Meet the Tour Guides

Colin Workman:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    Colin has been involved in the rail since 1986. He held a few jobs, starting as a Porter/ Shunter and working up becoming a Guard. He was president of the Steamtown committee from 2001 to 2002. Colin was also branch secretary for the Australian Railways Union for 4 years.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    Since 1994 as well as general works at Steamtown.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    Colin is able to continue his interests in Railway life. He also very much enjoys meeting and talking to the visitors.

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    Colin is a great cook! He worked as a shearing cook for 7 years- baking cakes, biscuits, and even a full-blown roast dinner! He was also taught by his mother to sew and iron…what a helpful fella to have around!

John Harbowski:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    John’s father had a history in Rail, he was a Polish immigrant and worked as a “fettler” (repairer) in Blayney so John’s interest in Railway sparked from there. In 2005, John moved to Terowie and worked at the Terowie Museum as a curator, then commenced work for the Peterborough History Group before becoming an employee at Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    2 years

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    Meeting people, sharing the rail history with visitors and re-living the moment.

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    John really enjoys what he does in life. He currently also works as a motorcycle instructor in Port Pirie and has done so for the past 11 years!

Bev Fitzsimmonds:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    l have always had a passion for history and storytelling, so when this opportunity came up, l applied for the job. I love discovering the links between the stories, and following the threads of people’s lives; being inspired by their roles in the bigger picture of our town, and our land.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    I started working here this year, and “trained” under Shirley, Colin and Judith.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    l love bringing the history alive, and watching our visitors become more and more interested as their tour progresses… the time flies by!

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    I have worked in the Performing Arts for most of my life, as an actor, puppeteer, musician, teacher and writer. I also play drums and tap-dance… but not on tour!

Silv Capurso:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    An ex-resident of Peterborough was telling me about Peterborough and Steamtown, and thought I would be the right type of person for the Tour Guide positon, so I threw my hat in the ring!

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    2.5 months.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    The interaction with the people, and learning new train knowledge. Also, I love making links with overseas tourists to have as pen-pals.  

  1. A fun fact about yourself
    I love getting involved in fancy-dress activities.

Judith Sowerby:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    Judith was born and bred in the town of Peterborough. She was working as a cleaner at the Primary School, before being approached to assist in the cleaning of Steamtown for Open Day. Years later, she came to the Visitor Information Centre to attend a course in the boardroom and whilst she was here, asked to undertake 2 weeks work experience as a Tourism Officer. Judith then learnt Tour Guiding and became an employee of Steamtown.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    11 years.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    Loves the different personalities that come through the door.

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    The ability to turn non-train lovers into “train lovers”

Julie Grenfell:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    Julie was working for Sureway employment services and had Job Active client appointments twice a week at Steamtown. The District Council of Peterborough advertised for Tour Guides, so Julie decided to apply, and won the positon.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    Since 2021.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    The friendly staff and visitors. The positive comments at the end of the tours, as well as their positive responses to the Sound and Light show.

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    Julie loves meeting new people, and finds the fun in everything.

Shirley Edmonds:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    Shirley started as a volunteer at Steamtown in 2009, before structured tours were introduced. She grew up in Manna Hill where her father worked on the Rail as a Linesman (maintaining points and signals). Shirley worked on the Port Pirie rail in the refreshments room during the 1960’s and 1970’s. Fun fact: She was actually on duty when the first Indian Pacific train came through in January of 1970.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    Started at Steamtown in 2006 as a volunteer, and was employed from 2009 onwards.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    Tourists, beautiful people.

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    Shirley met her husband at Manna Hill, and had their first date at the Manna Hill drive in theatre, watching a Jail House rock film! Shirley and her husband also owned and operated a business called ‘Not just gnomes’, they used to make all sorts of garden ornaments made of concrete such as bird baths, statues, garden benches etc. They made everything themselves and had the business for 15 years!

Abbie Hornsby:

  1. What is your history with Steamtown/ how did you come by getting a job as one of the tour guides here?

    Abbie previously worked as a volunteer Tourism Officer in 2012. She went on leave, then the positons became paid roles. Abbie applied as she loves Steamtown and the stories she hears from visitors.

  1. How long have you been working at Steamtown as a Tour Guide?

    Abbie has been working as a Tour Guide for a little over a year.

  1. What is your favourite thing about working here?

    The visitors, her colleagues and that Steamtown is always increasing what it has to offer.

  1. A fun fact about yourself

    Abbie loves adventuring and exploring the wilderness in her spare time.