Dear Supporters of rail from Armidale to Wsallangarra,

Last month it was a very busy one for us as we organised two forums in Armidale and Guyra with good attendence.  About 40-50 people attended Guyra and 120 Armidale meeting.  They provided the opportunity for attendees to share information, listen to speakers and ask questions.  Compared to our opponents who tended to work behind the scenes with powers that be to propose a rail trail, these meetings were open to the public. Transparency is very important to us.

David Peters, the businessman who plans to relocate his organic food processing industry to Llangothlin off Guyra was in Armidale as well.  He met with the Armidale Mayor and a few councillors and  two officials from the dept of regional NSW to elaborate his business and attended  a dinner at the Bowling club organised by train supporters.  As usual, he elaborated about his background, industry and the plans for relocation. He also met with those who are proposing to build an industrial park in Guyra who indicated their support for  David's proposal e.g. Rob Taber

An unexpected guest in town on a weekend was the steam train operated by NSW Heritage Council. 4000 people booked seats.  A smilar number missed out the opportunity to travel in the steam train to Uralla and back as tickets were sold out early.  Train made 4  return trips each day of the weekend.  Armidale station was full of people and families with children and grandchildren, elderly grandparents etc. They came from all over New England and beyond.  Any doubt that some nay sayers had about the viability of tourist trains was dispelled by the sea of people who descended on the station in happiness.  It was magical.

Currently, TrainsNorth members are auditing  10000+ signature petition forms received for the paper petition to the Legislative Assembly.  Once the audit is completed this or next week, we will present it to Hon.Adam Marshall,local MP for delivery to the Legislative Assembly.  LA asembly is required to hold a debate on the subject.

While those in authority at the council and State government levels still talk about the old language, people in New England/Northern ablelands are beginning to talk a newe language when it comes to trains in regional NSW,in particular our region. Momentum is building for a people's movement seeking ransport justice.  You are an important piller in it.

Tenterfield Morning Tea -21st September

Those concerned with the lack of proper public transport in Tenterfield and surrounding areas will meet on Thursday, 21 September 2023 10am – 12am at 
George Inn Dining Room Royal Hotel Tenterfield 130 High Street, Tenterfield. The purpose is to discuss where we are  at currently in the campaign to bring train services back to the town. 

Trains North vision is to open up the rail  line from Armidale to Wallangarra and have regular daily services for travellers, freight and heritage trains. Armidale and Glen Innes have their own groups affiliated to Trains North Inc, but those concerned about public transport and lack of progress in regional development  opportunities in Tenterfield feel that they need  to form a dedicated group in Tenterfield affiliated to Trains North Inc. to carry forward the campaign for transport justice.

Organisers of this event invite the community, interested groups and associations to come along and join for morning tea and express support, hear what’s happening, discuss and ask your questions in a socially friendly atmosphere.

Morning tea will be provided but would ask for a donation
towards the cost. For any enquiries please call Phyllus Jones on 0415526708.

Siri Gamage