Celebrating Central’s birthday in style
Friday 4 August, 2006
Wet weather failed to dampen centenary celebrations at Central Station today where a large crowd of invited guests, media and members of the public gathered to witness a historic moment in the life of the "Grand Old Lady of Sydney".
Central Station is a national landmark steeped in history and has created special memories for the millions of people who have passed through it over the years.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport John Watkins marked the anniversary with a pledge to invest $20 million over the next five years in a sustainable rail heritage strategy and announced the creation of a new Office of Rail Heritage to be based in the former booking office at the station.
RailCorp Chairman Ross Bunyon spoke on the history of the station and of the now completed refurbishment works at the former booking office.
Celebrations continue tomorrow with plenty of exciting attractions for families, children and anyone interested in the history of the station and the trains that have operated from it through the years. Many of this country’s grandest steam trains have come and gone from Central, and some will return on Saturday 5 August to run return shuttle rides to the suburbs.
More than 60 RailCorp staff have volunteered their time to help out at the various events.
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RailCorp CEO, Vince Graham, spoke about Central's history.
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Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport, John Watkins, unveiled plaques to commemorate the event.
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RailCorp Chairman, Ross Bunyon, Central Station Manager, Sam Petrou, and John Watkins with Central’s birthday cake.
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RailCorp apprentices hand over rail motor CPH 18, which they restored, to NSW Rail Transport Museum president Peter Berriman.
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John Watkins with RailCorp apprentices inside the CPH 18 rail motor.
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There is now a Rail Heritage Centre at Central Station.
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The heritage centre is in the newly renovated former booking room.
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Steam loco 3526 was part of the celebrations.
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