MAREE’S SORRY TO MAKE TRACKS
I WILL MISS ALL OF MY CUSTOMERS, IT HAS BEEN
AMAZING TO MEET THEM AND IT’S BEEN A GREAT 11 YEARS.
EASTERN BEACH TRAIN DRIVER MAREE WILLIAMS (PICTURED WITH CO-DRIVER BAILEY)
A MUCH-LOVED train driver who has transported thousands of children along Geelong’s famous Eastern Beach has been forced to retire following a sudden health diagnosis.
Maree Williams and her beloved dog Bailey have ridden in the front seat of Eastern Beach Train Hire’s popular little blue train for more than a decade.
Ms Williams was recently driving the train when she felt ill and an ambulance was called.
Doctors now believe she has the debilitating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which leads to shortness of breath, fatigue and reduced lung function.
The illness forced the 58-year-old to immediately retire from her role as train driver.
Eastern Beach Train
Hire business owner
David Smith said Ms Williams’ health had declined recently and he was sad to see her go.
“Maree has been with us for 11 years and was the most senior driver,” he said.
Mr Smith said the grandmother was “very bubbly” and great with customers.
Ms Williams said she was heartbroken to have left her dream job and had notched up many memories — including meeting conjoined twins Trishna and Krishna and the woman who brought them to Australia, Moira Kelly.
“I will miss all of my customers, it has been amazing to meet them and it’s been a great 11 years,” Ms Williams said.
“The people were amazing and it was just such a nice atmosphere, I am sad to leave.”