Daryle Doherty celebrates 50 years with rail, based in Junee

Daryle Doherty began his journey in Sydney in 1969 where he discovered his passion for rail.

But it wasn't until he moved to Junee in the early 90s when his network of colleagues became close friends, and the town became his home.

"I came to Junee as a driver in charge, I'd been working with the town earlier already though from my placement in Albury where we'd take the trains through," Mr Doherty said.

"That was in 1982 when I first started coming through town, but it was around 1991 that I settled in Junee because I was based there as a new acting loco inspector so I'd be training drivers and that sort of thing."

Mr Doherty has witnessed a countless number of changes in the rail industry.

"It's changed that much since I've been around that it's not funny," he said.

"Everything from the size of trains which are much bigger now, plus watching the change from steam engines and even things like the number of men needed to run the machine, you need far less now."

The Junee Railway Precinct began construction in 1878 continuing through to 1947 and was considered a major 19^th century rail junction of the state.

The town's growth and prosperity has largely been owing to its development as a major rail centre, bringing employment and resources to the region.

To this day still, the Victorian Free Classical station buildings are a valued piece of the town's architecture and considered a landmark.

The way the industry ran and the features of its construction were not the only changes Mr Doherty experienced.

"I have made a lot of friendships along the way, and particularly here in Junee, but I've also lost a few people too," he said.

"This may not be the case for everyone but it does feel like one big family here."

A rail enthusiast through and through, Mr Doherty said it was his willingness to 'go with the flow' that drove his long career.

"It's forever changing, you can't have tunnel vision, you have to be open to change," he said.

"I've done every job in the industry from the lowest rung to managerial positions, and now on the STG project in Sydney with double-decker trains, as well as being in Melbourne now working on a new suburban train project."

For Mr Doherty though, Junee is home.

"It's good to get home after all the travel and city works, but I have no intention of slowing down - I'll punch on for as long as I can," he said.

"It's been an exciting adventure and after 50 years I'm still learning, so bring on the next 50 years."