Kanowna’s Boy Hero – James Sexton

To rescue a fellow mortal from a watery grave, from a burning building, or under other exceptional circumstances requires the display of personal bravery and lack of regard for the safety of the rescuer. To risk all, to and to face death to save a mate, is often heard of. These deeds are rewarded by […]

The Wilkie Bros – Courageous Speculators!

The following story was sent by Susan Stevenson nee (Wilkie). Wilkie Brothers History 1895 to 1910 Early in 1895 John, Adam and David Wilkie left for Western Australia after John had sold one Waitotara property in New Zealand and a boot shop to help finance the Coolgardie contract. John at the time owned 380 acres […]

The Desert Echo – Trans Australian Newspaper

The “Desert Echo’ was a handwritten newspaper published by the workers employed on the Trans Australia Rail Line. It wasnt possible for them to receive updates on contemporary news so they made their own. This small document is an amazing snapshot of the every day lives of the men who worked on this lonely and isolated […]

The Railway Picnic – Bulla Bulling

  Westralian Worker (Perth, WA : 1900 – 1951), Friday 11 September 1903, page 1 RAILWAY EMPLOYEES ANNUAL  PICNIC. The rendezvous for the above this year was Bulla Bulling, the historic place from which the navvies used to come. At Kalgoorlie a start was made with 12 carriages, loaded down to Plimsoll mark, and to […]

Trains with Names:

I have always thought it was lovely that the small locos used on the Goldfields Woodlines were given names. All the ones I have found so far have female names except for ‘Ken’. – Thank you to Peter Green for sending me this information.