New event in Burrinjuck celebrations

15 October 2009

The Burrinjuck centenary plaque will now be unveiled at a special ceremony on Saturday, October 24 at 11:30am as part of the Back to Burrinjuck celebrations.

The plaque unveiling ceremony has been added to the existing range of events commencing with an official opening to be held at the dam wall on Thursday, 22 October 2009.

State Water CEO George Warne said hundreds of people were expected to visit the dam over the four days.

“The dam is such an important part of the history of water in NSW as it was the first major irrigation dam in the state and marked the beginning of the Murrumbidgee and Coleambally Irrigation Areas,” Mr Warne said.

“It also holds great significance for many people throughout the area who had relatives that worked on it during construction.”

Event organisers have advised people to take care on the road when travelling to the dam.

“I cannot stress enough the need for people to take care on the road to Burrinjuck Dam,” Mr Warne said.

“It is a public road, but there will be heavier than normal traffic so we are advising people to drive slowly and turn their headlights on. We want everyone to be able to enjoy the festivities without incident.”

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Reunion Dinner and Dance will be held on the Saturday evening and will feature the launch of the Back to Burrinjuck documentary.

Tickets for the dinner are on sale from the Yass Soldier’s Club, Meehan Street, Yass and can be purchased by contacting the club by phone (02) 6226 1911.

Tickets cost $50 and entitle holders to a delicious three course meal, drinks and entertainment by local jazz band Connexion Big Band.

The Burrinjuck Dam wall will also be open to the public for the first time in 20 years. Tours will be held on the hour between 9am and 2pm Friday 23 to Sunday 25 October 2009. There will be no tour at 11am on the Saturday to allow for the plaque unveiling.

To find out more about the Back to Burrinjuck events please visit the website www.statewater.com.au/backtoburrinjuck.html or contact State Water on (02) 6841 2087.

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