Moree Train Station will be manned for the first time in more than 20 years when a new customer service attendant begins work on Monday.
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Moree local Jemma Craigie is NSW TrainLink's newest staff member, and will be based at Moree Train Station from 7am to 11am Monday to Friday to see off the morning train. And, if all goes well, these hours may be extended so Ms Craigie will be there to greet people arriving on the evening train.
The role will involve selling tickets, booking luggage, recording train and coach movements and being on hand to meet and greet customers, answer customer queries and deliver information on delays.
"It's exciting," Ms Craigie said of her appointment.
"I'm a newbie to the transport industry, so this is something a bit different for me. I'm looking forward to starting and putting my training into practise."
Ms Craigie has spent the past month in training, which has involved learning the rules, and undertaking fire and rail corridor training.
Her appointment comes after NSW TrainLink identified an increase in passengers coming through the Moree station.
"We saw an increase in patronage numbers at Moree compared to other towns, so TrainLink identified a need for this station to be staffed," RMS western director for transport Alistair Lunn said.
"It's great to have a local who lives in Moree and knows the town, who can be the first port of call."
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole joined Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall in Moree on Thursday to welcome Ms Craigie to the role, along with Moree mayor Katrina Humphries and councillors Sue Price and John Tramby.
"It's really nice to join Adam, the mayor and councillors to welcome Jemma," Mr Toole said.
"She will be that friendly smile, friendly face welcoming people to Moree.
"People want to know where to go, what to see and when you look at this station and the number of visitors, I think it's amazing that we didn't have someone greeting people for more than 20 years.
"This is part of a government focus on providing regional connectivity.
"Congratulations Jemma."
Mr Marshall said it was exciting to have Ms Craigie on board in Moree.
"It's the first time since 1998 that we'll have the station manned with a customer service attendant," he said.
"Given the huge numbers of tourists who use trains every day of every week, it's great to have a local that will be the first face those visitors see when they get off the train.
"Having Jemma at the station will greatly improve people's experience at the station.
"Jemma will be able to assist customers on and off the train, welcome tourists and help with bookings in and out of Moree and across the state.
"Aside from helping locals and visitors, we've also been able to create a new job for a local - and that really is the best news of all."
Cr Humphries said the role will help boost tourism in Moree.
"I think it's one of the last free-standing island platform stations left in operation, so it's even more important it's looked after because it's a heritage building," she said.