As one of the few schools in Campbelltown in 1968, St Patrick’s was given two tickets for students to ride on the re-enactment train. I travelled on the train journey with Year 8 History Club members Grace K and Molly Q in a carriage which went over the Harbour Bridge when it opened in 1932. We were given a tour of the driver’s compartment and a brief history of the train by State Rail representatives.

When we reached Campbelltown we were greeted by flag-waving crowds and a contingent of St Patrick’s College History Club students Sophie I, Candice M, Angelique M, Amelia C, Bianca R, Caroline A, Jarian H and Eknoor G.  Students had a chance to tour the train as it stopped for 8 minutes at Campbelltown Station. Students also had a chance to mingle with local dignitaries such as Greg Warren MP.

Afterwards the students attended a civic reception at Campbelltown Council where speeches were given by the Mayor George Brticevic, Kay Hayes and Michael Chalker of the CAHS. A video showing a montage of historical footage from 1968 was especially interesting. Molly Q and Grace K accepted a special letter commemorating the proclamation of Campbelltown on behalf of the College.

Molly Q recollection of the day – ‘this was certainly a once in a lifetime opportunity as it was celebrating 50 years of the electrification of the Campbelltown railway. Grace K and I were lucky enough to catch the classic red rattler from Glenfield to Campbelltown and get a feel for what it would’ve been like 50 years ago when St Patrick’s girls, just like us, had the opportunity to catch the first electric train from Glenfield to Campbelltown. Another special thing about our carriage was the fact it was the first carriage to go over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, which added to the amazing experience. As the train rolled into the station we were greeted with St Pat's girls waving flags and the station almost full, adding to the feel of stepping back in time. The service that followed the trains arrival taught us girls many things about the history of Campbelltown, with actual footage of the event, and Grace and I were proud to receive a certificate from the Mayor of Campbelltown, not only celebrating our journey but commemorating 50 years of St Patrick’s work in Campbelltown.’

Grace K wrote ‘I found the whole day a very moving experience. It was amazing to take a step back in time and ride on one of the first electric trains.  The Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society collated videos taken in 1968 when the train came into Campbelltown. I loved watching this video and I think it was a great learning experience for me. I learnt so much on Friday.’

This was a truly wonderful day of history in action and the students have vowed to be present for the 100^th anniversary (and possibly their 91 year-old teacher!) 

Fran Musico Rullo - HSIE Teacher