This Friday, December 13 the iconic Yarrawonga Mulwala Bridge will officially turn 100 with a formal ceremony to mark the occasion on Sunday.Bridges built across the Murray River at Yarrawonga Mulwala have all come with their own political controversy and lengthy problems, and the current bridge is no exception.In every case, their construction came only after much agitation, which required great determination and energy by local community-minded citizens spurred on by their visions of progress for the district.The 100th anniversary of the bridge is a time to reflect on its vital importance in connecting our towns and to unite for its future preservation and a new crossing.
Bridge 100th anniversary ceremony this Sunday
A big day is planned for the official ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Yarrawonga Mulwala traffic bridge this Sunday.
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Bridge Centenary Committee Joint Chair John Lawless said the celebrations are coming together well to mark a special occasion in history of Yarrawonga Mulwala.
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“It will be a four-hour celebration starting from 10am,” Mr Lawless said.
The unveiling of two plaques will first start on the NSW side of the bridge at 10am where joint Bridge Century Committee Chairs Mr Lawless and Robert Purtle OAM will welcome attendees. NSW Member for Albury Justin Clancy will then unveil the NSW plaque.
A short walk over the Victorian side of the bridge will be welcomed by a procession of vintage vehicles, one representing each decade of the bridge’s life.
At 10.30am Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM will welcome attendees and make a very special announcement.
Mr Lawless will then provide a brief history of the bridge and Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy will then follow to unveil the Victorian plaque, located next to the old Customs House.
The celebration will then continue on the Yarrawonga Foreshore until 2pm, where a big display of vintage vehicles and tractors will be on show, plus a free sausage sizzle will be hosted by the Rotary Club of Central Murray Sunrise.
King Charles III, who was formally invited to officially mark the bridge’s centenary, could not make the occasion but highlighted in this letter sent from Buckingham Palace the importance of the bridge’s preservation due to its historical and contemporary significance.
“It will be a great day of celebration and memories for people whose history with the bridge goes back many years.
“Our bridge was officially opened on December 13, 1924. It is amazing that 100 years later we have the same bridge carrying more than 11,000 vehicles a day.
“This is a great opportunity to highlight this to the governments of NSW and Victoria as well as the federal government.”
Also in attendance on Sunday and representing the NSW Government will be Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Inclusion The Hon Kate Washington.
“We would like to see many locals turn up on Sunday morning to participate in the celebrations.
“Our bridge has served our towns well over the last 100 years, and that should be celebrated,” Mr Lawless added.
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