Ron Simmons – 50 years on the job

Ron Simmons celebrated 50 years on the job recently at the Parkes Rural and Bulk Depot. Ron started his career on the 06/06/1968 at Binnaway. His first job was the Mudgee Mail Train to Gwabegar and return, he was at Binnaway for a couple of years then transferred to Parkes in 1970.

Ron was an acting driver for 9 years and was promoted to full driver around 1982. We have a joke with Ron that he was the last man to use a steam engine in the Parkes Yard. Ron neither confirms nor denies this.

The job has had a few changes since he joined with more responsibilities put on the driver and his mate. Ron has seen a lot of names changes since he started starting with NSWGR, PTC, SRA, Freight Rail, Freight Corp and currently Pacific National. He has driven just about every Loco in the P.N Fleet, he claims he doesn’t have a favourite but he looks quite at home in a 48, probably because they are about the same vintage.

Ron is our local RTBU Representative for the Bulk Depot in Parkes, he is always there for us if we get into a spot of bother, offering support and advice for us whether as a union delicate or just as Ron the senior driver, he has a wealth of knowledge if you want to listen and is in my opinion a great work colleague and mentor. Ron loves the job and reakens he will stick around for a while longer.

All the best Ron from John Cornelissen and your workmates at the Parkes Depot.