Peter Sawtell, a 70-year veteran train driver, has called time on his illustrious career, leaving behind a legacy that will never be replicated. With a smile on his face, he reflects on his journey, saying, "If you love your job, you never have to work a day in your life." And he certainly loved his job, having dedicated his entire life to the railways of New South Wales, Australia. Sawtell's story is a testament to the unique and often surprising experiences that come with a career in the rail industry.
Sawtell's hometown, Werris Creek, was built around its heritage railway station, and he moved there in 1955 as a 15-year-old, finding work on the railways. Two years later, he was driving trains at 17, starting his journey with steam engines. "They were good, you were fit all the time," he recalls with a smile. "There's a driver and a fireman, the driver knew the lay of the land while the fireman kept the waters up to the boiler."
As the train technology evolved, so did the engines, progressing from steam to diesel-hydraulic operations. Sawtell's final role before retiring was driving the diesel-powered Xplorer locomotive, a role that required him to "watch the rail ahead, making sure they're clear, checking the signals." He found satisfaction in the job, saying, "You can make it easy or make it very hard."
Sawtell's dedication to the North West and its railway led to some surprising experiences, including meeting the now King of the United Kingdom, Charles III. "I went to the shop one day in Quirindi to get some ice creams for my kids," Sawtell recalls. "Then Charles came out. I didn't know who it was — that would probably never happen again. He bought the ice creams for us!"
Werris Creek station master Natasha Geddes acknowledges Sawtell's remarkable 70-year career, saying, "I don't think anyone will surpass his 70 years. You would have to start when you're 15, like he did, and you can't do that anymore."
Geddes, whose family has a long legacy at the railway, views Sawtell's career as a testament to the industry. "My whole family has worked here, my Mum and my Dad's side," she says. "There used to be 38 services day and night, including parcel deliveries, even sheep and cattle were transported on the trains. Going from 38 services to just a few a day now, it's a big change."
Train driver Phil Astill, who has been in the industry for over 20 years and has driven out of Werris Creek for the past four years, agrees. "These days, people don't stay in the same job like they used to. We have a lot of blokes that hit 60 years, but 70 years — I don't think that will ever happen again."
Sawtell's dedication to the railways was recognized with a special ceremony in Sydney in October, where a plaque was unveiled at his home station and he was gifted a piece of golden railway track. Gwen Hohnke, a volunteer at the Rail Journeys Museum and a longtime friend of Sawtell's, recalls a special moment from his 50-year work anniversary. "[Sawtell] drove the train in from Moree, and we stood out on the platform and sang, 'He's been working on the railway,'" she says. "He is full of stories, very nice to talk to, he will get people and talk for hours, he is very polite. [Sawtell] is a legend around this place."
Sawtell's retirement marks the end of an era, a time when train drivers could dedicate their lives to the railways and experience the unique and often surprising experiences that come with the job. As the rail industry continues to evolve, Sawtell's story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating the dedication and commitment of those who have served it so faithfully.
