NEXT GEN TEAM
The Heritage Railway Guardians of Tomorrow
The Next Gen Crew is where the next generation of Zig Zag Railway volunteers begin their journey.
Open to young people aged 10 and over, Next Gen provides opportunities to learn new skills, make lifelong friendships, build confidence and become part of a unique community working together to preserve Australia’s railway heritage.
You don’t need any previous experience and you certainly don’t need to know everything about trains. What matters most is a willingness to learn, get involved and have fun.
Next Gen members have opportunities to explore many different areas of the railway, including rail operations, workshop and infrastructure projects, guest services, events and special activities. Along the way, they are supported by experienced volunteers and staff who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping young people develop new skills.
Whether your interests are engineering, customer service, history, events, tourism, trades, leadership or simply being part of a great team, there is a place for you in the Next Gen Crew.
Many of today’s railway volunteers, leaders and staff began their journey as young volunteers. Next Gen is designed to help young people discover their interests, develop practical skills and become the future custodians of Zig Zag Railway.
Most importantly, it’s a place to have fun, make friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.
WHAT DOES THE TEAM DO?
No two days in Next Gen are ever the same. Members have the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities across the railway, learning new skills while contributing to real projects and operations.
Rail Operations
Learn about railway operations, signalling, stations and train crews while developing an understanding of how a working heritage railway functions.
Workshop & Infrastructure
Get hands-on with restoration projects, basic maintenance tasks, grounds work and infrastructure improvements under the guidance of experienced mentors.
Guest Services
Assist visitors, support special events and help create memorable experiences for guests travelling from around Australia and the world.
Events & Special Activities
Participate in themed events, community activities, planning projects and behind-the-scenes experiences that bring the railway to life.
Leadership & Personal Development
Build confidence, teamwork, communication and leadership skills while working alongside volunteers and staff from all walks of life.
As members grow in experience and confidence, they may choose to pursue opportunities within other Zig Zag Railway teams, creating pathways into rail operations, engineering trades, tourism, hospitality, administration and leadership roles.
MAKE FRIENDS, BUILD CONNECTIONS
One of the most rewarding parts of being involved in Next Gen is becoming part of a community of young people who share a common interest in learning, contributing and having fun.
Members work alongside volunteers and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, building friendships, learning from experienced mentors and becoming part of the Zig Zag Railway family. Many of the friendships formed through Next Gen continue for years beyond the program itself.
Learn Skills for Life
Next Gen is about more than railways. Members develop confidence, communication skills, teamwork, leadership and practical problem-solving abilities while participating in real projects and activities across the railway.
Through hands-on experiences, young people are encouraged to challenge themselves, take on new responsibilities and discover interests and talents they may never have explored before.
Supported Every Step of the Way
Everyone starts somewhere, and nobody is expected to know everything on their first day.
Next Gen members are supported by experienced volunteers and staff who are passionate about sharing their knowledge and helping young people grow. Through training, mentoring and hands-on experience, members are encouraged to learn at their own pace, build confidence and develop new skills in a safe and welcoming environment.
The safety and wellbeing of our young people is a priority. Next Gen activities are supervised by appropriately screened volunteers and staff, including team members who hold Working With Children Checks and bring experience from a variety of professional backgrounds, including education, youth development, trades, rail operations and tourism. Parents can be confident that their children are participating in a supportive, inclusive and well-supervised program.
THEN 1998
Daniel R Age 5 (Seated in window) – Passenger
Lee Age 16 (Standing at front) – Next Gen Member & Trainee
Fireman
Pictured here with Michael Grantham, Steam Fireman.
NOW 2026
Daniel R (Standing at rear)- Zig Zag Railway Rolling Stock Manager
Lee (Front left) – Zig Zag Railway Steam Train Driver
Pictured here with Daniel Zolfel, Zig Zag Railway CEO
Your Future Starts Here
Many of today’s railway volunteers, leaders and staff began their journey as young volunteers.
Next Gen provides opportunities to explore a wide range of interests, from rail operations and engineering to hospitality, tourism, events and customer service. Along the way, members gain valuable experience, practical skills and confidence that can support future education, employment and volunteer opportunities.
Whether your goal is to become a steam locomotive driver, a tradesperson, an event organiser, a hospitality professional or simply a confident and capable young adult, Next Gen can help you take the first step.
