Today the Leura community farewell one of its most familiar and warmly regarded figures, as Station Master David Ward retires after an extraordinary career on the railways, including many years overseeing operations at Leura Railway Station. David commenced his career on the railways in 1981 at the age of 17 years. His first role being as a Junior Station Assistant at Leura. Over the years, he worked at every station between Lithgow and Kingswood. David has been the Station Master Extraordinaire at Leura for more than a decade. Widely known among daily commuters for his cheery greetings, good humour, and the genuine care he has shown to residents travelling in the early hours - often on cold, mist-shrouded Leura mornings, David will be greatly missed. David Ward has been a constant source of warmth, courtesy, and connection for our community. His friendly presence has brightened the start of thousands of journeys and Leura will not be the same without him. His depth of knowledge and appreciation for the Railways is second to none. Thank you David Ward. You are a gem. Travel well in the next stage of your life's journey!