Mullumbimby

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NSW 44210 Mullumbimby 13-08-1986 (Bob Richardson)

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Mullumbimby station burnt out after a fire early hours of 22/4/2024 (Nicqui Phoenix)

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Mullumbimby, 15/6/2022

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> **Mullumbimby — Goods Shed Platform** has been reduced by **15 feet at Murwillumbah end**, reducing staging by **43 feet in length** overall.

*(W.N. 3–1960)*

### Train Staff Sections — 1960
> - **Bangalow–Byron Bay**: 33a minutes 
> - **Byron Bay–Mullumbimby**: 4a minutes 
> - **Mullumbimby–Burringbar**: 19a minutes 
> - **Burringbar–Murwillumbah**: 18a and 13a minutes

*(Source: 1960 Working Timetable — sectional running times)*

---

## 1961 — Goods Siding Converted to Loop Siding

### Alterations to Goods Siding — 14 August 1961
> **Mullumbimby (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Alterations to Goods Siding** — Since **14th August, 1961**, the dead-end at the Murwillumbah end of the Goods Siding has been removed, existing No. 2 Frame B crossover has been abolished, and the siding slewed away from the Through Road to form a **loop siding** joining with the Through Road approximately **125 feet on the Murwillumbah side** of the existing connection.
>
> **New Frame B** — The existing Frame B has been abolished and Frame D has been extended and renamed Frame B. Connections:
> - No. 1 Lever — Facing Point Lock for No. 2 Points.

*(W.N. 34–1961)*

---

## 1962 — Additional Electric Train Staffs; Crane Withdrawn

### Additional Miniature Electric Train Staffs — Byron Bay–Mullumbimby
> On Monday, **13th July, 1962**, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., additional Miniature Electric Train Staffs Nos. 21 to 36 inclusive will be provided on the section **Byron Bay–Mullumbimby**.

*(Source: 1962 Weekly Notices)*

### 1.5-Ton Crane — Withdrawn
> **Mullumbimby** — Under heading "Cranes" delete **1–5 ton**. (Crane withdrawn.)

*(W.N. 7–1962)*

---

## 1965 — Brunswick Road Level Crossing — Gated Working Instructions Updated

### Brunswick Road Level Crossing — Instructions
> Trains must be brought to a stand near to and inside the clearance post at the Murwillumbah end of the through road, clear of the level crossing at **mileage 558m 19c (Brunswick Road, Mullumbimby)**.
>
> The guard of a train or fireman of a light engine (unaccompanied by a traffic employee) must arrange for the level crossing gates to be secured in position for the safe passage of the train, and after the passage, to arrange for the gates to be again closed across the line and properly secured.
>
> The employee must also work the fixed signals as required.

*(W.N. 37–1965 and W.N. 41–1965)*

---

## 1966 — Increased Engine Load

### Engine Load Increased — Mullumbimby–Byron Bay
> A load of **650 tons** may be conveyed between **Mullumbimby and Byron Bay**.

*(Source: 1966 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1967 — Shunting Charges Deleted; Staff Reclassification

### Shunting Charges Deleted
> **Charges for Shunting** — Delete: Mullumbimby.

*(Source: 1967 Weekly Notices)*

### Staff Reclassification — Mullumbimby
> **Mullumbimby — E.S.** (Reclassified position) — listed twice, indicating a change in the establishment/grading of staff at Mullumbimby.

*(Source: 1967 Weekly Notices)*

---

## 1968 — Engine Load Further Increased

### Engine Load — Mullumbimby–Byron Bay
> 750 tons and 44 class to **900 tons** between **Mullumbimby and Byron Bay**.

*(Source: 1968 Weekly Notices)*

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## 1973 — Signal Post Renewals and Relocation

### Down Home Signal No. 5 — Post Renewed
> **Mullumbimby (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Renewal of Post of Down Home Signal, No. 5** — On Wednesday, **18th April, 1973**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.15 p.m., the Down Home signal, No. 5, will be out of use for the purpose of renewing the signal post.

