When John Furber started working at Queensland Rail, Brisbane suburban trains were mostly steam, Robert Menzies was the Prime Minister, The Beatles had just visited Australia on a World Tour, and the national currency was the pound.
He has held several positions over his six decades of employment including electrician, electrical control operator, electrical inspector, signalling inspector and first aid trainer.
Furber is now a Signalling Testing and Commissioning Coordinator, managing safety critical railway signalling and operational systems, which is crucial to keeping the travelling public and Queensland Rail workers safe.
With six decades in the job, he has worked all over the state from Cairns to Winton to Charleville and everything in between, and spent the majority of his time working in the Brisbane, Maryborough and Bundaberg regions.
Furber said he took the lad porter job at Queensland Rail in Maryborough because if you wanted a permanent job with reasonable pay and were prepared to work hard, Queensland Rail would give you a go.
“In 1965 I moved to Banyo as an electrical apprentice with 36 other apprentices. They were short of electricians back then, just like now. Back then, signal operations were mechanical semaphore signals – light with kerosene lamps, and most tasks were physical,” he said.
“The knowledge and experience I gained over the years enabled me to manage site works and the testing of safety critical systems, level crossings, signalling and power equipment.
“Some of the key projects I have worked on in my time are the North Coast line electrification, Brisbane suburban upgrades and duplication of the Blackwater line. My skills helped to deliver safe outcomes for Queensland Rail.
“I’ve enjoyed the real-life experiences, interaction and camaraderie with colleagues and the hundreds of people around the state I have come to know. This also includes the Queensland Rail first aid family. In my role, I also worked as a first aid trainer and state competition adjudicator.
Furber said that he is not ready to retire yet and explained he is still living the dream but will take the time to enjoy his long service leave with his wife of 54 years, Jan.
“I have spent most of my career travelling to work sites across the state, working long hours, spending many nights in hotel and motel rooms, so it is nice to be home and be able to reflect on the past 60 years,” he said.
“Maybe I will hit the surf and visit the gym more frequently now that I live on the Gold Coast!
“My father was a railway man, both my grandfathers were railway men as is my cousin, my wife’s father and grandfather too, so I had a reputation to live up to – 60 years should do it.”
Queensland Rail CEO Kat Stapleton thanked Furber on behalf of Queensland Rail.
“This is an amazing achievement – with Mr Furber the second employee to reach 60 years at Queensland Rail,” she said.
“Our Assistant Station Master at Gympie North Merv Suares only just pipped Furber at the post to the milestone by a few months.
“We also have 48 current employees that have worked here for more than 50 years, from train drivers to signal electricians, trackworkers and a travel consultant.
“I am proud to be part of an organisation that can offer so many a lifetime career. It shows that Queensland Rail is the place where connection counts. Our people are our strength. Together, we achieve more.”
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