NSW State Election 2015: The train that divides Newcastle

By Eryk Bagshaw
Updated March 6 2015 - 12:18pm, first published 11:43am
The Liberal government wants to divert the light rail line up the main shopping strip of Newcastle, Hunter Street.  Photo: Supplied
The Liberal government wants to divert the light rail line up the main shopping strip of Newcastle, Hunter Street. Photo: Supplied
Heleny McClennan, owner of Hunter street boutique Ruby Rhubarb, wants light rail in Newcastle.
 Photo: Eryk Bagshaw
Heleny McClennan, owner of Hunter street boutique Ruby Rhubarb, wants light rail in Newcastle. Photo: Eryk Bagshaw
The dismantling of the Newcastle train is shaping up as the biggest issue for the electorate ahead of the election. Photo: Marina Neil
The dismantling of the Newcastle train is shaping up as the biggest issue for the electorate ahead of the election. Photo: Marina Neil

The first time Joan Dawson saw a train she was seven years old.  It was a steam train she says, "it trundled on from Dungog to Newcastle."