B double stuck on main drag

TIM HOWARD

A B-double driver who lost his bearings in the middle of Grafton, blocked one side of the main drag, Prince St, on Sunday afternoon, when the trailer became lodged under the railway viaduct.

People who witnessed the event said at about 4.30pm an empty cattle truck became wedged under the bridge.

One man said the prime mover did not make contact but the trailer hit the bridge and it appeared the driver attempted to drag the trailer through.

The truck became stuck when the gate structures on the rear of the trailer became caught on the bridge.

There are two signs near the bridge which warn drivers the viaduct has a 3.5m clearance height.

Recovery services detached the prime mover from the trailers and lowered them until they could be dragged clear of the bridge.

Traffc was re-routed around the scene while the recovery was in progress.

An Australian Rail Track Corporation spokesperson said the incident had not damaged the bridge.

She said inspectors checked the bridge structure and track conditions and gave the bridge the all clear by 6pm on Sunday.

There was a minor disruption to the XPT service, which terminated at Grafton and passengers were in Grafton’s main street, Prince St, on Sunday afternoon. Fortunately there was no damage to the bridge and minor damage to the trailers on the truck. taken to Casino by bus.

And passengers were taken south, from Casino to Grafton by coach, during the time taken to inspect the bridge.

Police spoke to the driver, but there has been no indication if the driver faced any penalties from the incident.

Prince St has not been part of the Summerland Way, the link between Grafton and Casino since the new Grafton Bridge (now Balun Bindarray Bridge) opened next to the original bridge in 2019.

The Summerland Way was permanently rerouted via Villers Street, Pound St and

Great Australian Artists to Perform at Premier’s Gala Concerts for NSW Seniors

Thousands of seniors across NSW are set to enjoy performances by Australian icons Todd McKenney, Rob Mills, Tarryn Stokes, and Prinnie Stevens at this year’s Premier’s Gala Concerts. The concerts, a key feature of the NSW Seniors Festival, will take place at the International Convention Centre (ICC), Darling Harbour, on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March 2025, with two shows scheduled each day.

For seniors unable to attend in person, the concerts will also be live-streamed, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the entertainment.

2025 Seniors Festival Expo

Running alongside the concerts, the Seniors

Festival Expo will also be held at the ICC on the same dates. Featuring more than 110 exhibitors, the expo will showcase a range of activities, programs, and services aimed at helping seniors stay active, engaged, and connected within their communities.

“Time to Shine” Theme

The NSW Seniors Festival, running from Monday 3 to Sunday 16 March 2025, is the NSW Government’s way of thanking seniors for their invaluable contributions.

This year’s theme, “Time to Shine”, celebrates the diverse talents and achievements of older Australians, encouraging them to take part in various events and programs designed just for them.

Last year’s festival drew an estimated 500,000 attendees across NSW, with 32,000 seniors enjoying the sold-out Premier’s Gala Concerts.

Free Tickets

Free tickets for the concerts will be available from 9:00 AM on Tuesday 4 February 2025 via the NSW Seniors Festival website: nsw.gov.au/arts-and- culture/seniors-festival/ whats-on/premiersconcert

Quote from the Minister for Seniors Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison shared her enthusiasm for the event:

“The NSW Seniors Festival embraces the diversity of seniors and celebrates the wonderful work they do for their communities. It’s the highlight of the year for many.”

For more details about the NSW Seniors Festival, visit: nsw.gov. au/arts-and-culture/ seniors-festival.