General News
13 October, 2024
Rail boss keeps rolling
Seymour Railway Heritage Centre operations manager Max Michell now works voluntarily for the railways.
Amongst his myriad of tasks, it is Mr Michell's job, when an outing is planned, to confirm excursion details with V/Line, publicise the event, check that everything on board is in order, including fully-stocked first-aid kits, supplies, food for the dining car, and to ensure the steps are put out safely when needed for passengers boarding and disembarking.
Now 83, Mr Michell plans to continue volunteering, and the word retirement is not mentioned.
Mr Michell worked for Victorian Railways for 30 years, then for Railways of Australia, and National Rail.
He was based in Adelaide, before working 20 years as a consultant to the railways, retiring in 2015.
He decided he needed "a proper job" and volunteered with his local heritage group, where his extensive knowledge of all things Australian Railways, and ability to problem-solve is considered an enormous asset.
Mr Michell was in charge of the locomotive and its eight volunteers during the return trip from Horsham to Beulah on Saturday, and from Horsham to Rainbow on Sunday.