Bridge centenary celebrated

By Jared Loughnan

Dec 18, 2024

NSW Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Inclusion the Hon Kate Washington and Member for Albury Justin Clancy with Bridge Centenary Committee Joint Chairs John Lawless and Robert Purtle OAM at the unveiling of the Yarrawonga Mulwala bridge centenary plaque on Sunday.

Despite the warm weather, more than 250 people attended the official ceremony to mark the 100th anniversary of the Yarrawonga Mulwala traffic bridge on Sunday morning.

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Two plaques were unveiled, the first on the NSW side and the second on the Victorian side of the bridge next to the old Customs House.

Bridge Centenary Committee Joint Chair Robert Purtle OAM welcomed attendees on the NSW side.

Mr Purtle thanked Federation Councillors Andrew Kennedy and Pat Bourke for their generous donation of the centenary plaque.

He also welcomed one of Mulwala’s oldest residents Arthur Gregory who attended the ceremony.

“Arther (99) will be turning the same age as the bridge next year,” Mr Purtle said.

The NSW plaque was officially unveiled by NSW Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Inclusion and Member for Port Stephens the Hon Kate Washington and Member for Albury Justin Clancy.

Minister Washington said she was excited to be back in Mulwala where she spent the first decade of her life.

“It’s been beautiful to be back here,” the minister said.

“Dad (Bert) was principal at the Mulwala Public School and Mum taught over at Yarrawonga and like everyone here today we spent countless times travelling over this bridge.

“I come here today representing the NSW government to acknowledge this bridge and to recognise this communities’ support of it.

“The last decade of my life has been spent in the parliament of NSW and in that role, I’ve understood how very important community is and connections to communities.

“The bridge has provided that connection to the twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala for a century now.

“This bridge has played a very special role in a lot of our lives for a century,” the minister added.

Minister Washington said she was also representing the Minister for Regional Roads and Transport and her “dear friend” Jenny Aitchison.

Member for Albury Justin Clancy echoed the minister's words emphasising the connection the “iconic” bridge provides to Yarrawonga Mulwala.

“It’s been a part of the lives of the people of Yarrawonga Mulwala. When you think of Yarrawonga Mulwala an image of the bridge comes to mind.

“It is an iconic bridge; it is representative of life on the NSW and Victorian border.”

Attendees then proceeded to walk over the Victorian side of the bridge for the unveiling of a second plaque while a procession of vintage vehicles, one representing each decade of the bridge’s life crossed the bridge.

By Jared Loughnan