Having recently retired, Robert Watts boasts an incredible 47-year journey in rail beginning in 1974 in country Victoria. He spent the last 37 years as a Station Master, based out of Clifton Hill Railway Station, with Metro.

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Broadmeadows – VRI Premiers season 1990/91

The impressive contributions to rail continue with Robert’s avid participation in the VRI. Representing VRI in cricket matches against country centres and the API, he has been playing VRICA Sunday Cricket for over 20 years, achieving 3 premierships in his time. Robert has also been involved in the ANZRI bi-annual cricket carnivals since 1989. His phenomenal contributions have awarded him Life Membership of the VRICA and the ANZRI. Robert praises the ‘fellowship, comradery and friendship gained through playing football and cricket’ on behalf of the VRI.

Life Members of the ANZRI cricket at Launceston carnival 2017

Robert’s VRI membership has given him the opportunity to ‘access holiday accommodation with my family enjoying holidays in various locations Australia wide, attend social outings, movies, restaurants, and access cheaper purchases of household goods.’

As a shift worker, he enjoyed the downtime of relaxing and enjoying organised sports, contributing positively to his wellbeing. Most importantly the VRI membership has ‘extended our social life as a family but mainly as a couple’, as him and his wife Jenny found new friends with similar interests. ‘The longevity of friendships – Australia wide- is wonderful and fulfilling’.

Rob’s collection of VRI cricket carnival caps over his years of representation