Celebrating a Remarkable Milestone – Gordon O’Neil Turns 100!

QRI Lifestyle is delighted to acknowledge a truly special occasion,  the 100th birthday of Gordon O’Neil. To mark this incredible milestone, members of the Queensland Railway Retired Employees’ Association (QRREA) Gary Heath, Pat Brown (QRI Life Member) and Donny Learoyd – attended Gordon’s celebration on Saturday 18 April 2026.

 

Photo left to right: Pat Brown (QRI Life Member), Gordon O'Neil, Gary Heath and Donny Learoyd.

It was a heartwarming event shared with family, friends and former workmates, honouring a man whose life has been dedicated to the rail industry and to the people around him.

Born on 15 April 1926, Gordon O’Neil has reached a milestone few achieve – 100 years of life, memories and stories. The celebration was held at Gordon’s residence in Noosa Heads, where guests gathered from 11:30am to wish him a very happy birthday.

Gordon enjoyed a long and dedicated career with Queensland Rail, predominantly as a Guard. He worked in various depots across the network, with most of his service based at Mayne Depot in Brisbane.

Now the oldest member of QRREA, Gordon’s commitment, professionalism and friendly nature left a lasting impression on the many colleagues he worked alongside.

Life as a Guard may be well behind him, but the railways remain close to Gordon’s heart.

Throughout his career, Gordon was an active and proud member of the Queensland Railway Institute, taking part in many aspects of the organisation and contributing to the strong sense of community within the industry.

Gordon was also a member of the then Railways Credit Union, now MOVE Bank, and remarkably, he still holds an account today. He is possibly the oldest account holder with the bank – a testament to his long and loyal connection.

As a committed union member, Gordon belonged to the Australian Railways Union (ARU) throughout his career. The ARU has since evolved into the Australian Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union (RTBU), continuing its support for transport workers across the country.

QRI Lifestyle congratulates Gordon on this extraordinary achievement and thanks Gary, Pat and Donny for representing QRREA at such a meaningful celebration.

Gordon’s story is a wonderful reminder of the dedication, camaraderie and lifelong connections that are at the heart of the rail community.

Here’s to 100 years of a remarkable railwayman and many more wonderful memories ahead.

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Queensland Railway Retired Employees’ Association (QRREA)

QRI Members....are you retired, semi-retired or planning retirement? Read on, this is for you!!

Every Monday 10am - 2pm, QRREA offers a wide variety of activities and events. The group meets up at Westside HQ, 3 Clewley Street, Corinda.

There’s plenty on offer with great meals and drinks for lunch, indoor bowls, trivia, Euchre cards, bus trips, Christmas in July, Members day - the list goes on!

Whether you’re retired, semi-retired or planning your retirement, it’s a great day out, plus it’s an opportunity to make new friends, rekindle old friendships from the railway and to just have fun!

 

Contact:

Gary Heath - QRREA President - 0411 260 495

Pat Brown - QRREA Treasurer - 0419 797 133