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Season’s Greetings and Preview of Images from 2026 Calendar – December 1st 2025

1/12/2025

Season’s Greetings and Preview of Images from 2026 Calendar – December 1st 2025

Post from the RVRT Supporters’ Group – December 2025

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Montage of Calendar pages January to December

Well, another year has almost come and gone … and the long-standing (and, largely, ‘promised’) RVRT proposal is only just hanging in there, as is the inter-dependent broader proposed 120km cross-regional composite S2S/RVRT shared pathway from Wine Country to the shores of Newcastle harbour/beach and Lake Macquarie.

Notwithstanding our collective frustration about the slow pace of implementation, we would like to take this opportunity to offer Season’s Greetings and Thanks to our supporters, advocates and local, State and Federal organisations and elected representatives.

Let’s continue to work together in 2026 to help make these regionally significant, community enhancing infrastructure projects a reality – or, at the very least, to actually get started on the proposed S2S/RVRT staged construction.

The first image in this Post reinforces our Season’s Greetings and Previews our 2026 Calendar – please see the notes to this image for an overview and acknowledgements.

The subsequent 12 pictures present the January to December images that we have selected, which largely follow a West to East sequence within the “Rail Trail & Wetlands Zone” portion of the proposed shared pathway (see January image for Stylised Map).

Most of these images were extracted from spherical panoramas taken by our good friend Bill Landenberger and are similar to those used in Posts throughout 2025; full versions of Bill’s spherical panoramas can be viewed on his 360 cities account (https://www.360cities.net/profile/landy42).

As an added bonus, and potential challenge, there is a donkey hiding in most of this year’s Calendar images (‘Where’s Syd?’) – please see the last picture in this set for further information.

We are anticipating/hoping that the RVRT segments between Minmi and Fletcher, via Minmi Junction, will be the first ones constructed (as illustrated in the October image) – mainly because some substantive construction work needs to be undertaken before expiration of the current 5-year approval (Newcastle LGA: DA2020/00641 - approved in December 2021 by the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel). Link to Download a related Post from our Webpage (‘Activating the Minmi to Fletcher RVRT Segment’, 16-page PDF):
https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/facebook_post_-_activating_minmi_to_fletcher_rvrt_segment_-_oct_2nd_2025.pdf.

If you need a further S2S/RVRT recap, two of this year’s Posts that are particularly worth re-visiting are:
‘July 2025 Newsletter’ – Download Link (12-page PDF):
https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/rvrt_supporters_group_newsletter_july_2025.pdf; and

‘Looking Forward by Looking Back – Some RVRT and Related Timelines’, which reflects upon what has been achieved and the core ingredients that are likely to make the RVRT an ongoing success. Download Link (10-page PDF):
https://www.richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/uploads/1/2/0/4/120411157/facebook_post_-_looking_forward_by_looking_back_-_some_rvrt_and_related_timelines_-_sept_16h_2025.pdf

Once again, Merry Christmas and Best Wishes from the RVRT Supporters’ Group Committee and Members, and thanks to Bill Landenberger for the spread of wonderful RVRT-related spherical panoramas that he has produced in recent years.

Promotional title page for the RVRT Supporters’ Group 2026 calendar. The left side features a festive holiday message with a stylized map of the Richmond Vale Rail Trail in the Hunter Valley, decorated with string lights. The right side displays the calendar cover, showing a composite map of the 120km Shiraz to Shore cycle trail and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT), surrounded by scenic photos of the trail and its surroundings. Text encourages collaboration to help make the trail a reality in 2026.

