Recent Tour Reports

TOFS Trip 867

Thursday 5 February 2026

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

(Organised by TOFS KO)

TOFS (46): JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Clynt S (69), Gary C (75), Michael F (108), James M (118), Phil K (123), Jim W (129), Terry O (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Ian F (182), Terry R (184), Graham L (185), Greg O (200), Jim M (209), Jim B (214), Richard M (219), Ron O (231), Paul T (233), Stuart P (264), Geoff R (305), Ted A (306), Phil B (345), Peter O (348), John O (357), Gregg B (365), Frank C (375), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Don N (400), Robert E (431), David W (434), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Bob L (455), Ash B (458), Jason F (464), Les H (469), Frank W (475), Peter L (479),

Visitor (1): Gino V.

The large group met at the Marian Street exit from Redfern, as per our (very clear) instructions. New member Peter L (479) was presented with his hat, and then our guide Craig Mackey was introduced. Craig led us to the Locomotive Repair bays of Eveleigh workshops and told us details of the repair labour and productivity that came from those premises. Later, New Locomotives were built in a newly built adjacent building, and work continued up until World War II. The workshops were then busied in munitions work for the war effort, and by the time they settled back into regular railway work, industrial processes had changed. Generally over time, the point was made that a good safety record was achieved.

Our tour proceeded into the bays of the site, each one with its own function in the overall process. Parts are now converted to retail, but enough of the fabric of the premises exists to provide a very good overview. We went upstairs where a full view of the bays below was available. The power and efficiency of some of these machines was described, as well as details of the boilers and their role in the functioning of the machines.

We proceeded to the museum, never before discovered by TOFS, which houses a collection of historic material pertaining to Australian railways, managed by the Society and its volunteers. Access to the collection is available to members and to the general public. It houses thousands of documents, books, periodicals and photographs acquired over many years.

BACKGROUND

On 19th May 1933, six enthusiasts met in Sydney and formed the Great Railway Circle of Australia. In May 1936 the name was changed to Australian Railway and Locomotive Historical Society and further changed to Australian Railway Historical Society in 1951.

ARHS NSW remains the oldest and largest member-based organisation of its type in the country. The Society has amassed a large library of books, magazines, drawings, photographs and other documents related to the history of railways in NSW and Australia. The NSW society publishes two magazines that may be of interest to some members – “Australian Railway History” and “Railway Digest”.

PURPOSE OF THE SOCIETY

Whilst railways are still an important part of our cities and towns, the tremendous contribution they made to the social and economic development of the nation is often unheralded. The objectives are to preserve and promote this important history through the maintenance of the archival collection; to produce magazines and books (including our monthly magazines Australian Railway History and Railway Digest); and to encourage association between those interested and with the community through special events, rail tours and excursions. The Society also operates one of the most comprehensive railway bookshops in the world.

GIANT MURAL

One of the special features of the area is the giant mural painting of talented singer The Kid Laroi, known for his original music and of course for the anchor tattoo upon his chest (sadly not visible on the giant mural). This was on our agenda but due to a closed footpath on Botany Road, this site could not be visited easily. Members who have an interest can view it online or at the corner of Botany Road and Chapel Lane.

CAULIFLOWER HOTEL

Market gardener George Rolfe opened the Cauliflower Hotel in 1862. Rolfe, who arrived from England to Sydney as a 16-year-old boy with his family, would acquire large tracts of land on the Waterloo Estate, and was said to have made enough money to build his pub from the sale of a bumper crop of cauliflower. The ‘Cauli’ was later known as the only place you couldn’t get whacked because all the heavies drank there. TOFS member the late John Mead was licensee of The Cauli from 1990 to 1995.

MUSIC

A singer represented in local artwork. "Thousand Miles" by The Kid Laroi (2022).  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS-666L0VLE

Graham L (185)

TOFS TRIP 865

Wednesday 28 January 2026

Boothtown Aqueduct Walk

(Organised by TOFS WW)

TOFS [26]: JP (27), Ken H (48), Daryl H (65), Bruce K (68), Terry O’H (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Rex M (179), Jim McD (209), Ron O’H (231), Keith R (283), Roger I (320), John O (357),  Gregg B (365), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Denis P (430),  Rob E (431), David W (434), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Jason F (464), David C (467), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Frank W (475)

VISITOR/New Member :       Peter L   

It was a pleasure to meet and greet Peter L, a visitor for the day. But wait, it was even more pleasing to see him completing the few formalities of membership even before we boarded the bus. Well done Peter, welcome to TOFS, and we look forward to enjoying with you many more of our trips.

Thanks to all for arriving at the assembly point with time to spare before the arrival of Bus 806 for our trip to ‘parts unknown’ as someone remarked.

