Yarraville leading station assistant Steven Gauci has become a familiar and friendly face for weekday commuters.
Along with a wide smile and the Bobby McFerrin tune ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’ playing throughout the morning, he has been delivering his daily train announcements and assistance to passengers with an upbeat style.
Mr Gauci said he began handing out smiley face badges during the COVID-19 pandemic and made it his focus to greet each passenger with a smile.
“When I originally handed out the badges, I was just happy that I made one person smile but it has been absolutely infectious, and I hope it keeps growing,” he said.
“Putting smiles on people each day – that’s the aim.”
Metro Trains stations head Jenna Yates said Mr Gauci was “living proof” that Metro Trains’ employees were the company’s most important asset.
“He’s much loved by his local passengers and makes the morning commute such a better experience,” she said.
Mr Gauci said that what started as a small gesture soon launched more conversations with passengers, including them discussing their struggles during lockdown periods.
Matthew Sims
