75-year-old spends half a century saving a piece of Australian history
Most people slow down at 75, but Mick Marriott-Statham is still full steam ahead.
For more than five decades, Marriott-Statham has been part of the Zig Zag Railway in the Blue Mountains, clocking up an incredible 52 years volunteering on one of Australia’s last heritage steam trains.
From signaller to driver, guard to fireman, he’s done it all.
“I love seeing the smiles on young people’s faces,” he said. “They love it.”
The railway itself has weathered a tough journey after it shut down in 2012 and endured bushfire damage. It was rebuilt with Marriott-Statham’s help.
Today, the train is a moving time capsule, delighting tourists and train lovers alike.
As for retirement? Not yet.
“I reckon my body will tell me when to stop,” Marriott-Statham said. “But right now, I still enjoy it.”
-with reporter Claudia Vrdoljak
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