On hand to witness the launch were representatives from six local primary schools who participated in a Sydney Metro competition to name the machine. The students were the first to be introduced to TBM Marlene, the winning name submitted by Claremont Meadows Public School.
The machine is named in honour of Dr Marlene Kanga AO, recognising her significant contribution as a global leader in engineering and role model to women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).
TBM Marlene will tunnel 4.3-kilometres, carving out the metro tunnel from Orchard Hills to St Marys alongside TBM Catherine, which is currently about 100 metres into its journey.
The 900-tonne TBM will tunnel on average 120 metres per week, and is expected to arrive at the St Marys metro station site in mid-2024.
The naming competition was an opportunity for local primary school students to learn more about the new 23-kilometre metro line currently under construction from St Marys to the Aerotropolis that will transform travel in their area.
It also provided a chance for students to explore achievements of inspiring Australian women in the community, with all names submitted required to be female – a tunnelling tradition stemming from the 1600s when miners working underground prayed to Saint Barbara for protection.
All six schools that participated in the competition - Claremont Meadows Public School, Our Lady of the Rosary Primary, Kurrambee School, St Marys South Public School, St Marys North Public School and Orchard Hills Public School - were commended for the significant thought and effort they put into their suggested names.
The launch of TBM Marlene means all four TBMs for the mega project are now in the ground, with TBMs Eileen and Peggy 1275 and 386 metres into excavating the 5.5-kilometres of tunnels between the Airport Business Park and the Aerotropolis, respectively.
New metro rail will become the transport spine for Greater Western Sydney, connecting communities and travellers with the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the growing region.
The Australian and NSW Governments have a shared objective of having Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport operational when Western Sydney International Airport opens for passenger services.
For more information about the project, visit www.sydneymetro.info/westernsydneyairportline
