By NICOLE VALICEK
A community information sign and bench at Stony Creek Backwash pay tribute to long-time Spotswood resident and local hero Warren Judd.
Warren, who passed away late last year, was a regular attendee of Mobil Yarraville Terminal’s community meetings, and was over the moon when the terminal agreed to help him preserve an important piece of local history.
A passionate resident, Mr Judd was often seen tirelessly clearing litter from the Spotswood shopping strip and had been keeping an eye on the last remnants of a once integral railway line that provided a vital link for the Newport oil wharf berths along the Yarra River at Stony Creek Backwash.
Mobil Yarraville Terminal manager Ravi Kumar said he was so enthusiastic that he felt compelled to support him when he approached Mobil last year with a proposal to preserve what was left of the historic railway line and inform the community of its significance.
“He told me that between 1880 and 1930 a multitude of industrial rail sidings were established in the Spotswood area to accommodate the growing industries and local businesses around the Yarra River port.”
“Mobil provided funding to Parks Victoria to construct and install signage which tells the historical rail line’s story and a bench that provides a resting place for locals who frequently use the Stony Creek Backwash as a walking trail.”
