EVELEIGH - STILL THE BEST LOCATION FOR COALING

On Friday 8th June, 2007, locomotive 3801 was again re-coaled in gale force winds in front of the Heritage Listed Mortuary Station.

The Minister John Watkins and RailCorp had been informed of the irrepairable damage caused by smoke, steam and coal dust on sensitive sandstone used in this beautiful building. A look above the portal of any country railway tunnel will show you what happens. Dirty black staining and discolouring.

Why won’t they do anything? Don’t they care or are there ulterior motives for damaging this building?

Yes, you are right, it is the Eveleigh usage problem again. This coaling, watering and overnight engine storage should all occur at Eveleigh. Mortuary Station in the 1980’s had a complete restoration. The roof needed extensive repairs, the wrought iron fence was restored and the sandstone external surfaces were completely cleaned and chemically treated to protect them from the elements.

The Mortuary Station building at Regent Street Station experienced a long period of neglect and abuse after its original function came to an end. It is recorded as having been used "for the despatch of horses, dogs, poultry and parcels", as a tool-shed for the rail fettlers, and also to have stood idle for years. Then it was renovated and the surrounds were landscaped to house a proposed railway museum. Instead, it became a tea-room. Now it is hired out by the Railway Department as a popular venue for weddings, receptions, and promotions – particularly book launches. For dinners and for refreshments, two heritage carriages are parked at the station as a backdrop.

We should honour those who arranged for the restoration of this fine buildings, so that it has not fallen into the hands of the demolishers. It remains as memorials to multitudes of Sydney's departed, who travelled to their final resting place along the Mortuary Railway Train Line to Rookwood. "May their memory be a blessing" and may this building rest in peace not in pieces.

Photos: Friday, 8th June 2007 Locomotive 3801 being loaded with coal in front of the Heritage Listed Mortuary Station

This media release is part three media releases from FOE. For a 685 Kb PDF with the photos referred to download the PDF on this link - Friends of Eveleigh Media Release 11th June 2007

Media Release Produced by the Friends of Eveleigh – Contact: The Secretary, FOE, PO Box 381, Belrose West NSW 2085.