*(W.N. 15–1973)*

### Up Home Signal No. 2 — Relocated
> **Mullumbimby (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Relocation of Up Home Signal, No. 2** — On Tuesday, **17th April, 1973**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.15 p.m., the Up Home signal, No. 2, will be relocated **16 feet towards Murwillumbah**.

*(W.N. 15–1973)*

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## 1977 — Billinudgel Interlocking — Mullumbimby Staff Key

### Billinudgel — Duplex Lock C — Released by Mullumbimby–Burringbar Staff
> **Billinudgel (Casino–Murwillumbah)** — A Duplex Lock (Duplex Lock C) is provided on a post adjacent to Lever C. The top lock of Duplex Lock C is unlocked by **key on Electric Train Staff for the section Mullumbimby–Burringbar**. When the staff key is turned, it releases a key from the bottom lock, which in turn releases No. 1 Facing Point Lock Lever in Frame A.
>
> Upon completion of shunting, the key staff must be returned to the top lock of Duplex Lock C.

*(W.N. 9–1977 and W.N. 25–1977)*

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## 1979 — Stock Siding Northern End Connection Removed

### Stock Siding — Northern End Connection Removed — 9 August 1979
> **Mullumbimby (North Coast) — Removal of Connection Main Line to Stock Siding (Northern End)** — Since **9th August, 1979**, Frame E and associated equipment have been removed. The Stock Siding is now a **dead-end siding**, connected to the Main line by No. 3E points at the Sydney end.
>
> Circular and diagram No. 501–27, Mullumbimby of 1934, to be amended accordingly.

*(W.N. 32–1979)*

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## 1981 — Freight Train Conditions — Sections Updated; Stokers Deleted

### Freight Train Conditions — Casino–Murwillumbah — Major Update
> **Casino–Murwillumbah Branch — Freight Train Conditions:**
>
> Delete all reference to **Mullumbimby–Stokers** (Down section). 
> Delete all reference to **Stokers–Murwillumbah and Condong**. 
> Insert: **Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah and Condong** — 310, 665, 1330, 510, 1020 [tons by class].
>
> Under Section Up — **Condong and Murwillumbah–Stokers**: Delete "Stokers", Insert "Mullumbimby." 
> Under Section Up — Delete all reference to **Stokers–Mullumbimby**. 
> Under Section Up — **Bangalow–Tuncester**: Delete "Tuncester", Insert "Lismore." 
> Under Section Up — Delete all reference to **Tuncester–Bentley**. 
> Under Section Up — **Bentley–Old Casino**: Delete "Bentley", Insert "Lismore."

*(W.N. 11–1981)*

> **Note:** This is a significant notice — it reflects the rationalisation of the train operations on the Murwillumbah Branch, removing Stokers as an operational reference point and using Mullumbimby as the operational boundary for the upper end of the branch.

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## 1983 — FCX Freight Facility Added

### FCX Facility — Mullumbimby
> **Mullumbimby** — Insert: **F.C.X.** (after Mullumbimby in Controlling Station listings).

*(W.N. — 1983)*

> **Note:** The addition of FCX (Freight Customer Exchange or similar facility) reflects the continued freight activity at Mullumbimby after the cessation of passenger services.

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## 1985 — Colour Light Signals and Type "F" Level Crossing Signals — Argyle Street

### Colour Light Signals Provided — Mullumbimby
> **Mullumbimby (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Provision of Colour Light Signals** — Works carried out. Detailed instructions for testing and emergency working issued.
>
> **Type "F" Flashing Light Highway Signals — Argyle Street Level Crossing (898.396 km):**
> - Automatically controlled by track circuit for Down and Up trains, subject to clearing of protecting signals.
> - If a train closely approaches Down Starting signal No. 3 or Up Home signal No. 2 at Stop, clearing of the applicable signal will cause level crossing warning indications to be displayed, but clearing of signals Nos. 2 or 3 will be delayed **15 seconds**.
> - **Testing** — A test of the highway signals and warning bell must be carried out **each day by the Station Master, Mullumbimby**, and the result recorded in the Train Register Book.
> - **Emergency Keys** — kept by the Station Master, Mullumbimby.
>
> **Illuminated Track Diagram** — A small illuminated track diagram will be provided in **Mullumbimby Signal Box** incorporating green and red signal repeater lights for Nos. 2 and 3 signals, and red track lights to indicate occupation of tracks in the vicinity of the level crossing.
>
> **Working When Station is Unattended** — An illuminated **"U" indicator** is provided on Down Starting signal No. 3. The indicator is worked from a guard's lever No. 6 in the Signal Box. The Officer before going off duty must pull over No. 2 or No. 5 Home signal lever applicable to the next train to arrive.

