Delegate profiles

Theo Nestora, ETR Group 4

Why did you get involved in the union? I identified a gap that I felt needed a fresh set of eyes in representation so I decided to give it go.

Hobbies and interests? I’m a tinkerer, I mainly like restoring mini motorcycles.

How long have you been in the industry? 20 years

Most memorable train journey? First day I drove on my own after graduation, the knuckles were quite white that day!

Jeff King, ETR Group 2

Why did you get involved in the union? I joined the railway in 1980 and our conditions were rubbish so I joined the fight to improve our conditions and work environment.

What do you like most about your job? The security and conditions we fought for to enjoy. In 42 years, I have never considered leaving the job!

Most memorable train journey? The 81 class Locomotive- I was the first to do the first load trial on 8101 to Goulburn.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? All my family members who have passed, I miss them all.

Keith McMahon, Divisional OHS Coordinator

Why did you get involved in the union? To fight for conditions and awards.

Hobbies and interests? Football, cars, motorbikes and woodwork.

How long have you been in the industry? 49 years.

What do you like most about your job? Solidarity.

Peter Mundey, Divisional Vice Pres Freight

Why did you get involved in the union? To try to improve the industry.

What do you like about your job? The freedom of not being tied to a desk.

How long have you been in the industry? 46 years.

Who would you like to have diner with (dead or alive)? My father, he was an inspiration and passed on great knowledge and experience.

Brendan Robinson, ETR Group 1

How long have you been in the industry? 18+ years.

What do you like most about your job? Mostly that I can work unsupervised.

Most memorable train journey? I explored Japan by both bullet train and local train in 2009.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? Sally McManus, she’s an absolute champion.

Paul Dornan, Assistant Secretary

Why did you get involved in the union? I wanted to be a voice for people who can’t stand up for themselves.

What do you like most about your job? The independence of not being tied to a desk, and the mateship.

How long have you been in the industry? 15 years.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? Andrew Johns.

Tony Clear, Intercity Group

Why did you get involved in the union? I believe a unionised workplace leads to better lives for workers.

What do you like most about your job? The comradery. And the hours (JOKES).

How long have you been in the industry? 15 years.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? Charlie Watts, he’s a hero.

Jarrod Tickle, North West Group

Why did you get involved in the union? I saw management refusing to honour enterprise agreements and ignoring safety concerns.

Hobbies and interests? Golf and rugby league.

What do you like most about your job? Conversations in the cab and meal rooms.

How long have you been in the industry? 7 years.

Most memorable train journey? Ay trip with family and great mates is memorable.

Trevor Bond, North West Group

Why did you get involved in the union? To make a difference.

Hobbies and interests? Computers.

How long have you been in the industry? 46 years.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? My dad.

Josh Leddin

What do you like most about your job? Seeing the sunrises and always travelling somewhere new.

How long have you been in the industry? 14 years.

Hobbies and interests? Play golf (handicap 15.3)

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? Adam Sandler and Mark Wahlburg.

Wayne Pallant, Metro Group 1

Why did you get involved in the union? To represent and help my fellow workmates and improve people’s workplace and lifestyles.

What do you like most about your job? Having a ‘moveable’ office and the satisfaction of getting the job done.

How long have you been in the industry? 36 years.

Most memorable train journey? In miserable weather, I went through a section of track that later that night claimed the life of two train drivers

Jarryd Dayes, CountryLink Group

Why did you get involved in the union? To help champion our rights at work, do my best to help other members and fight for diversity and inclusion and a fair go.

Hobbies and interests? Gym, video games, watching the NRL and travelling around the world.

How long have you been in the industry? 15+ years.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? Pericles to discuss Ancient Greece and to learn from his career and leadership.

Giovanna Bonelli, Division VP Passenger

Why did you get involved in the union? I love being a driver and wanted to help keep it the best job in the world.

What do you like most about your job? Being my own boss.

How long have you been in the industry? 13 years.

Who would you like to have dinner with (dead or alive)? My nonna passed away a couple of years ago and pushed me to be the best person I could be.