On Thursday, 13 December 2018, 3vent Productions, in conjunction with Focus Productions, delivered a Sod Turning event for the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s Inland Rail. The Inland Rail is a once-in-a-generation project connecting regional Australia to domestic and international markets. It will complete the ‘spine’ of the national freight network between Melbourne and Brisbane via regional Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland and is the largest freight rail infrastructure project in Australia.
The Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack turned the ceremonial first sod alongside ARTC executives, the construction contractor INLink and other dignitaries at the site in Parkes.
Located in rural NSW and provided with very little lead time, the event had some logistical difficulties. It proved challenging to find suppliers that were able to provide the caliber of equipment needed for this high profile event.
The event required a large structural marquee with airconditioning, multiple entrances, and ramps. Staging, flooring, toilets and large LED screens were also brought in to enable viewing of the Sod Turning ceremony as well as decorations to dress the structure. The local Parkes High School performed a great welcome dance and the event was attended by over 150 people, including national and local politicians, local stakeholders, and journalists.
Fortunately, our team’s determination and hard work paid off, and with the help of Parkes Shire Council and some friendly local suppliers, we were able to bring everything together.
The event was a huge success, despite some rain during bump in and the threat of massive thunderstorms on the event day. While rain would have been great for the farmers in rural NSW, it is never great for events with an outdoor component!
Our Role
3vent Productions was chosen to organise suppliers for the event, including organising all event infrastructure, sourcing and booking theming, managing the catering company, working with the audio-visual supply company, the creation of all WHS event documents, providing event staff, as well as joint event management of event on the day.
Event Images
