16/8/25 On-Line Store Stock Added!

Our line of Climax T-Shirts have been added to our on-line store. Our 70th anniversary cups & keyrings have been available for some time. Postage is added after choosing your items. Please ensure that you select the correct postage to avoid delays. Pick up from our Knoxfield office is also an option.

Link: On-Line Store

16/8/25 Belgrave Station Precinct Survey

The 'Conversation Co.' are running a number of face to face, Zoom and Web based surveys to gather ideas for improvements to the Belgrave Narrow Gauge Station area. Both paid staff and volunteers have been asked to contribute as well as passenger surveys, community groups and those living in the Belgrave area.

There is a public website where you can have your say in this survey.

Link: https://conversationco.com.au/puffing-billy-railway

Note: At this stage the railway have only received a Government Grant to fund this survey however at this stage no funding has been requested or promised to proceed with any actual work. The purpose of the survey is to assemble a project plan, based on the results of the survey, to put to the Government with a request for funding later in 2026. The survey results are expected to be finalised in early 2026.

The Yarra Ranges Council Planning Department have been formally advised on who are the title holders of the land around the station. The Society has made it clear that we need to be involved and give approval before any work is undertaken on our land parcels. 

16/8/25 August Member Gathering Now Available Online  

August 2025 Zoom member gathering is now available to view by logged on members.

here: PBPS Zoom Gatherings

6/25 70th Anniversary Web Page

Be sure to check out our 70th Anniversary Web Page which will be added to as the year goes on.

We already have a link to the home movie that was shown at the inaugural meeting of the Society on 6th June 1955 along with minutes from that meeting and links to presentations at the 70th anniversary afternoon tea. Link: 70th Anniversary 

6/25 70th Anniversary Afternoon Tea

On Saturday, 8th June 2025, The Puffing Billy Preservation Society held a High Tea at the Belgrave Community Center, to celebrate 70 years of Society achievements. Around 40 members enjoyed this event with some bringing memorabilia and all bringing stories of times past on the railway.

Some pictures from the day can be found on our photo pages, Link here: 70th Anniversary Afternoon Tea  

5/25 50 Year Plus Badge Presentation Events 

Each year, the Society holds two presentation luncheons for those members who have 50 or more years of membership with the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. At these events badges are presented to those who have reached milestone years of 50, 60 and 65 years of membership. This year the first event was held on Thursday 15 May with 25 members and Executive enjoying a three course lunch at the Paradise Hotel overlooking our iconic Puffing Billy Railway line. Two 60 year and one 65 year badge were presented to those present to receive them. On Saturday 31 May we had over 45 members present. five 50 year badges, one 60 year badge and one 65 year badge were presented to those who were present on the day.

Link to 15th & 31st May photos: 2025, 50 Plus Badge Presentation Events

5/25 Visit to Crowes - Saturday May 17 2025 Postponed - New date to be advised

Members are welcome to join in the next visit to the Crowes railway station site. As this is a railway site, please ensure proper clothing, including closed toe shoes are worn.

Travel options are

• train to Colac, with carpool pick up from Colac Station at 10.30am, with return to the station about 4.00pm, or
• travel by car and meet at 11.00-11.30am at Lavers Hill Information Centre/bakery. Offers to assist with carpool from Colac Station would be appreciated.

More details closer to time of visit. Visit coordinator is Richard Main.

If you wish to come to this event, please send email to secretary@pbps.org.au or leave phone message on 9757 0767. 

4/25 Peninsular Railways Ramble - Sunday April 27

Photos and a video from this most enjoyable event are now available for members viewing.

Link to photos page here: Peninsular Railways Ramble 17/4/25 

Link to YouTube Video here: https://youtu.be/hLOnQE5Rvhw

3/25 Article On Puffing Billy Written By David Burke In 1953

Click on this link to take you to the Member News page where you can view this article.
Link: Member News

AGM AND SGM video presentations now available on line

November SGM and AGM video's are available to logged on members here: Society Documents

11/24 Society Members Visit To Mr Col Rees' Engine Collection

Society member and railway enthusiast Mr Col Rees, invited Society members to visit his 7 1/4" scale engine collection in November 2024. The collection comprises live steam and diesel engines but the pride of the fleet is the Union Pacific Big Boy 4015.
Members, who are logged in, can find photos and information on the event at the following link:
Link: Col Rees's Model Engine Visit 

11/24 2024 Annual General Meeting Photos

The Puffing Billy preservation Society held its 68th Annual General Meeting on 10th November 2024 at the Emerald Hills Hub. The AGM was preceded by a SGM to tidy up wording in several sections of our constitution.
Members, who are logged in, can find photos from the event at the following link: 2024 SGM/AGM Photos 

New railfan DVD

Check out the latest Society Public News Page for details about a new Victorian Railways DVD from Channel 5 Productions. Link: Society Public News

2024 Society Climax Event Photos 

Two videos of the Climax special train event can be viewed on YouTube by clicking on the following links.
Leaving Lakeside Station: Link: https://youtu.be/HlV-l6pu44k
Passing through Emerald station on the UP: Link: https://youtu.be/Wav-g0Aj5WM