The Nowra Bridge:
I’m Not Just A Bridge: A personified story of the Nowra Bridge
By Tara Bellwood
May I introduce myself? I now go by the name of the Old Nowra Bridge. It hasn’t always been that way. There was a time when I was young and handsome and admired by all those that used my services to cross the vast Shoalhaven River. Today, I feel old and redundant as I watch what people have expressed as a “better version” of me be constructed to cross my riverbank. By sharing my story today, you will understand that my purpose in being a bridge has been more than just existing to allow people to conveniently use me to travel from point A to point B. Being a bridge has meant so much more to me. It isn’t just the flash metal I am made from, though I must admit I am proud of this!
I feel my experiences have allowed me to vicariously live through the lives of people who have crossed my path. I have become a physical space osmosing the feelings and emotions of those from the past who have crossed my span. I ask how decision-makers can decide I no longer have a role to play in this space. How can they end my existence, ripping down my life’s purpose and determine that it is time for my life to come to an end? Oh! I have hope!! I have been told they may “re-purpose” me. Is my journey just beginning? Am I being given a new purpose? I made a new year’s resolution always to hold my memories from the past, the present and the future. I have to remember, however, that in today’s society, the power of convenience holds a more significant status than the emotional value and memories of someone. I hope by telling you my story, maybe I will become more important in your eyes.
I was born in 1881, and my parents were so proud! My birth was fifty-seven years before the Port Kembla Steel Works commenced 65km to my north. I was thus built out of the most modern steel imported from the United States of America. My parents shed much blood, sweat and tears in my construction, and those involved in my birth story would not have known the impact I would still have on the Shoalhaven community today in 2021. I was the first to connect those north of Shoalhaven River to the south. I reconnected with separated families and allowed the journey to occur with ease.
The world has changed around me. I have been fortunate enough to see many of these changes occur. But my life has always been in the fate of others- those who choose whether I am worthy enough or able to do my job correctly. So, while I share my story with you, at a time of uncertainty as I fear I may be coming to the end of my life; I feel I have the right to reminisce about some of the highlights of my life and those who made me- those who gave me true meaning and purpose.
Highlight Number 1:
The year was 1915, thirty-four short years after my birth. Hundreds of men were stomping across my back for what was later called the ‘World War 1 Waratah Recruiting March’. Little did I know, but me, the little bridge would become the focal point for this march that saw the whole Shoalhaven community coming together to trek from Nowra through the Illawarra and up to Sydney to congregate recruits on their way to fight in the First World War. I allowed soldiers and their supporters to start their voyage to the great beyond. More than one hundred years on, I’m still recognised as the focal point of this historical moment. The value that the community held with me and this march were esteemed, and one hundred years later, they re-enacted this moment to honour those who crossed me, the little bridge, to fight for Australia and all we stood for. So, after such a memorable historical moment, at this point in my story, I ask; I am significant?
Highlight Number 2:
When cars were first introduced to the world, I saw the horse and carriage being pushed aside to make room for this new mechanical invention. This estranged vehicle saw a massive increase in travellers, and with that, an even higher increase in cars travelled over me on their journey. However, this put a strain on my back, and with the rise of vehicles increasing over time, I could no longer carry north and southbound traffic across the river as smoothly and quickly as I did before. At this point, I first questioned my future, as my life was becoming less purposeful as I was not able to do the job I was made to do perfectly. In 1981, exactly one-hundred years after my birth, a large bridge was built next to me, intended to carry the cars from the south to the north. While this took away half my purpose, it was not all. My job was still set, as they determined it was still safe for me to carry those travelling from north to the south across the river. So, I ask, am I still be helpful and significant in today’s world?
Highlight Number 3:
While many of my Bridge family across Australia have struggled, I have proven I am physically strong enough to survive the fires and floods of the Shoalhaven. There is no doubt that I stand here tall and proud. I have witnessed the Shoalhaven River escape her banks and rise quickly towards me. Recently some of the worst fires to ever hit my community tried to take me down, but once again, I stood my ground. I am physically strong enough to remain present in Nowra. But with an even higher increase in tourism, and more importantly, the gluttony of humans saw a mammoth rise in cars on me and my north bound neighbour again. Which again, my face resting in others made me uncommonly anxious. I not only held the path of travel but held the memories of those who came before and could preserve the memories of those who came after, if I get the chance.
References:
Amesbury, S. (2018, March 4). Phantom over the Nowra Bridge [Video]. YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TNT9xOe-egE
Crawford, R. (2017, November 1). Nowra bridge has seen a lot of history in 136 years. South Coast Register. https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/5028723/nowra-bridge-played-a-big-role-in-our-history/
De Gabriele, M. (2013, December 18). Moves afoot to save the old Nowra bridge. South Coast Register.https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/1978791/moves-afoot-to-save-the-old-nowra-bridge/
Old Nowra Bridge on Facebook. (2014). The Old Nowra Bridge. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/theoldnowrabridge/photos/a.765874776781651/765874800114982/?type=3
Timbs, C. (2017, November 6) Nowra Bridge in all its glory [Photograph]. https://www.southcoastregister.com.au/story/5036065/letters-to-the-editor/
White, S. (2014, October 14). Nowra bridge audio slideshow JOUR217 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1KChrJCnnqg