Nerida’s Story

Nerida’s grandfather, James Bourke, began work at sixteen and was based at Eveleigh for most of his working life. The family still has an official letter from the Office of the Commissioner for Railways addressed to James Bourke, dated 9 December 1949. The letter thanks James Bourke for his long service with the railways and details that a Long-Service Medal will be issued to all employees who completed forty five years service with the railways. Her father worked as a porter and a shunter for the railways. He was involved in an accident where he unfortunately lost all the toes on his left foot. After an extended hospital stay, he was required to wear a special shoe and was left with a limp. Her uncle worked for the railways and became a steam train driver.

Nerida visiting ATP, August 2015