The bus, in fact, dropped us at an entry point to Lower Prospect Canal Reserve, an area which encloses the full 7.7 km of the former Lower Canal, a predominantly open canal which from 1888 to 1995 carried Sydney’s water supply from Prospect Reservoir to a distribution pipehead at Guildford.

In 1995, a pipeline opened between a new filtration plant established adjacent to Prospect Reservoir, and the Guildford pipehead. The water supply for Sydney was from then on, principally drawn from Warragamba Dam with a contribution of water from the still operational Upper Nepean Canal.

The Lower Canal depended on water being harvested and transported by that Upper Nepean Canal. For an interesting read, search WaterNSW/Celebrating 125 Years of the Upper Nepean Scheme.

The land corridor through which the Lower Canal had run was declared a public reserve in 1998. The Canal itself was filled with concrete aggregate and soil, and a pedestrian/cycleway was constructed along its entire length, opening in August 2003.

Interestingly, the infilled canal is still believed to have research potential for its detailed and varied evidence of engineering construction techniques, both the original dry-stone masonry and the later reinforced concrete plating works. The infilling is reversible and the canal has retained its capacity to demonstrate its original water supply function.

The Reserve is Crown Land and was added to the NSW Heritage Register on 30 June 2015.

The Boothtown Aqueduct was built as part of the scheme and allowed the Lower Canal to flow across a 225 metre wide valley. It has 22 brick arches with a clear span of 9.1 metres between each.

Unfortunately the parapet walls collapsed and fell into the valley in 1892. They were reconstructed and strengthened with a concrete lining and tie-rods.

However, the aqueduct gradually proved incapable of accommodating the ever-increasing volumes of water demanded by the population, and in 1907 it was replaced with a 3 metre wide inverted siphon, which used gravity to carry the water across the valley and up again into the canal on the other side. The castellated entry and exit towers for the siphon are still in place.

After crossing the Aqueduct and viewing it from ground level, and following the customary Group Photo, we continued our stroll along the canal path until an exit path to a suburban street loomed. Thankfully, due to the rather warm conditions, we soon arrived at our lunch venue. It appeared that the refreshments were rather well received.

Thanks to all for attending.

And don’t forget, you’ve never got off at Bombo!

25 February is the chance to remedy that.

Rex M (179)

Tour Organiser

TOFS TRIP REPORT 864

WEDNESDAY 21ST JANUARY 2026

BARANGAROO TO THE BRIDGE HOTEL PYRMONT WALK

(Organised by CC-TOFS)

TOFS (23): Peter B (32), Paul E (380), L Watson (386), Rob E (431), Graham L (185), James Mc C (118), Ron O’H (231),Les H (469), Ron B (446), John P (27), Frank W (475), Rob B (440), Anthony T (420), David C (467), Phil G (154), Ron C (470), Jason F (464), Kingsley G (439), Bill R (389), John L (477), Peter O (348), Ken C (474), Peter Mc K (288). 

After all the rain it was a relief to arrive at Barangaroo Metro Station on a fine sunny Sydney day and it was great to see so many turn up for the walk.

After doing the roll call, I explained that there were a number of options the groups could take on our walk to Darling Harbour.

Most of the group took the first option and proceeded up the steps to Barangaroo Reserve and walked down the hill a few hundred metres to take in the view of the Harbour Bridge and across to Kirribilli and Lunar Park.

We then proceeded around the base of the Reserve to the Barangaroo Precinct and around the Aquarium and up onto the bridge.  From the Bridge deck we were again afforded great views up the Harbour and Darling Harbour on the other side.

We all arrived in time at the Hotel for our allocated booking and everyone settled down for a well - earned refreshment.

Peter B JP (32)

22 Jan 2026.

TOFS TRIP 862

Monday 19th Jan 2026

Lecture at Souths Juniors

(Organised by TOFS SS)

TOFS (25): JP (27), Terry O (147), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Rex M (179), Graham L (185), Jim Mc (209), Ron O (231), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Bill H (278), Peter Mac (288), Colin C (291), Geoff R (305), Ted A (306), Peter O (348), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Graeme L (392), Don N (400), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Frank W (475).

Twenty-five TOFS members joined together in the Terrace Room, South’s Juniors for the first tour of 2026.

Member Colin C (291), also a member of The Sydney Maritime Museum offered to speak to us on the various activities of the Museum.  He enthusiastically shared his interest and knowledge in those exhibits occupying the area in the Darling Harbour Precinct.

These include the retired Daring Class Destroyer, Vampire which was designed and built in Australia in 1958 and is the sister ship of the ill-fated Voyager.  We heard that the Vampire was given by the Navy to the Museum after its decommissioning in 1986.

