
Euston to Robinvale Murray River Crossing
In 2004, the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) in conjunction with VicRoads began construction of a new bridge to replace the ageing bridge structure on the Murray River between Robinvale (Victoria) and Euston (New South Wales). The crossing is crucial to the interaction of the two communities and is also an essential connection to the regional centre in Mildura. Its construction involved the complete removal of the old crossing and the only part of the old structure which now survives is the lift span, which has been erected in a nearby park in Robinvale as a permanent historical display.
This oral history project was commissioned by the RTA to commemorate the opening of the new bridge and complement the extensive written history of the crossing and the towns and districts that surround it.
Fifteen local residents and the Project Manager of the new crossing were interviewed on digital audio tape in 2004 and 2007.
The opinions expressed in the oral history interviews are those of the individuals concerned and do not necessarily represent in whole or in part the position of Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and VicRoads.
The sound files below contain excerpts from the original interviews and summarise the key themes uncovered during the course of the oral history project.
Euston to Robinvale Murray River Crossing whole sound file (MP3)
Euston to Robinvale Murray River Crossing whole sound file (MP3, 26.52 MB)
Euston to Robinvale Murray River Crossing individual sound files (MP3)
Individual sound files (MP3)
1. Introduction / indigenous history / river trade (5:06) (MP3, 2.37 MB)
2. Robin Cuttle / early days in Robinvale / building the first crossing (6:17) (MP3, 3 MB)
3. Deaths during construction / opening day of the old bridge (3:17) (MP3, 1.57 MB)
4. Trains across the bridge / the Great Depression (5:48) (MP3, 2.83 MB)
5. The Second World War / Kay Grose’s arrival at Robinvale (4:31) (MP3, 1.97 MB)
6. The last train / the McGinty’s house (3:19) (MP3, 1.46 MB)
7. Soldier Settlers / the table grape industry (4:33) (MP3, 2.16 MB)
8. Reinventing themselves / dangers on the bridge (5:04) (MP3, 2.41 MB)
9. The deteriorating bridge / plans for a new crossing (4:52) (MP3, 2.12 MB)
10. The Community Consultative Committee / various options (2:57) (MP3, 1.33 MB)
11. The REF / environmental issues / configuration of the new bridge (3:57) (MP3, 1.67 MB)
12. Design / landscaping / how the bridge was built (4:03) (MP3, 1.61 MB)
13. The opening ceremony / future prospects / conclusion (4:56) (MP3, 2.07 MB)
Summary report
Euston to Robinvale Murray River Crossing summary report (PDF, 25.2 MB)