Aurora commemorated

On February 7, 1969, a series of miscommunications and unfortunate events led to two trains travelling at speed on the same stretch of track, headed towards each other.

One a cargo train delivering cars to Sydney, the other was the Southern Aurora express train heading to Melbourne.

Just after 7am that morning, the two collided.

In the ensuing tragedy nine people would lose their lives and more than a hundred more were injured.

The accident also had a lasting effect on the first responders, mainly from Violet Town, who attended the scene saving many lives.

Sunday’s event was the culmination of many years of planning and saw the official opening of the Southern Aurora Memorial Garden.

ABC Radio’s Matt Dowling hosted the event and introduced a range of guest speakers including, Strathbogie Mayor Amanda McClaren, Member for State Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, former Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer, Federal Member for Nicholls Damian Drum, Southern Aurora Committee member Gary Abley and first responder Rob Cumming.

Cr McClaren started by welcoming and acknowledging those involved in the Southern Aurora rail tragedy, directly and indirectly.

‘‘What was previously an unused and unattractive piece of land is now a beautiful memorial for both locals and visitors to Violet Town,’’ Cr McClaren said.

‘‘The garden will serve many wonderful purposes.

‘‘It will be a beautiful sanctuary for reflection and acknowledgement of the Southern Aurora rail tragedy and those whose lives were lost and impacted by the accident.

‘‘It also tells a story of bravery, of courage, of compassion.

‘‘A story of rural people standing up and helping strangers who were faced with adversity in the truest sense of the word.

‘‘The memorial will also act as a time capsule, preserving these stories and this history to be shared for generations to come.’’

All speakers talked about the amazing efforts of the local community, in particular the Southern Aurora Memorial Committee, in arranging last week’s events and in creating the Memorial Garden.

Ms Symes, Mr Abley and Mr Drum all gave touching speeches.

However, the highlight for many was the speech by Mr Fisher and a touching talk from first responder Mr Cumming.

Mr Fisher’s interest in trains shone through during his speech with many a reference to different train types and track gauges.

‘‘From sadness grows strength, solidarity and community,’’ he said.

‘‘In a sense this huge crowd here today and earlier this week reflects that inner strength that sometimes sadness is needed to bring out.

‘‘And we of course remember the nine who passed at this tragedy 50 years ago.

‘‘Sadly on February 7, 1969, a decision was made not to pass the freight train and the Southern Aurora at Benalla, but to move that passing exercise to the loop here at Violet Town.

‘‘The coronial report said the freight train was meant to go into the loop and stop. The Southern Aurora was supposed to stop to allow that to happen.

‘‘We know now that the freight train did not make the loop and the Southern Aurora kept coming at close to 70mph (more than 100kmh).

‘‘About 1km from here the collision occurred and then the miracle of the rescue took place.

‘‘The recovery of so many people as everybody, some of you here today, stepped up very quickly, very calmly, very professionally, and attended to the many injured people.

‘‘Today we commemorate the great effort made in the recovery.’’

Mr Cumming, who was joined on stage by his younger brother, struggled at points to get through his powerful speech.

‘‘During the past 50 years I, like many others, have sought to put this Southern Aurora tragedy behind us,’’ he said.

‘‘As a first responder on February 7, 50 years ago, like many from the region, the workers, the general public, we were injured as well.

‘‘The 50th memorial weekend, the vigil and the gardens allows all involved to, in their own way, deal with the trauma of that day 50 years on.

‘‘Many have suffered from PTSD who lost family members or had long-term recovery issues.

‘‘The vigil which many of you attended was designed to address those needs and remember all affected in a very respectful way.

‘‘To assist somebody you don’t know from further injury or in some cases death leaves a lasting effect.

‘‘What wasn’t available 50 years ago was the offer of professional help for people who were impacted by events like this.’’

Mr Cumming spoke of a recent conversation with his younger brother, who asked if he could remember the scene.

‘‘I said to him... I turned my back on the site, did not return and did not talk about it,’’ he said.

‘‘My first visit in 48 years was confronting. It was confronting to the point of fractured sleep, flashbacks, and disturbing visions of the site.

‘‘But the ability to talk to others who were there 50 years ago in recent week has been fantastic.

‘‘My recovery continues, and this week has offered both healing and therapeutic opportunities to me and others.’’

Turn to ‘From the Archives’ on P19 for an eye witness account from the day.