Season’s Greetings and Preview of 2026 Calendar

Season’s Greetings and Preview of 2026 Calendar: The next 12 pictures present images from our 2026 Calendar – which will be used for targeted promotional activities (and not available for sale). Most of these images are similar to those used in our Posts throughout 2025. As noted on the Calendar Cover (on the right): “This Calendar was compiled by Terry Lewin. Special thanks to our S2S/RVRT Supporters & Advocates and to Bill Landenberger, whose spherical panoramas provided many of the raw images. Note: LP View = ‘Little Planet’ (circular perspective)”. As an added bonus, Terry’s 34-year-old pet donkey, Syd, has also contributed to the 2026 Calendar: “Where’s Syd? Clue: He’s hiding in most of the images in this year’s calendar ...” (see last picture in this set for further information).

anuary calendar image featuring a stylised map of the proposed 120km Shiraz to Shore and Richmond Vale Rail Trail (S2S/RVRT). The map is divided into three color-coded zones: Wine Country & Heritage (45km), Rail Trail & Wetlands (34km), and Coast & Lake (41km), spanning the Singleton, Cessnock, Newcastle, and Lake Macquarie LGAs. Icons indicate walking and cycling paths, and the map highlights key towns including Singleton, Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Hexham, and Newcastle, with connections to trails like the Fernleigh Track and Tramway Track. Created by the RVRT Supporters’ Group, dated November 2025.

January: Stylised Map of Proposed S2S/RVRT Route and Zones.

February calendar image showing a stylised “little planet” (LP) view of heritage railway wagons from the Pelaw Main Colliery. The circular fisheye projection creates a tunnel-like effect with blue sky at the center and grassy terrain curving around the edges. Red railway wagons marked “A,” “B,” and “1266” dominate the right side, set among scattered trees and open parkland. The image evokes a surreal, panoramic perspective of industrial heritage in a natural setting.

February: Pelaw Main Colliery - Historic Railway Wagons (LP View).

March calendar image featuring a stylised LP view beneath the timber trestle bridge over Wallis Creek at Buchanan, in the Cessnock LGA. The stereographic projection curves the wooden beams and supports into a circular frame, with the creek flowing through the center and sandy banks flanked by forested slopes. The image emphasizes the geometry and texture of the historic bridge structure, blending natural and built elements in a visually abstract composition.

March: Beneath Wallis Creek Bridge, Buchanan (LP View, Cessnock LGA).

April calendar image featuring Tunnel #3 and Surveyor’s Creek Bridge in the Cessnock LGA. A collage of four photos shows remnants of historic railway infrastructure. Top-left: Tunnel #3 entrance built into a rocky hillside, surrounded by dense vegetation. Top-right: Brick-lined tunnel entrance with a narrow path leading in. Bottom-left: Interior of a short tunnel with light visible at both ends. Bottom-right: Collapsed or partially buried railway bridge structure in bushland, with remnants of track and eroded terrain.

April: Tunnel #3 and Surveyor's Creek Bridge (Cessnock LGA).

May calendar image showing a major railway cutting at the southeast end of Tunnel #2. The cutting is approximately 100 metres long and 16 metres deep, with steep, layered rock walls on both sides. A dirt path runs through the base, flanked by dense green vegetation. The dramatic landscape highlights the scale of historical excavation and the contrast between rugged geology and natural regrowth.

May: Major Cutting (Length: 100 m; Depth: 16 m) - Southeast end of Tunnel #2.

June calendar image showing Burrenjim Dam, Blue Gum Creek, and the Hunter Expressway in a stylised “little planet” (LP) view. The stereographic projection creates a circular forested landscape with a body of water at the center. Dense trees surround the water, and the Hunter Expressway curves across the top of the image. The artistic distortion blends natural and built features into a miniature planet effect

June: Burrenjim Dam, Blue Gum Creek & Hunter Expressway (LP View).

A stylised stereographic “little planet” view taken inside Tunnel #1, located in the Lake Macquarie LGA. The image shows a symmetrical, brick-lined underground chamber with concentric brickwork curving around the walls and ceiling. Dim lighting from both ends of the tunnel casts a warm glow across the structure. At the center is a metallic or stone feature with turbine-like extensions, adding a mechanical focal point. A pair of donkey's ears is visible at the bottom right, AI thought the ears were someone's shoes.

July: Inside Tunnel #1 (LP View, Lake Macquarie LGA).