We were interested to hear of the retired submarine Onslow, an Oberon class vessel which was in service from 1969-1999 and of the historic Krait, a wooden hulled Japanese fishing boat, captured at the fall of Singapore and famous for its use during the Second World War by the commandos of Z special force who ventured into Singapore Harbour and sank many Japanese supply ships with magnetic mines, greatly reducing Japanese wartime capabilities.

Colin answered many questions and then it was time to move away to enjoy lunch in the Glass Room.  Our sincere thanks Colin for your time and effort in putting together an interesting lecture.

JIM MC (209)

TOFS TRIP 860

Thursday 18th Dec 2025

TOFS Annual Christmas Party for 2025

(Organised by TOFS HQ)

TOFS (64): JP (27), Peter B (32), Ken H (48), Dennis S (60), Daryl H (65), Clynt S (69), David E (94), Michael F (108), Phil K (123), Jim W (129), Lloyd S (138), Terry O’H (147), Jeff J (153), Phil G (154), Peter M (155), Dennis W (177), Rex M (179), Terry R (184), Graham L (185), Jim McD (209), James B (214), Richard Mc D (219), Ron O’H (231), Bill K (232), Ray N (235), Kenn W (243), Stuart P (264), Keith R (283), Peter MacK (288), Colin C (291), Jim B (293), Richard B (296), Chris H (298), Roly B (325), Denis R (332), Phil B (345), Peter O (348), Allan S (349), Gary H (366), Jeffrey H (373), Steve McK (374), Paul E (380), Lyle W (386), Bill R (389), Graeme L (392), Don N (400), Rob E (431), Chris G (432), Kingsley G (439), Robert B (440), David F (441), Bob S (444), Ron B (446), Bobby T (448), Sean H (452), Bob L (455), John R (463), David C (467), Les H (469), Ron C (470), Alastair L (471), Ken C (474), Frank W (475), John L (477).

Apologies: Bruce K (68), Bill K (237).

The Juniors Kingsford 

Our day officially opened at 11:00 am, with some members arriving as early as 9:30 am. Julie and her team at the Juniors had prepared the room beautifully, setting tables for six and eight guests and decorating them with Christmas-themed adornments. Apologies were received from a couple of members, and a total of 64 attended — many dressed in festive Christmas shirts and accessories, which was wonderful to see.

Our President, Stuart P (264), welcomed everyone and acknowledged our attending Life Members: Peter B (32), Graham L (185), Rex M (179), and Terry O’H (147). A special presentation was made to member 209, Jim McD, for attending more than 300 TOFS trips — well done, Jim (Badger). Stuart then ran the True or False competition, with 349 Allan S emerging as the last person standing, followed by Paul E (380) conducting the first 25 Trivia questions.

A lovely Christmas lunch was served, finishing with alternating Pavlova or Christmas pudding, and one member even claimed to have found a thruppence in his pudding. Jeff J and Terry O’H awarded the Best Attired Member prize — a bottle of wine — to 348 Peter O, with thanks to Terry for providing such a beautiful bottle. Paul E then completed the Trivia competition, with excellent questions that sparked lively discussion at the tables. The teams led by Graham L (185) and Stuart P (264) finished as equal winners.

Four Lucky Door prizes were drawn, each worth a $30 gift voucher, with winners 477 John L, 448 Bobby T, 469 Les H, and 283 Keith R. Jeff closed the day by thanking everyone for attending and wishing all a very Merry Christmas and a healthy, happy 2026. He also thanked 293 Jim Brown for organising a great day. Jim is stepping down as HQ Tour Organiser after four years, so we are now seeking a new TO for HQ to organise the two trips associated with the Christmas lunch and our AGM. Please consider helping.

Jeff J (153 – HQLO) 

TOFS Trip 861

Friday 12th Dec 2025

Christmas Lunch and Drinks

(Organised by TOFS MC)

TOFS MC (21):

Dave T (351), Malc S (359), Peter B (399), Norm MS (307), Albert K (403), Kit C (415), Kevin H (324), Dave G (308), Will L (282), Alan M (406), Alan H (462), Ian C (376),

Greg E (259), Ray M (229), Ray L (407), Tom H (393), Chris T (456), John W (338),

Gary S (322), Bob B (418), Bob W (465)

This Month we held our usual Christmas Day lunch and drinks at the

Halliday Sports Club, Black Head to wrap up the year for Mid Coast TOFS group.

Twenty-one members made their way to the club either by the Halliday Shores Village bus or by using their own transport.