*(W.N. — 1985, appearing in two issues)*

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## 1986 — Major Simplifications; Byron Bay–Mullumbimby Section Change; Burringbar Closed; Argyle Street Type "F" Signals Confirmed

### Byron Bay–Mullumbimby — Ordinary Train Staff Replaces Electric Train Staff — 11 March 1986
> On Tuesday, **11th March, 1986**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., the Miniature Electric Train Staff section **Byron Bay–Mullumbimby** will be cancelled and **Ordinary Train Staff working** substituted in lieu.
>
> **Section details:** 
> From: Byron Bay — To: Mullumbimby 
> Length of section: **15.550 km** 
> Staff shape: Square — Staff colour: Blue

*(W.N. 13–1986, confirmed W.N. 14–1986)*

### Burringbar Closed — Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah Section Created — 25 March 1986
> On Tuesday, **25th March, 1986**, between 7.30 a.m. and 4.00 p.m., Burringbar will close as an Electric Train Staff and Crossing Station.
>
> The staff sections **Mullumbimby–Burringbar** and **Burringbar–Murwillumbah** will be cancelled, and the new **Ordinary Train Staff section Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah** will be brought into use.
>
> **Section details:** 
> From: Mullumbimby — To: Murwillumbah 
> Length of section: **36.613 km** 
> Staff shape: Triangular
>
> **Interlocking at Burringbar** — No. 1 lever in Frames C and D respectively will be unlocked by key on Ordinary Train Staff or receptacle key for the section Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah.
>
> **At Murwillumbah** — Lever No. 1 in Frame B is unlocked by key on Ordinary Train Staff or receptacle key for the section Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah.
>
> Driver's Notices must be issued for **three days** from the above date, advising drivers of the altered section arrangements.
>
> Circular Nos 501–27 (1934) Mullumbimby, 501–51 (1936) Burringbar and 411–40 (1935) Murwillumbah, and diagrams attached, to be amended accordingly.

*(W.N. 11–1986 and W.N. 12–1986)*

### Billinudgel Under Control of Mullumbimby
> Under heading "Siding Under Control of" — Delete: Billinudgel. Insert: **Mullumbimby**.

*(W.N. 13–1986)*

### Argyle Street Level Crossing — Type "F" Signals Confirmed
> **Argyle Street level crossing (898.396 km)** — Type "F" flashing light highway signals and a warning bell are provided. Automatically controlled by track circuit. Divisible Electric Train Staff Working instructions for Mullumbimby–Burringbar deleted; replaced by the new Argyle Street crossing protection instructions.

*(W.N. 17–1986)*

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## 1987 — Argyle Street Level Crossing — Testing Responsibility Amended; Myocum Yard Deleted

### Argyle Street Level Crossing — Testing Responsibility
> **Mullumbimby Argyle Street 898.396 km** — Daily test — Station Master, Mullumbimby (Mon–Wed–Fri); Station Master, Byron Bay (Tue–Thu–Sat–Sun).

*(W.N. 40–1987)*

### Myocum Yard — Deleted from Publications
> Delete: **Myocum Yard — 895.318 km — Y**. *(See Myocum file.)*

*(W.N. 12–1987)*

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## 1988 — Argyle Street Level Crossing — Testing Responsibility Further Amended

### Argyle Street Level Crossing — Updated Testing
> **Mullumbimby Argyle Street 898.396 km:** 
> Daily test carried out by: **Perway Ganger** (Mon), **Station Master, Mullumbimby** (Wed, Fri), **Contractor** (Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun).

