The 20th National Rail Safety Week is being marked with a solemn ceremony at the Australian Railway Monument in Werris Creek this week.

More than 100 families, friends, and colleagues of those who have died, as well as representatives from across the rail industry, held a minute’s silence and lay wreaths next to the names that will be remembered forever.

“National Rail Safety Week reminds us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community that has experienced profound loss,” said Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison.

“Railways have powered our economy and connected communities for generations, but they also carry inherent risks. This week, during National Rail Safety Week, I reaffirm our commitment to keeping everyone safe, every day, in and around our railways.”

More than 4,500 names on the National Railway Monument at Werris Creek represent the loss of a railway worker since the 1850s.

This year, four new names have been added to the walls of the monument. One of them was Troy Ernst, a freight train driver who died in an accident in December last year.

The others are names of railway workers, one whose death dates back to early this century and two others from the 1920s and 30s. Their names have only just been added to the monument due to recent research by volunteers from the Australian Railway Monument and Rail Journeys Museum.

“As an industry, a community and as individuals, we all must play an active role in keeping ourselves and others safe around the rail network.” said Executive Director, TrackSAFE Foundation, Heather Neil.

“Infrastructure upgrades and the use of new technologies help improve the safety of the network.”

“But we also need truck and car drivers, cyclists, motorbike riders and pedestrians to be aware of tracks, look for trains, tram and light rail vehicles and follow all signposted rules.”

Hosted by NSW TrainLink and the TrackSAFE Foundation, the event is both a moment of reflection and a time for the rail industry to collectively commit to preventing future tragedies among Australia’s 165,000-strong rail workforce.

“The National Rail Safety Week ceremony is a powerful and poignant reminder that safety must never be taken for granted. It must be lived, acted on, and protected – every day, in every decision we make.” said Aitchison.

---

Something going on in your part of the New England people should know about? Let us know by emailing newsdesk@netimes.com.au