Railways And Australian Identity

"The powerful headlight probes the darkness; voluminous clouds of black smoke billow from the chimneys, steam erupts from the safety valves, a ruddy glow lights the cab as butterfly doors are jerked open, flashing rods and driving wheels are highlighted by the running lights and overall there is now a triumphant beat." The railway is shown on maps as permanent way, however many lines are now abandoned. But the experiences of rail trips to distant places by train are, to many, deeply remembered events. This study acknowledges the essential economic effects of the rail network, but also celebrates the human responses, and when taken in overview, contributes to our continuing exploration of what it is to be Australian. Keith Hallett has spent equal parts of his career as teacher and historian, but from early boyhood in the Dandenongs responded to the magic of steam echoing through the hills. A love of rail has underlined his work, and continues with his volunteer work on the Victorian Goldfields Railway, passing this love of trains to his sons and grandchildren.