By REBECCA BILLS
APPLYING for a job with Victorian Railways at the age of 16, Healesville’s Garry Manning had his application denied because he wore glasses.
Now, more than 45 years later, Gary’s dream of working with trains is a reality with his title of Station Master at Puffing Billy.
Gary said he has always been fascinated with steam trains and loves being able to volunteer his time for something he loves.
“For my 50th birthday my family took me on a train ride at Puffing Billy and that’s when I decided to become a volunteer,” he said.
“I’ve been Station Master for two years now but I started here as a conductor 10 years ago and worked my up through the volunteers.
“The Station Masters job is quite a stressful one but at the same time it’s extremely satisfying at the end of the day.”
The Station Masters role is that of ensuring the driver, fireman and guard are ready for duty and there are enough carriages for the amount of tickets sold as well as ensuring all trains are running on time.
As well as being a Station Master, Gary is also a booking officer at the railway selling tickets to passenger.
“I get to talk to a few hundred people a day which I really love,” he said.
Having moved from Tecoma to Healesville on Black Saturday Gary said it takes him about 45 minutes to get to the Belgrave station for the two to three times a week that he volunteers.
“Puffing Billy is only able to run due to the volunteers and I love volunteering here – you are surrounded by great people.”
Those who are interested in becoming a volunteer at Puffing Billy or who want more information about the railway can visit www.puffingbilly.com.au/volunteering.
