22 February 2010
Women in Rail (WIR) in conjunction with OnlineRail recently organised two tours of historic Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.
Over 60 women who work in rail and rail-related industries attended the event. Many were delighted to have the opportunity to see certain areas of this historic building not generally accessible to the public and to learn some interesting facets from of the past.
“Of interest to a number of women who attended the event was the fact that in 1933 the Victorian Railways set up a nursery at the station that allowed travellers to leave their children in the care of qualified staff whilst they went about their business in the city. The nursery provided care and meals for the children and even included an open-air playground,” said Helen Stephens, WIR’s chair person.
“We would like to thank Amelia Smith and Peter Platky, Community Education Officers from Metro Trains Melbourne, as well as Jenny Gamble from the Victorian Railways Institute (VRI) for their assistance in organising this event.” Ms Stephens concluded.
Tours of the Flinders Street Station in Melbourne are not available for the general public. People interested in learning more about the history of Flinders Street Station and the Victorian Railway Industry in general are invited to contact the Community Education Office at Metro Trains Melbourne via community.education@metrotrains.com.au or alternatively the Victorian Branch of Australian Railway Historical Society on 1300 220 220 during business hours or at http://www.arhsvic.org.au
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