Thousands went Back to Burrinjuck

26 October 2009

Thousands of former workers, their relatives, local residents and visitors enjoyed State Water’s Back to Burrinjuck celebrations over the weekend 23 – 25 October 2009.

The sun shone every day as Burrinjuck Dam staff escorted around 2,000 people on tours of the dam wall, which was opened for three days for the first time in two decades.

State Water CEO George Warne said he was delighted with the event.

“It has really been a pleasure for State Water to put on this event and see so many people with a connection to Burrinjuck able to get back there and experience it again,” Mr Warne said.

“We could not have asked for better weather, and the dam looked magnificent, thanks largely to our dedicated team at Burrinjuck.

“The event would also not have been possible without the support of our sponsors, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Riverina Citrus, Sunrice, Coleambally Irrigation, Transgrid and Country Energy,” he said.

“Staff at the Yass Visitors Centre and Burrinjuck Waters State Park were also a great help by fielding enquiries and displaying materials for the event.”

“We are grateful to other organisations in Yass for their assistance during the celebrations – the Bowning Primary P&C, Bowning Hotel Fishing Club, Yass SES, the Thunderbird Motel, Colonial Motor Inn, Country Charm, Yass Signs, Schonegg Country Guesthouse, the Crisp Galleries, the Yass Soldier’s Club, Hireall and Vince Bucello.”

Around 60 people attended the Ecumenical Service on the Saturday morning to remember those who tragically lost their lives working at Burrinjuck Dam over the years.

The plaque unveiling by Minster for Water Phillip Costa was well attended and almost 100 people enjoyed music by Connexion Big Band at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Reunion Dinner and Dance on the Saturday evening.

“The dinner and dance was a great opportunity for people to share their Burrinjuck stories and see the Burrinjuck DVD for the first time on the big screen,” Mr Warne said.

 “Thankyou to those who got in touch with us and shared their stories of Burrinjuck – it was wonderful to meet so many people who are so fond of this dam.”

The Burrinjuck DVD can be purchased for $15 by emailing Jane Urquhart at State Water jane.urquhart@statewater.com.au.
ENDS

Media contact: Jane Urquhart, Communication Officer  (02) 6841 2087 or 0429 449 711