australind train in all of its iterations, the various railway stations along the line including contributed stories from those who have travelled in the Australind, both in days long gone and more recently.
November 24, 1947 saw the first journey of the Australind train, taking passengers from Perth to Bunbury. Thus, began a service that has provided a mode of transport between the South West and Perth for the past 70 years.
The original Australind which began service in 1947 was replaced by
ADP/ADQ class railcars in 1987. The train has always travelled along the South West Main Line, which runs adjacent to the South Western Highway, servicing the inland towns such as Pinjarra, Waroona, Harvey and Brunswick Junction and smaller localities between.
The Australind has proven to be a great connection between the South West and the metropolitan area, with some of the South West residents using the service to enable them to work in Perth but live in the country.
Originally pulled by steam and diesel, the original train boasted a buffet car and hostesses who cared for the passengers in style. The Australind has seen several changes, as advances in technology provided faster and more comfortable travel.
Even though progress has assisted in modernising the service, many people still remember fondly, the 'old' Australind with its hostesses, ticket collectors and the distinctive blue and white buffet cars.
Now replaced by the more modern rail cars, the Australind still boasts a dedicated crew of attendants to care for passengers. A small galley that serves refreshments to passengers, now replaces the buffet car.
Community participation
In addition to models of the new and the old Australind train, subject to Rail Heritage WA's accreditation, it is hoped that an original Australind buffet car will be on display. Moreover, there will be stories and memories contributed by the community, children's activities, and lots more to see and do.
This will be complemented by an art competition with entries from schools along the route, and a photographic competition for seniors depicting the towns and countryside along the Australind train's route.
With generous sponsorship provided by the Shire of Capel, Meadowbrooke Lifestyle Estate, Transwa, Rail Heritage WA, Pan Pacific, the Hyatt Regency and Gingerbread House, this event promises to offer a 'snapshot' of the life and times of the Australind train service. Also, with recent announcements indicating that the service is set for significant improvements, it is anticipated that the Australind will continue its work ferrying people between the South West and the metropolitan area for many more years.
Look what else is going on
The blacksmiths, vintage machinery, model railway and Men's Shed will all be in operation as usual, and not to be missed.
The Picnic Van and Sausage Sizzle
Enjoy light refreshments served in the 'Picnic Van', a converted guard's van. Toasted sandwiches, cakes, ice creams, cold drinks, tea and coffee will be available, plus the
popular sausage sizzle.
Fun for the kids
The children will love a ride on the '
parent powered' merry-go-round, made from recycled materials, and
other activities.
For your convenience
Toilet facilities are available, including a toilet suitable for people with a disability. There is plenty of parking, just follow the signs to find your convenient parking spot.
Destination details
The
South West Rail and Heritage Centre is located in Turner Street Boyanup, an accessible day trip from Perth, and well worth the experience, is open from 10:00am to 2:00pm. For more information, please contact Norm Chapple on
[email protected] or call 0459 712 552. You may also find
this website and their
Facebook page helpful, and entry is by donation.
Photos are from the SWRHC collection unless otherwise noted. Artwork by John F.
#child_friendly
#community_events
#day_trips
#escape_the_city
#family
#family -attractions
#learn_something
#perth_city
#southern_suburbs
#tourist_attractions
#trains
#western_australia
#november
!date 26/11/2017 -- 26/11/2017
%wnperth
161314 - 2023-06-14 19:04:42