This web site of the Soulsby Family Tree of Australia was created by Rodney Soulsby a fourth generation of the original Soulsby's who came to Australia. I began my research in 1980 and since then several other Soulsby family members have come on board and extended the research. Although I am unable to claim full credit for the contents contained herein, having extracted the Forward from the Soulsby Family Tree 1986.
I was born and educated in Charlton in Victoria the son of
Henry (aka Harry) George Soulsby and upon leaving school worked as an apprentice Motor Mechanic. I left Charlton in the early 1970's to go to Melbourne for work. In April 1974 I moved to Perth, Western Australia, with my girl friend Lesla and her two children. We arrived in Perth with very few possessions and $5:00 in our pockets.
I started work with the Western Australian Government Railways on 22nd May 1974. We were married on the 24th August 1974, and shortly after, gaining a promotion to Fireman, we moved to Northam. After working there a number of years we returned to the suburb of Lesmurdie in Perth.
In 1989 I resigned from the Government Railways to go "Up North" to work for Goldsworthy Mining, until being forced to return to Perth as a result of a consolidation of the North West by the mighty BHP. I was not alone we were many, who were forcibly removed unfortunately the township of Goldworthy no longer exists.
In 1990 I rejoined the Government Railways as Locomotive Inspector when in 1994 I commenced my Bachelor Degree in (Training and Development) at Edith Cowan University, on completion of these studies I was was posted as Train Management Officer Forrestfield.
In 2007 I joined Skilled Rail Services as their Operations Trainer where I am now putting into practice all that was learned during my years at Uni.
My extensive on track (Train Driving Rail Operations and Rail Infrastructure) knowledge combined with my extensive training back ground. This has resulted in the best career move I could have made.
That was until 2013 when I made a change to Brookfield Rail as Workplace Trainer / Assessor.
My main hobbies include golf, gardening, bike riding and Dragon Boating.
I took up the sport of Dragon Boating after giving up "the smokes" in Aug 2009 to get fit and I am a past member of the
Perth Pirates Dragon Boating Team.
22.05.2014 Forty years in Perth Rail Industry. On August 30 2017 after 43 years in the Rail Industry I have ceased full time work and took up up a three month trip around Australia with Lesla completeing 20,000 kilometres.
2021 While we were heading up North for the warmer weather I recieved a call from
Railtrain offering me casual work 2 days a week which keeps me busy.
I have also rejoined the State Emergency Service in Bayswater that I also enjoy.
