Image: Torrens to Darlington Project
South Australians are once again leaning into their trademark humour and community spirit, getting behind a statewide callout to name the Tunnel Boring Machines (TBMs) that will carve their way through the $15.4 billion River Torrens to Darlington (T2D) Project.
Nearly 2,000 suggestions have already rolled in, proving that no one does quirky quite like SA. From cheeky pop-culture gems like Julia Drillard, Diggy Azalea and The Drilltop Hoods, to heartfelt nods to trailblazing South Australian women including Dame Roma Mitchell, Julia Gillard and Maggie Beer, the community has well and truly delivered.
Assistant Minister Emily Bourke says the creativity has been both hilarious and deeply meaningful.
“It’s great to see the South Australian community support this naming competition with nearly 2,000 submissions already received. While they probably won’t quite make the final cut, entries such as Julia Drillard, Diggy Azalea and Kath, Kim and Sharon, have certainly made me laugh. While we love the banter, it’s been fantastic to see plenty of entries that are meaningful, memorable and proudly South Australian – something that captures the spirit of protection, bravery and trailblazing – just like our TBMs.”
The tradition of giving TBMs female names stretches back to the 1500s in honour of Saint Barbara, the patron saint of tunnelers — and South Australians are embracing the chance to shape a new chapter of that history.
Entries remain open until 5pm Sunday, 30 November 2025, with residents invited to submit a name and a short explanation of why it matters. After submissions close, a shortlist will go to a public vote before the final names are revealed ahead of tunnelling works kicking off.
And these aren’t just any machines, the first TBM is a giant in its own right, sporting a 15-metre diameter cutterhead weighing around 300 tonnes. Its assembly is already underway in Adelaide, with welding alone expected to take about eight weeks. Meanwhile, the second TBM has passed testing in China and is cleared for shipment, with components set to land in South Australia over the next two years.
The T2D Project will use two TBMs from the Southern Precinct to construct the 4.5km Southern Tunnels, while another will launch from the Central North Precinct in Richmond to build the 2.2km Northern Tunnels, key steps toward creating a long-awaited non-stop North–South Corridor for commuters.
As Emily Bourke puts it, “It’s a bit of fun with a serious purpose. These names help bring South Australians along for the ride, and the impact of the TBMs will be felt for decades to come.”
The competition is open now, and if the first wave of entries is anything to go by, South Australians are ready to dig deep.
For more details or to submit a name, visit the T2D project website here.
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