Key Takeaways
- Peter Sawtell has dedicated 70 years of his life to the New South Wales railways, never leaving his hometown of Werris Creek.
- He started working on the railways at the age of 15 and drove his first train at 17, transitioning from steam engines to diesel-hydraulic operations.
- Mr. Sawtell’s commitment to the North West and its railway led to surprising experiences, including meeting the now King of the United Kingdom, Charles III.
- The Werris Creek railway station, where Mr. Sawtell worked, is a major railway junction for NSW and has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s.
- Mr. Sawtell’s career is a testament to the industry, with many acknowledging that his 70-year service will likely never be surpassed.
Introduction to a Lifetime of Service
Peter Sawtell’s story is a testament to the power of dedication and passion for one’s work. After seven decades on the train lines, he believes that if you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life. Mr. Sawtell’s advice to young people is to find a job they love and stick with it, as he has done with the New South Wales railways. His hometown of Werris Creek, a small North West train community, has been his base for his entire career, and he has never felt the need to leave.
A Career Spanning Decades
Mr. Sawtell’s career in the railways began in 1955, when he moved to Werris Creek at the age of 15. Two years later, he was driving trains at 17, operating steam engines that required a high level of physical fitness. As the technology evolved, Mr. Sawtell transitioned to diesel-hydraulic operations and eventually drove the diesel-powered Xplorer locomotive. His final role before retiring was a testament to his adaptability and commitment to the industry. Throughout his career, Mr. Sawtell has seen significant changes in the railway industry, from the introduction of new technologies to the decline of certain services.
A Railway Town
Werris Creek station master Natasha Geddes acknowledges that Mr. Sawtell’s 70-year service will be sorely missed. The town of Werris Creek has a rich history, with the railway station being a major junction for NSW. The station’s "classic Victorian" facade is still intact from its construction in the late 1800s, and the town’s population of 1,700 is deeply connected to the railway. Ms. Geddes’ family has been involved with the railway since the 1940s, and she views her role as continuing her family’s legacy. The railway station has undergone significant changes over the years, with the number of services decreasing from 38 to just a few per day.
A Unique Job
Train driver Phil Astill has been in the industry for over 20 years and has been driving out of Werris Creek for the past four years. He loves guiding the train north out of town, particularly when the sun sets, and acknowledges that Mr. Sawtell’s career is a testament to the industry. Mr. Astill notes that people do not tend to stay in the same job for as long as they used to, making Mr. Sawtell’s 70-year service all the more remarkable. The job of a train driver requires a unique combination of skills, including physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
Lifetime Service Recognition
In October, Mr. Sawtell was recognized for his service to the NSW railways with a special ceremony in Sydney. A plaque was unveiled at his home station of Werris Creek, and he was gifted a piece of golden railway track. Gwen Hohnke, a volunteer at the Rail Journeys Museum, has known Mr. Sawtell for decades and remembers calling in a favor from the local choir group for his 50-year work anniversary. She describes Mr. Sawtell as a "legend" who is full of stories and always willing to talk to people. The recognition of Mr. Sawtell’s service is a testament to his dedication and commitment to the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of railway workers.
Conclusion
Peter Sawtell’s story is a reminder that finding a job you love and sticking with it can lead to a lifetime of fulfillment and happiness. His 70-year service to the New South Wales railways is a testament to his dedication and passion for the industry, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of railway workers. As the railway industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize and celebrate the contributions of individuals like Mr. Sawtell, who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities and preserving the history of the railways.