JENNY AITCHISON
MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS
MEDIA RELEASE - HONOURING LIVES LOST ON THE RAILWAYS
A poignant remembrance event marked the beginning of National Rail Safety Week, honouring over 4,500 rail workers who have lost their lives across Australia.
Held this morning at the Australian Railway Monument in Werris Creek, the ceremony featured a minute’s silence and wreath-laying.
Attendees included representatives from Australia’s 165,000-strong rail workforce, NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison, and other key figures.
This was the first time such a broad group of national rail representatives gathered to reflect on past losses and commit to improving safety for rail workers and the public.
The event paid tribute to Pacific National freight train drivers Kevin Baker and Mick Warren, who died in level crossing crash near the South Australian-NSW border on 31 December 2023. Their names were among over 800 recently added to the Wall of Remembrance, honouring rail workers who have died over the past 174 years.
The Monument, managed by the Werris Creek Rail Journeys Museum, updated its records ahead of Rail Safety Week, which runs 5-11 August and marks its 19th year with around 100 organisations across Australia and New Zealand promoting rail safety awareness.
Hosted by the TrackSafe Foundation and NSW TrainLink, the event also included representatives from Sydney Trains, Pacific National, Qube, Aurizon, the Australian Rail Track Corporation, and various unions and family members.
Werris Creek station, established in 1878 as Australia’s first railway town, was a major NSW hub for about 70 years and remains vital today. In the past 12 months, it has seen over 10,000 freight and passenger services, moving more than 29 million tonnes of coal.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Australian Railway Monument poignantly reminds us of the trauma from rail-related deaths and injuries, including the 800 individuals recently added to the Wall of Remembrance.
“Rail Safety Week highlights our shared responsibility to ensure everyone, from rail employees to commuters, returns home safely every day.
“The NSW Government is committed to saving lives and livelihoods on our railways, and it is wonderful to see so many rail industry bodies here today, sharing that vision for a safer future.”
Executive Director, TrackSafe Foundation, Heather Neil said:
“Any death or injury on the rail network is devastating for families, rail workers, and first responders. These incidents cause severe, lasting trauma to those involved, and most are preventable.
“Regardless of where we live, it’s crucial we know how to be safe on and around rail. Together, our collective activities during this Rail Safety Week & beyond help reach audiences far & wide, reminding our community to how to stay rail safe.”
