Introduction

This exhibition, developed by the WA Museum and the State Library of WA, looks at:

  • The track laying world record and how it was achieved 
  • The migration of the Torres Strait Islander community to Western Australia
  • The heat and isolation of the Pilbara 
  • The camaraderie that developed as a community worked to retain their identity while being separated from their land, islands and families.

This powerful and unique local story is a celebration of the significant contributions the Torres Strait Islander workers made to Australia’s economic and historical landscape, while showing the journey of the Torres Strait Islander community in Western Australia.

Caption: Railroad. Initial spiking, Mt Newman Railroad Construction, 1968.
Credit: BHP Collection, BA2948/1, State Library of WA.