Volunteer
Make an impact by volunteering
The Zig Zag Railway relies on the support of dedicated volunteers to help with various aspects of its operations. There are several volunteer roles available that help us keep this heritage site alive, and give you the chance to gain valuable skills and experience in the process.
Around the Zig Zag Railway’s 100th anniversary in the1960’s, a group of train enthusiasts were looking to establish a tourist steam railway in NSW and negotiations commenced with the Zig Zag Trust.
In June 1972, the Lithgow Switchback Railway Co-op was formed (later renamed the Zig Zag Railway Co-operative Ltd in 1974) and on Saturday 18 October 1975, the running of the first passenger service of the Zig Zag Tourist Railway commemorated Zig Zag’s 106th anniversary.
Since the formation of the Zig Zag Railway Co-operative, passionate volunteers have preserved the history of the great Zig Zag Railway while making lifelong friendships along the way. Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the Railway and ensure the smooth and safe operation of our services to the public by fulfilling a range of exciting roles.
We welcome new volunteers who are ready to continue this legacy by becoming an integral part of our team and contributing to the community’s enjoyment of this prized piece of living history. Our experienced volunteers will support you along your journey as you learn new things and form great friendships.
The amount of time you commit is up to you – you can do as little or as much as you want!
Sign up to volunteer
We welcome you to join via our Membership Application form.
To complete this form successfully, you will need to ensure 3rd party cookies are enabled on your device. Additionally, Apple users will need to uncheck the setting “prevent cross-site tracking” or complete the form using an alternative device.
If you have any trouble with this, please email volunteers@zigzagrailway.com.au and we will help you out. Please complete our Membership Application to being your journey as a Zig Zag Railway volunteer.
Membership Application
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Volunteer opportunities
The Zig Zag Railway relies on the support of dedicated volunteers to help with various aspects of its operations. There are several volunteer roles available that help us keep this heritage site alive, and give you the chance to gain valuable skills and experience in the process.
Become a GUARD
Guards are responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers and assisting the driver with the operation of the train. They also help with ticketing and provide information to passengers. At Zig Zag Railway our Guards are a crucial part of train operations. As well as the vital customer service role they perform, our Guards assist the driver to verify the brake functioning each time the locomotive detaches from the carriages. Guards give the driver the right of way when leaving a station.
Become a Shop Volunteer
Working in our retail outlet at Clarence provides an opportunity for members to assist our guests on arrival and after their journey.
Work undertaken can vary on any given day but varies from checking-in ticket holders, processing retail sales, providing a concierge service, processing ticket bookings, answering telephone queries, and very much being the face of Zig Zag.
Become a Signaller
Our Signallers control the movement of our trains within yards. At Zig Zag Railway we have yards at Bottom Points, Top Points, and Clarence, with all locations containing signal huts. At Clarence the lever frames which the signaller uses to set the points and signals are external to the hut, whereas both Top Points and Bottom Points signal huts contain lever frames.
Become a Train Driver
This role involves operating the locomotives and driving the trains along the railway line.
Train drivers require specialized training and certification, but the Zig Zag Railway offers training programs for those interested in learning.
Become a Visitor Services
Our customers and visitors enjoy access to concierge services by members of the shop crew who are particularly interested in providing specialised assistance. We understand that sometimes there are questions that can’t be answered by a recorded message or website search. Often a customer just needs someone to point the way or provide reassurance about something they aren’t completely certain about.
Become a Train Controller
The Train Controller is responsible for managing the train movements on the network. They do this from an office located in the Bottom Points Station building where they have internet and phone access, and two-way radio communication with the train crew, signallers, and shop crew. Train Controllers understand the network rules and all aspects and constraints of the railway’s operations. They authorise and control what, how, and when all train movements occur.
Become a Workshop Volunteer
Workshop volunteers help with the restoration and maintenance of the locomotives, wagons, and other equipment.
This role requires mechanical skills and knowledge of railway equipment.