Diana Gudel shares her journey to becoming a train driver

Driving Change: Diana’s Journey Behind the Controls

From retail to rail, Diana proves there’s no single path to success.

When Diana Gudel first moved to Geraldton as a teenager, she never imagined she’d one day be at the controls of a freight train stretching over a kilometre long. Today, as a train driver for Aurizon based in Narngulu, Diana is living proof that career paths can take unexpected and rewarding turns.

From Retail to Rail

Train driving wasn’t on Diana’s radar when she finished school. After working in retail and starting a teaching degree, she realised she wanted something different, something hands-on and challenging. A chance conversation at a school reunion introduced her to Aurizon and sparked her curiosity about rail operations.

“I was at a crossroads and thought trying something completely out of my comfort zone might be exactly what I needed,” Diana says. “My dad was a master motor mechanic, so I grew up around tools and engines. Working with Aurizon felt like the perfect blend of my mechanical interests and doing something unique.”

Diana began with a shunting traineeship, progressed to yard supervising, and eventually stepped into the driver’s seat. “I haven’t looked back since,” she says.

Life on the Rails

As a train driver, Diana’s role is all about safety, precision, and adaptability. Her day can include servicing locomotives, brake testing, yard shunting, and operating trains from load points to the port at Geraldton. Grain trains typically run with two drivers for up to 12 hours, while iron ore trains are single-driver operations lasting up to 10 hours.

“It’s a role that requires situational awareness and patience,” Diana explains. “You’re responsible for something that weighs thousands of tonnes and can stretch over a kilometre. That sense of responsibility is huge—but it’s also what makes the job so satisfying.”

What She Loves Most

For Diana, the best part of the job is the unique perspective it offers. “Driving across the region, you see the seasons change—the wildflowers, the bright yellow canola crops, farmers preparing their land. It’s a connection to the landscape that most people never experience.”

She also values the challenge of improving her driving technique and responding calmly to unexpected situations. “It’s far from a standard nine-to-five—and that’s exactly what I enjoy.”

Advice for Future Drivers

Diana’s message to anyone considering a career in rail is simple: don’t let stereotypes or unfamiliarity hold you back. “You don’t need to be a rail expert or have a technical background. If you’re adaptable, safety-focused, and willing to learn, there’s a place for you here.”

Ready to Drive Your Future?

Aurizon offers pathways into train driving through traineeships and on-the-job training. If you’re ready for a career that’s challenging, rewarding, and far from ordinary, explore opportunities with us today: Visit  www.aurizon.com.au/careers