Governor to attend Hawkesbury Railway Bridge anniversary

Celebrations marking the 125th anniversary of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge continue to grow, with news that the Governor of New South Wales will be attending.

Her Excellency Professor The Honourable Marie Bashir AC CVO Governor of New South Wales has accepted an invitation to the festival on Dangar Island to mark 125 years since the opening ceremony of the Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge.

“We’re very pleased the Governor is going to be at this important event,” Hornsby Mayor Steve Russell said.

“This was a major milestone that is well worth remembering, not just for Hornsby Shire but for the entire nation – in fact, it helped create our nation.

“The bridge created the final railway link that joined South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland together, becoming a major symbol of the move towards federation.”

At the time it was the biggest bridge building project in the Southern Hemisphere and used groundbreaking engineering techniques.

Over the weekend of Saturday 3 May and Sunday 4 May events to mark the occasion will include:

  • A free exhibition telling the story of the bridge, including photographs and original artefacts.
  • A cruise of the Brooklyn River with the river postman where you can enjoy expert commentary, morning tea and lunch. Phone 0400 600 111 to book.
  • A river tour aboard the historic Banksia Ferry from Dangar Island for just $7.50. It departs 11am and 2pm, with extra departures on demand.
  • A range of special events in the park for children, including story-telling stations.

“This is going to be a great weekend for families, offering something for young and old,” Mayor Russell said.

“As somebody who lives on the river, I can guarantee a good time will be had by all and I urge everybody to head that way and check it out.”

Dangar Island is the only inhabited island on the Hawkesbury River, a unique traffic-free environment that is easily reached by ferry from Brooklyn.

For more information visit www.dangarislandhistoricalsociety.org