On Friday, August 22 1873 the North East Ensign reported on the ‘Railway Ball’, held to mark the arrival of the first steam train in Benalla.
Finishing the floors and decorating the ballroom in advance of an all night gala was seemingly as important as getting the station and platforms ready for that first train.
The celebration involved most of the town, as it heralded a new age for the Rose City.
It was now connected to Melbourne, and much of Victoria. In the coming months and years it would be connected to New South Wales and beyond.
It brought goods and services, it brought tourists, it brought jobs and opportunity.
This was an era with no cars. Horse and cart was the best option, other than walking.
It changed Benalla overnight.
Some 150 years later a large crowd gathered at what is left of Benalla’s grand station to mark the anniversary.
Many of those in attendance were supporting the Save Our Station Campaign, which is seeking further amendments to plans for the station as part of the Inland Rail Project.
The number supporting the campaign was swollen by recent news that the town’s historic signal box was to be removed.
There was also a good number of people there to simply celebrate the anniversary and what the rail line meant to Benalla.
State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland was in attendance and planted a tree to mark the occasion.
Senior executives from the Australian Rail Track Corporation were also there to answer any questions about the proposed station upgrades.
The Benalla Historical Society had arranged the event and with the help of station staff had an exhibition of old photos for attendees to view.
Ms Cleeland said the day was about celebrating and acknowledging the history of the station and what it meant to the town.
“It’s a day of reflection, gratitude and pride to honour a century and a half of progress, connectivity and shared memories,” Ms Cleeland said.
“(When) the inaugural train departed it marked the beginning of a transformative journey for this town and its people.
“The railway’s impact on Benalla’s growth has been profound. The availability of efficient transportation meant that agricultural products could be easily transported to markets in Melbourne and further afield.
“It was the start of Benalla’s prosperity.”
Local historian John Hanlon also spoke at the event.
“On August 18, 1873 a public holiday was declared,” he said.
“The people of Benalla were recognising the arrival of the train, it was an exciting time.
“It was a public holiday, but all of the hotels remained open, it was a huge celebration.”
He went on to discuss the success of the ball, which the North East Ensign had so gleefully reported on, and conveyed the excitement and opportunity of that day, 150 years ago, and what it meant to Benalla.
With the arrival of the Inland Rail Project in the coming years Benalla is still playing an important role in Australia’s rail network and supporting the opportunities it brings to the Rose City and beyond.