Trains of Treasure Exhibition

Brian Dunnett (left) at the old Adelaide River Station, NT, with Trains of Treasure, 2001

Much of Australia's social history and development over the last 200 years has been closely related to the history of its railways. From convict days when human power was used to propel railway carriages at Port Arthur, to early steam rail openings, through two depressions, a general strike, two world wars and changing technologies, railway workers and those who used services of railways have endured the good and the bad. While doing so they have often reflected upon the mood of the time with music, songs, poems, tall stories and other art forms. Trains of Treasure brings some of this colourful history to life.

The exhibition's original 26 display panels are mounted on free standing framed art boards that measure 5ft x 4ft. These panels have now been digitally copies and are reprinted on lightweight palstic panels, easily tranpsorted and mounted.

The artwork in each panel illustrated the background in which the railway poem or song was written, with photographs and drawings. The visual artwork themes of each panel are supported by two audio tapes of songs and poems and interviews with railway employees.

The artwork will soon be displayed on this website.

Trains of Treasure featured most recently at the centenary of Henry Parkes at the NSW Parliament House (1999), the Back to Eveleigh open days (2000 and 2001), the centenary of Central Station (2001), the Northern Territory tour for the Centenary of Federation (2001), and the Federation by Rail event between Port Augusta and Perth and the subsequent celebration at the Midland Railway Workshops.

If you are involved with a rail history event, consider using the exhibition and its CDs.

The Rail Unions Cultural Committee is now creating a new panel to express the experience of the massive changes in Australia's railways between 1985 and 2002. If you have any photographs, drawings, poems or songs relating to this period, please contact Brian Dunnett, c/- RTBU National Office rtbu@magna.com.au or phone (02) 9310 3966.