A stylised “little planet” image captured beneath the Blue Gum Creek Bridge at Stockrington, in the Cessnock LGA. The circular projection centers on a weathered wooden structure resembling an inverted boat or small bridge, surrounded by lush forest vegetation. The scene includes grass, leaves, and small trees, with a path leading toward the structure. The fisheye distortion creates a surreal, immersive view that highlights the aged timber and natural textures of the bushland setting.

August: Beneath Blue Gum Creek Bridge, Stockrington (LP View, Cessnock LGA).

A detailed infographic summarising key planning and promotional milestones for the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) from 2021 to 2025. It includes approvals for trail sections through nature reserves and wetlands, strategic launches of the Shiraz to Shore (SS2) Concept Plan, and government endorsements integrating the 120km RVRT into regional planning frameworks. Visuals include brochures and promotional materials showcasing trail maps and scenic views, reflecting the RVRT Supporters Group’s advocacy and tourism strategy across the Hunter Region.

September: Some RVRT-related Planning & Promotion Timelines (2021-2025).

A drone-captured aerial view showing the landscape around Minmi Junction in the Newcastle LGA. The image highlights two proposed RVRT construction segments: an 800m section and a 2.0km section, marked with blue arrows. A dotted yellow line traces the route from Minmi Junction to Orange Grove Platform. Surrounding features include green fields, a boardwalk pipeline, and directional labels for nearby locations such as Fletcher, Minmi, and Kurri Kurri. The image provides spatial context for the initial RVRT development between Minmi and Fletcher.

October: Drone-based image from above Minmi Junction. The first RVRT segments to be constructed are likely to be between Minmi and Fletcher, via Minmi Junction (Newcastle LGA).

A collage of drone and ground-level photographs showcasing Kau Ma Park and Rock Knob in Fletcher. Top left: Aerial view of a grassy amphitheatre with curved white seating, surrounded by trees and pathways. Top right: A “Kau-mā” sign with a stylised design and a viewing device aimed at the landscape. Middle right: Panoramic view of flat terrain with a boardwalk cutting through vegetation. Bottom left: Circular forested area bordered by grassland. Bottom middle: Misty landscape with a small hill or island in the distance. Bottom right: Curved eagle shaped shelter with benches beneath, offering shaded seating for park visitors.

November: Kau Ma Park & Rock Knob Views, Fletcher (from drone-based panoramas & ground level).

A stylised “little planet” image showing Ironbark Creek and the Kings Trail in Shortland, Newcastle LGA. The spherical distortion creates a globe-like view centered on a green park or open field, encircled by dense forest. A river curves through the landscape, with urban infrastructure and residential areas visible in the upper left. Roads and pathways extend across the terrain, and the cloud-filled sky wraps around the horizon, blending natural and built environments in a visually striking composition.

December: Ironbark Creek & Kings Trail, Shortland (LP View, Newcastle LGA).

Instructional puzzle image for the 2026 RVRT calendar featuring Terry’s 34-year-old pet donkey, Syd. The image challenges viewers to find Syd, who is said to be “hiding in most of the images in this year’s calendar.” At the center is a circular collage of twelve animal photos, donkeys, arranged around a central image labeled “Where’s Syd?” On the left side, a clue is displayed: “Clue: He’s hiding in most of the images in this year’s calendar...” Below the clue is a smaller visual showing bead-like objects arranged into shapes, outlineing a donkey-like figure. The puzzle invites close observation and playful engagement with the calendar’s monthly images.

Slideshow of Calendar.

RVRT Supporters’ Group (RVRT Inc.) Contact Information:
WEBSITE: https://richmondvalerailtrail.org.au/
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/richmondrailtrail/
ABN: 38 561 671 292 Registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)

President: Terry Lewin
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0404 439 616 (Terry)

Vice-President: Leigh Gibbens
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0433 570 920 (Leigh)

Secretary & Treasurer: Sam Reich
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0418 402 644 (Sam)

Founding President: Billy Metcalfe
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0417 453 152 (Billy)

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Season’s Greetings and Preview of Images from 2026 Calendar – December 1st 2025

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