Description
Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Where: Level 3, Rockdale Library, 444 Princes Highway, Rockdale
Cost: Free
The final link in the railway connection between Brisbane and Adelaide, via Sydney and Melbourne was made at Hawkesbury River in 1889.
At the banquet to mark the opening Henry Parkes proclaimed that the transport connection was a necessary precondition to the Australian Federation.
The Hawkesbury River Railway Bridge had been built by American engineers who, at the end of the work, took their photo albums home with them, to remain largely unseen until they were located by Bill Phippen in the Library of Congress, Washington DC in 2014.
Presenter: Bill Phippen is an engineer, historian, heritage advocate, and volunteer guide at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Afterward, enjoy afternoon tea with a delightful selection of cakes, biscuits, and slices, including gluten-free choices.
Entry is free ($5 donation gratefully accepted)
All welcome!
