Celebrating Central’s birthday in style

Saturday 5 August, 2006

Following Friday’s ceremony to mark the centenary of Central Station, rail fans young and old joined in the birthday celebrations the next day.

Around 70,000 people turned up and enjoyed a great day out. A major contribution to event's success were the many staff volunteers who gave up their time to make the day a true celebration of our railway heritage.

There were plenty of activities to keep the crowds entertained throughout the day, with free give-aways, face painting, tattoos and dancers. Steam and rail motor shuttles took passengers on journeys through yesteryear and, for the future rail enthusiast, there was an exhibition of both the Oscar and Millennium trains on platform one. Visitors were also treated to a history exhibition of the three stations that have occupied the site since 1855.

Also on display was the key used to open the booking room in 1906 and the first ticket issued on that day. Many visitors took the opportunity to go on a tour around the station with expert guides.

The entrance to platform one where visitors could walk through Oscar and Millennium trains.	RailCorp staff volunteers gave away thousands of balloons to visitors.
But some of the balloons got away!	Loco 3112 was on the job.
Staff at the RailCorp stand had their work cut out for them.	Star volunteer, Heath, celebrated with a special birthday hat.
The famous 3801 provided shuttle rides for visitors.	Our new Oscar train proved popular with the crowd.
Visitors take some time out from birthday activities.	It was a great opportunity to see steam trains close up.
Around 70,000 people came to celebrate Central’s 100th birthday.	Volunteers provided directions and information on the day.