18th January 2023

 It with great sorry that I inform all that on the 28th December 2022 VAUGHAN Williamson our Technical support volunteer suffered a fatal heart attack in his home area of Kiama. Last year (2022) Vaughan & I were very active in a documentary production being filmed by a London Based Film Studio. This documentary will possibly be screened on the discovery channel sometime this year (2023). Further to this, Vaughan & I were also planning to take part in a documentary exposing the truth about the Granville Technical & Political Cover-up which is currently on the table with an Australian Film Producer. This documentary will be the full story which will be taken from the book Revisiting the Granville Disaster of 1977. It will not be censored and the real truth will be exposed.

​

Rest in Peace Vaughan.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Another year has passed, and as we move on with our lives in this post Covid world, we not only think about those lost on the 18th January 1977, but now those who suffered a loss during the past year. 

As stated on many occasions, those who lose a loved one in any situation is sad, but to lose someone in tragic circumstances, there is no closure. 
It was surprising to see the attendance at the 2022 service this year, as we knew many would be absent due to Covid. However, as 10am rolled on, the Memorial Wall site became crowded. 

So, with sorry in our hearts, we await the 46th anniversary service. 

Until we meet with Cumberland Council it will not be known if we move the service back into the Granville Town Hall and then to the Memorial Wall as there is still that fear of Covid still being played out with Health & Safety still an important factor.. 

Another year has now passed and the association still keeps working in the background.
 

So what is news. Well, the funds of the association have slowly been getting lower over the past 5 years since we obtained a small grant, so we applied for a little funding but this was declined. Cumberland Council picks up the bill for the memorial service and maintains the memorial wall with the assistance of Sydney trains. Yes, the council now has listed the annual service as a council event and we must abide by their protocols during the anniversary service.

​

Funding at present, listed in point 7 below is that the association now has all rights to 100% of the profit gained by the Book and Graham McNiece has donated the collectors DVD, giving us 100% of the sale price.  

What does the Granville Train Disaster Association Incorporated do? 

Well, we compere the day, and it is run by those who were directly involved, such as family members who lost a loved one, survivors & rescuers. This is done on a voluntary basis. At this time we have an 11 person committee who are all, in some way, involved with the disaster.  In 2023 we hope to see Cecilia (Gammell) Harris, Meredith Knight & Paul Touzell playing the major roles with Gary Raymond & Ken Petersen also assisting. Barry & Rob will also be available on the day.

​

What many don't realise is:

  1.    Members of the committee try to meet/zoom on a regular basis, covid permitting.

  2.    A Facebook Support Page is run for those wishing to make contact. 
         https://www.facebook.com/search/top? q=granville%20train%20disaster%20support%20group

  3.    We run a Web page & email address as below.

  4.    Persons are still coming forward with their story of the day.

  5.    Many still, have not recovered over losing their loved one, and in some cases these people lost

         more than one family member. This leading to post trauma support.

  6.    We are still in contact with many these days due to the way the situation was handled in the past, 

         which led to us requesting an apology from the Premier of the day for the way things were

         handled in 1977 by the then Premier Neville Wran..

  7.    Currently our only income is the Granville book, (Revisiting the Granville Train Disaster of 1977)

         which, is supported by the association and sold at a small profit along with 100% of DVD sales.

  8.  Members of the association pay $10.00 per calendar year.    

  9.  Minimal donations have mainly been received from Relatives, Survivors & Rescuers.

​

Overheads mainly funded by committee members.

      The association is a member of the Royal Historical Society. 

      Mail outs - committee meetings and for post trauma support counselling..

      Stationary/signage/certificates/printing.

      Banking / eftpos account is controlled by Barry & Meredith.

      Visits to those requiring counselling.

​

The members fee is very important to us to survive so please make sure your membership is up to date and continue to assist us in the years ahead. 

 

Beverley Roberts has taken on the role as secretary, which will be confirmed at the next AGM.

​

The next AGM and Council meeting should take place December or early January.

An email will be sent out when we can confirm a date and time.

Place: The Granville Diggers as the room is still available for us and two new restaurants have been opened within the club.

​

We have made it easy for members and interested parties to join or pay membership fees by clicking on the Membership - Donation.

​

​

​