One of the hazards of trying to cover over 1000kms a day driving is that there’s not much time to stop and take in the sights along the way. On my way home from Queensland I was driving the last half on my own so making time for breaks was a good idea.
It was the first time I’d ever stopped for this memorial stone but although uninspiring of itself, the achievement behind it was staggering. This memorial commemorates the opening of the Overland Telegraph Line on 22 August 1872 (should have posted this last week). Working from both the north and the south, both ends of the line were connected on this day: an amazing achievement under any terms and even more so considering it was completed in two years!. Australia was no longer distant from the happenings of the world, and as with the internet today, became part of a world-wide web of information at the click of the keys.
It’s difficult to imagine the sheer commitment of the men who built the line over thousands of kilometres in some of the world’s most inhospitable and then-remote locations. Their hard work and dedication changed Australia’s connections with the world. On a domestic note, can you imagine the colour of their clothes after working in that red dirt for months on end.
My thanks to Helen Smith for her Facebook entry which alerted me to the anniversary last week.
Tropical Territory & Travel 
Thanks for a memory jog. i remember learning about this in primary school but its importance was totally lost on a 10 year old.
I agree Jill -I guess we just didn’t see the significance, or indeed the achievement.
Sometimes I wonder if being connected to the world at large is so great. But it’s best to know what’s coming at you, I guess. You have to admire the dedication that went into this project.
Absolutely Jan, an amazing effort. And yes there are times when it feels as if ignorance is bliss.