More than 100 people joined together to commemorate the 46th Anniversary of the Granville Train Disaster to acknowledge the victims and those affected by Australia’s worst rail disaster.
The tragic accident which claimed the lives of 84 people including a mother and her unborn child and injured more than 200 others, took place in Granville on January 18, 1977.
Community members who attended the annual memorial service included the Prime Minister, Hon. Anthony Albanese, Members of Parliament, Cumberland City Council Mayor Lisa Lake and Councillors.
Cumberland City Council Mayor Lisa Lake said the memory of that tragic day still lives on within the community.
“There are some of us who can recall what we were doing that day, when we heard the news and everything stopped. We waited by televisions and radios in shock and disbelief as the rescue operation unfolded,” she said.
“The Granville Train Disaster has left an indelible mark on Australian history, even now 46 years on, the grief remains.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese acknowledged the devastation of loss as he extended his condolences to families, emergency workers and first responders.
“Even with the passage of 46 years, the anniversary of the Granville train disaster sits so heavily in the soul of the nation," the Prime Minister said.
“I am grateful to have this moment to extend my sorrow and regret to everyone whose life was changed utterly and tragically that day.”
The service acknowledged the victims with the laying of wreaths at the memorial site, the chiming of a bell 84 times for each of the lives lost and the scattering of the roses from the Bold Street Bridge.