*(W.N. 29–1988)*

### Coramba — Station Master Mullumbimby Responsible
> **Coramba (39)** — Station Master, Mullumbimby.

*(W.N. 29–1988)*

### Station Description — Mullumbimby
> **Mullumbimby** — Description: The interlocking comprises of main line, loop line and single-ended goods siding shunted from the Brisbane [i.e. Murwillumbah] end.

*(W.N. 29–1988)*

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## 1989 — Up Home Signal Relocated

### Up Home Signal No. 2 — Relocated 100 Metres Towards Murwillumbah
> **Mullumbimby (Casino–Murwillumbah) — Relocation of No. 2 Up Home Signal** — Since **5th October, 1988**, No. 2 Up Home signal has been relocated **100 metres nearer to Murwillumbah** to **898.494 km**.
>
> Consequently, the Up landmark has also been relocated 100 metres nearer to Murwillumbah, to **899.214 km**.

*(W.N. 2–1989)*

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## Summary of Key Events

| Date | Event |
|------|-------|
| May 1894 | Line opened — Mullumbimby was the original terminus of the Lismore–Mullumbimby section |
| December 1894 | Extension to Murwillumbah opened; Mullumbimby became an intermediate station |
| 1906 | Loading bank provided (W.N. — 1906) |
| 9 May 1923 | Automatic switch boxes provided on Mullumbimby–Burringbar section |
| 11 March 1936 | Divisible Electric Train Staff working introduced on Mullumbimby–Burringbar section (W.N. 11–1936) |
| 7 April 1936 | 16 additional Electric Train Staffs provided on each of Mullumbimby–Burringbar and Burringbar–Murwillumbah sections |
| 11 August 1938 | Down Home Signal post renewed |
| 14 November 1939 | Up Home Signal post renewed |
| 14 August 1951 | Hollingsworth's Sawmill Siding abolished (W.N. 51–1951) |
| 12 October 1955 | Key Staffs 1–4 on Byron Bay–Mullumbimby section replaced by Miniature Electric Train Staffs without keys |
| 3 January 1960 | Goods shed platform reduced by 43 feet at Murwillumbah end |
| 14 August 1961 | Goods Siding converted to loop siding — dead-end at Murwillumbah end removed; new Frame B provided |
| 13 July 1962 | Additional Miniature Electric Train Staffs Nos. 21–36 provided on Byron Bay–Mullumbimby section |
| 1962 | 1.5-ton crane withdrawn |
| 30 June 1974 | Passenger services ceased on Casino–Murwillumbah line; Mullumbimby continues as freight station |
| 17–18 April 1973 | Down Home Signal post renewed; Up Home Signal No. 2 relocated 16 feet toward Murwillumbah |
| 9 August 1979 | Stock Siding — northern end connection to Main line removed; now dead-end siding (W.N. 32–1979) |
| W.N. 11–1981 | Freight train conditions updated — Stokers deleted; Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah and Condong inserted as new section |
| 1983 | FCX Freight Facility added at Mullumbimby |
| 1985 | Colour light signals provided; Type "F" flashing lights at Argyle Street level crossing (898.396 km) |
| 11 March 1986 | Byron Bay–Mullumbimby: Electric Train Staff cancelled; Ordinary Train Staff substituted (W.N. 13–1986) |
| 25 March 1986 | Burringbar closed; Mullumbimby–Burringbar and Burringbar–Murwillumbah sections cancelled; new Mullumbimby–Murwillumbah section (36.613 km, triangular staff) created (W.N. 11–1986) |
| W.N. 13–1986 | Billinudgel placed under control of Mullumbimby |
| W.N. 40–1987 | Argyle Street level crossing testing responsibility amended — shared between Mullumbimby and Byron Bay Station Masters |
| 5 October 1988 | Up Home Signal No. 2 relocated 100 metres toward Murwillumbah to 898.494 km (W.N. 2–1989) |

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*Extracted from NSW Government Railways Weekly Notices, 1894–1989.* 
*Note: Mullumbimby was a key operational hub on the Casino–Murwillumbah Branch throughout its life, functioning as an important crossing station, the boundary between the Byron Bay and Murwillumbah sections, and the administrative controlling station for Billinudgel and Henderson's Banana Platform.*