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The return to steam of the 1898-built 'Leschenault Lady' on Sunday 22 August 2021 at the South–West Rail & Heritage Centre in Boyanup was a great milestone within a huge celebration event.
Well done to all involved in restoring this 1898-built steam locomotive to operational condition and who assisted in this event or others over the weekend!
We thank the WA Government for their $20,000 contribution towards the restoration as part of the election commitment grant program.
Jodie Hanns MLA waves the green flag as Leschenault Lady passes through the streamers (T Stanley)
At the end of the day there was still some energy for a smile from the people who had worked so hard and the day and earlier to make it a success.
Thank you.
Two questions have been frequently asked about Leschenault Lady now she is back in steam and here are the answers.
Firstly - will people be able to have a ride?
The answer is not yet as it is necessary for us to be accredited to do so under national laws governing rail operations and our current focus is on being able to safely operate steam locomotives while training people in all aspects that this entails. But one day we hope to be able to take that next step.
Our WA Rail 150 celebrations over the weekend of 21 and 22 August were the most significant of the year's activities. As WA's first steam locomotive Ballaarat ran on the purpose-built Lockeville to Yokonup railway it was fitting that the weekend's events were based in the South–West.
On Friday 20 August the City of Busselton had a 150th birthday celebration for 'Ballaarat' including the opening of a new exhibition about the locomotive's story.
Members of Rail Heritage WA assisted in various ways towards the new exhibition and were in attendance on the evening. It isn't often you get to sign a 150th birthday card!
L to R: Mayor, City of Busselton Grant Henley with Philippa Rogers, President Rail Heritage WA and Jacquie Happ, Cultural Development Officer. (Photo: City of Busselton)
Saturday 21 August focussed on WA's first railway with a ceremony at the National Trust's Wonnerup House. The original railway ran through the corner of this property and is the location for our monument marking that - the one that was unveiled at the Centenary celebrations in 1971.
After a Welcome to Country by local Wadandi Elder Sandra Hill and her niece Shannon Clohessy we had speeches by RHWA President and Grant Henley, Mayor of the City of Busselton. Mr Henley recalled being a young boy at the Centenary celebrations and spoke about how important Ballaarat is to the people of Busselton.
Left to right: Sandra Hill, Philippa Rogers, Hon David Templeman MLA, Hon Jessica Stojkovski MLA and Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC at Wonnerup with 150th Anniversary plaque. (T Stanley)
The Hon David Templeman MLA Minister for Tourism, Heritage and Culture and the Arts, unveiled a new plaque to mark 150 years of railways in WA. We thank all who attended and acknowledge the support of the South West Development Commission and the City of Busselton in enabling us to hold this event and to the National Trust of Australia (WA) for their provision of the venue.
Minister Templeman's Media Statement can be
found here.What a great day this turned out to be with over 1000 visitors and a great selection of exhibitors. Here are some photos from the day.
The crowd enjoying their day.
AMRA WA with their 'U' drive layout that was enjoyed by young visitors.
Miniature train rides by Northern Districts Model Engineering Society.