46 years on the rails

By TOMHAYES

JANUARY marked the end of the line for Moe V/Line conductor, Paul Burley, after 46 years on the railways.

During his finalweek in the job, he received well-wishes from fellow staff and customers from around the state as he made his final trips.

Paul began his V/Line journey in July, 1976 at the Warragul train station, adapting quickly. This was justified, as within 12 months, Paul was offered an opportunity to becomea conductor, based at the Traralgontrainstation, where he would spend the remainder of his career.

Over the past 46 years, Paul has worked amammoth 10,385shiftsand travelledmore than 3.2 millionkilometres on thetracks; the equivalent of going around the earth about 80 times.

At the end of his lastshift,Paulwas gifted a parting present during apresentation.

Paul even met his wife, Dianna, who was a talented figure skater travelling by train from Gippsland to Melbourne, while Paul was conducting the train.

“I have had agreat career and the staff have become like family -Iwill miss them,” Paul said.

“WhenIfirststarted,wehad the ‘red rattlers’ andthere was no heating in them other than foot warmers on frosty mornings.

“Some of my highlights were running the first train when it returned to Bairnsdale (in 2004), and getting chosen to work the test runs for the VLocity trains when they were first built.”

Paul’s manager, V/Line Regional Manager East,

Service: Paul Burleywraps up his gig at V/Line after46years. Photographs: supplied

Tim Pianta, couldn’t speak more highly of Paul.

“Paulisa highly respected member of V/Line and is known for his friendly and professional demeanour,” Tim said.

“There is not aconductor in this region who has not gone out with Paulwhentheyfirststarted, to experience first-hand how to best run atrain

“Thank you Paul for your service to the Gippsland community and for all the passengers you have helped get where they need to go over your many years of service.” goodbyestoPaul Burley(left).

Paul and Diannaplantospend their retirement betweenhome in Moe and Lakes Entrance -with the occasional trip on the train.

Trio: