Diana Gudel’s story is one of unexpected turns, persistence, and a deep appreciation for the unique rhythm of life on the rails. Originally from Perth, she moved to Geraldton as a teenager and has since built a life in the region, balancing the demands of her career with a love for staying active, spending time outdoors with her two whippets, and unwinding with TV series or gaming sessions.
Her role as a train driver with Aurizon is anything but ordinary. Based in Narngulu, Diana is responsible for servicing, preparing, and operating trains that move grain and iron ore from load points to the port at Geraldton. A shift might involve servicing locomotives, brake testing, shunting in the yard, or managing safeworking authorities. Once on the move, she monitors systems, responds to conditions, and ensures every journey is completed safely. “It’s a role that requires situational awareness, patience, and a real sense of responsibility when you’re operating something that weighs thousands of tonnes and can stretch over a kilometre in length,” she explained.
The pathway to the driver’s seat wasn’t straightforward. After finishing school, Diana worked in retail and briefly pursued a teaching degree before realising it wasn’t the right fit. A chance conversation at a school reunion, where her partner reconnected with a classmate working at Aurizon, sparked her interest in the rail industry. “I was at a crossroads in my career and thought trying something completely out of my comfort zone might be exactly what I needed,” she said. With a childhood spent in her father’s mechanical workshop, surrounded by tools and engines, the move into rail felt like a natural progression. She began with a shunting traineeship, progressed to yard supervising, and eventually took up the challenge of becoming a driver.
Training for the role is comprehensive. Aspiring drivers often start with shunting, learning to move wagons, perform brake testing, and manage yard operations. From there, they progress into classroom study and practical driving under the guidance of tutor drivers. For Diana, the technical skills are only part of the equation. “Communication, attention to detail, and staying calm under pressure have been just as valuable,” she said. “You don’t need to come from a technical background, you just need to be focused, adaptable, and willing to learn.”
Diana credits her work ethic to her family background. She spent her early childhood on a small hobby farm near Gidgegannup before the family relocated to Geraldton. Her parents emigrated from Germany, with her father running a mechanical workshop and her mother working alongside him while also raising the family. “Watching them work so hard taught me the value of persistence and dedication,” she reflected. “I owe my attitude toward work and the pride I take in my job to the example they set.”
What she loves most about her role is the combination of solitude, responsibility, and connection to the land. Driving across the region provides a front-row seat to the changing seasons, from paddocks turning gold to the bright yellow of canola fields and the burst of wildflowers in spring. “There’s a real sense of accomplishment in trying to drive a section more smoothly or efficiently, or in recovering safely from an unexpected situation or breakdown,” she said.
For others considering the industry, Diana’s advice is simple: don’t be deterred by what you don’t know. “You don’t need to be a rail expert to succeed,” she said. “What matters is being adaptable, committed to safety, and willing to put in the effort to learn. Look for entry points, ask questions, and don’t let stereotypes hold you back.”
Her journey is proof that sometimes the best career paths are the ones you don’t see coming and that curiosity and courage can open the door to opportunities as vast as the WA rail network itself.