Big wombat faces sandstone challenge

As reported in this magazine last month, the Thiess Hochtief joint venture, started serious tunnelling for the Chatswood to Epping rail link in September, from what will be the Delhi Road railway station, about 15km north west of the city of Sydney.

Shortly before the start, the joint venture partners held a naming ceremony to launch the first tunnel boring machine on its 12.5km journey to Epping. About 120 employees and visitors were on hand.

The joint venture had invited local primary schools to name the two machines. Its judges decided the winning names would be Babs Guulang and Running Rosie.

Seven year old Lucy Read from the Epping West primary school contributed Babs Guulang, which in one Aboriginal language means big wombat.

Alexandra Lynch, Our Lady Help of Christians primary school, Epping, contributed Running Rosie, a nickname for her aunt. Each won $250 for themselves and $1000 for their schools.

Only one machine was in place so both names were on it for the unveiling performed by the girls. They then made the first incision in a giant cake, later consumed with enthusiasm by employees and guests at lunch on the surface.

Sections

Big wombat faces sandstone challenge

Weekly Top Stories

Document Actions