Once seated I called the groups attention to hold what I considered an informal meeting, this meeting was for me to gauge the mood of the group to continue into the new year with our MC TOFS group now that we don’t have the leadership of John Mead.

Upon asking for a show of hands in support to keep the group running there was a unanimous vote to continue.  As a result of this I advised them I would be prepared to act as the focal point of TOFS but ask that they consult the TOFS web site to see what and when trips are to take place.  The usual booking process would remain the same, by contacting me either by Text, or Email.

I would like to thank all those present for contributing to a case of Crown Lager for

Dave T (351) as a thank you for driving the bus each month to allow us to attend our function of choice throughout the year.

Dave T once again provided his service, driving the village bus.

Thanks Dave.

I would like to say it was an enjoyable day and thanks to all who attended.  I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Looking forward to seeing you in 2026.

Malc S (359) Mid Coast Tour Organizer.                

TOFS Trip 859

WEDNESDAY 10 DEC 2025

PANTHERS ON THE PROWL (POP)

(Coordinated by TOFS (NM))

TOFS 12: JP (27); Ken H (48); James McC (118); Jim McD (209); Ron O’H (231); Peter O (348); Paul E (380); Lyle W (386); Peter C (391); Jim E (394); Rob E (431); Ron B (446).

Our smaller than usual group assembled in the foyer of the Panthers Leagues Club at Penrith at 10am to meet our host for the tour, Brad Waugh.  Until recently he was General Manager of Panthers on the Prowl but is now heading up a programme for support of retired football players.

As a bonus, Brad had arranged for us to visit the Panthers Rugby League Academy (before we went to POP) and even arranged a minibus to take us to the Academy.  The visit was hosted by Royce Simmons, a retired Penrith Panthers player and local legend.   The Academy consists of two full-size all-weather training fields, two gymnasiums, hot and cold plunge pools, a 61-seat team auditorium, medical rooms and several recreational areas for players and staff, and we saw it all.  Penrith fullback, Dylan Edwards, was working in the gym while we were there, doing a workout none of us could even dream about!!  Ron O’Hara even got a cuddle from Royce Symonds – see photo.

Brad then took us to the Pullman Hotel and Conference Centre, which is now the home of Panthers on the Prowl.

Brad then gave us a run down on the history and background of Panthers on the Prowl and details on the programmes they run.  Also, he introduced Lawrence McDonell and Venetia Lovett who run their ‘flag-ship’ Primary Classroom Program.  Lawrence gave us a detailed presentation on this program, which included the following:

Primary Classroom Program – This is the organisation’s ‘flag-ship’ education model and longest running program. This cornerstone program targets students in the middle and late primary years who are at risk of disengaging from school and who may need additional assistance to reach their full potential. These students may have issues with self-esteem, lack of resilience or other difficulties around discipline and respect that without effective and targeted early interventions can result in negative developmental and psychological health outcomes.

The Primary Classroom Program observes normal school terms and runs over the school calendar – five days a week. Students selected for the program attend each day for half a day over a school term with stage 2 primary students attending in the morning and stage 3 students in the afternoon. Each class is made up of 10 students from schools participating in each term. The stage 3 primary program also aims to equip students with a wide variety of social skills in readiness for the all-important transition to high school where risk factors for disengagement can often intensify.

Some of the other programs they run are:

·   Secondary Schools Program – this aims to provide high school students in the local community area with unique opportunities and broader awareness of different careers and career pathways available to them. Through this program targeted students are given the opportunity to visit businesses and learning institutions where they can meet key people, develop relationships and gain insights into industries and environments of interest.

·   Building Young Men – this program provides mentoring and leadership project for high school students in the wider Penrith area. This ground-breaking project targets students in Year 10 who may be at risk of disengaging from high school or who have leadership potential that requires further development.

·   Healthy Active Lifestyles – this program aims to provide quality education and improving awareness on nutrition, diet and physical activity for children in the wider Penrith area. The program encourages children and their families to make healthy lifestyle choices whilst reinforcing the importance of physical fitness through regular exercise. The program targets and visits at least 10 schools per year that involves approximately 1500 students.

·   Kokoda Leadership Project - is a senior schools leadership project for students in Year 11 at senior high school in the wider Penrith area. The Kokoda Leadership Project is a biennial undertaking that aims to empower and strengthen leadership in young people through mentorship and the challenge of completing the Kokoda Trail walk.

The consensus was that the visit to the Academy was very interesting and that Panthers on the Prowl are running some excellent programs and are providing a very worthwhile contribution to the development of young people in the Penrith area.

More detail on the POP programmes can be found on their website: https://panthersontheprowl.com.au/ .

We then retired to Kelly’s Kitchen for lunch and a drink.

Ken H (48)