12/08/2026
NATIONAL YOUTH VOLUNTEER WEEK | MEET JARROD
As we continue celebrating National Youth Volunteer Week, we’re recognising another of the young volunteers helping preserve the skills, knowledge and railway heritage of Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society.
National Youth Volunteer Week recognises young volunteers aged 12–25 years, with this year’s theme “Your Year to Lead” celebrating young people as leaders of today.
👏 Today we’re recognising Jarrod, our Steam Locomotive Superintendent.
For Jarrod, volunteering with Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society is very much a family legacy.
His connection began before he was even one year old through his family’s membership, and his first trip to Quorn to visit Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society was when he was just 11 weeks old!
Growing up surrounded by railway heritage has also influenced Jarrod professionally. Today he is a qualified Fitter and Turner, bringing those skills to his passion for steam locomotive maintenance.
Jarrod says working on locomotive maintenance was always his intention – particularly having the opportunity to use and preserve traditional skills that are becoming increasingly rare.
When asked who taught him, Jarrod credits his dad, grandfather and people involved in the railway industry and Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society.
That knowledge extends well beyond our own railway. People involved in heritage locomotive restoration share information across Australia and overseas, with many of the principles common between locomotives. Original engineering drawings from numerous companies continue to be an important resource – including those connected with renowned South Australian engineer James Martin and his Gawler foundry.
And what does Jarrod enjoy most about volunteering?
“The ability to repair and see the stock and locomotives going out of the workshop as an operating engine.”
From an 11-week-old visitor to Steam Locomotive Superintendent, Jarrod’s story is a wonderful example of how volunteering can preserve skills across generations, shape careers and help keep our railway heritage operating for the future. 🚂
Thank you, Jarrod, for the skills, knowledge and commitment you bring to Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society.
👉 Want to volunteer at Pichi Richi Railway Preservation Society?
Whether your interests are mechanical, operational, heritage, customer service or something completely different, there are many ways to become involved. Reach out to us through this page – we’d love to hear from you.
