This oral history tells the story of the organisation of the Sydney Harbour Bridge 75th anniversary community event on Sunday 18th March 2007, and the reaction of the community on that day. It is based on original interviews with nine people closely involved in the planning of the event, and over 150 members of the public who walked across the bridge.
It contains comments on the organisational challenges (public transport arrangements; traffic management; closure of the bridge; queue management, etc) and the development of the creative elements (eg the caps; smoking ceremony; lighting; soundscape, etc). It also features excerpts from the official speeches and the original music written for the event, plus numerous comments from the community expressing their feelings about the event and admiration for ‘their bridge’.
A compilation CD has been prepared, and may be ordered from the RTA Library at a cost of A$11 plus postage and handling. Orders may also be placed by fax to the RTA Library on 61 2 8849 2913.
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 the State Government and its agencies.
Researchers and historians wishing to access the source interview tapes and associated logs should contact Maria Whipp, Senior Environmental Officer Heritage in the RTA Environment Branch.
The MP3 sound files in the table below contain excerpts from the original interviews and summarise the key themes of the oral history.
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