PBPS Our Vision & Purpose

Our Vision

Engaging people in the preservation of the heritage of Puffing Billy Railway and other heritage railways for current and future generations.

Our Values

Valuing Heritage

Respect

Integrity

Members are important

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Puffing Billy Preservation Society?

The Society is a member-based volunteer organisation, originally formed in 1955 to restore and preserve the Puffing Billy narrow gauge railway (operated by the Victorian Railways to 1977 and subsequently by Emerald Tourist Railway Board (ETRB) to 2023) to ensure that it continues to provide a heritage rail experience for the purposes of enjoyment of families and visitors to Melbourne. Through these efforts, Puffing Billy Railway is amongst the first preserved heritage railways in the world.

What does Puffing Billy Preservation Society do now?

Following separation from the ETRB since 2018 and the subsequent passing by the Victorian Government of the Puffing Billy Railway Act 2022 to operate the railway, the Preservation Society has continued to raise funds for future restoration and development projects and involve members in events.

How does the Puffing Billy Preservation Society raise funds?

The Society receives donations and bequests and conducts fundraising activities. Over $5 million has been granted to the operator of the railway for a wide range of projects over the years. Funds are made available, subject to agreed criteria for capital and operational projects.

What are the funds used for?

Funds can be used for a wide range of projects, in particular locomotive and rolling stock restoration and maintenance and enhancements to collections at the Menzies Creek Museum and the Society Archives. Together with infrastructure enhancements, projects supporting enhanced passenger experience from a heritage perspective with links to railway history are preferred.

What does the Society own?

The Society owns museum exhibits, artefacts, archives, historical locomotives and other rolling stock and land used by the Railway, as well as other assets. In the early decades of the Society, historical artefacts and material were saved. There has been less opportunity in more recent times.

What ‘drives’ Society volunteers?

Society members are committed to preserving Victoria’s unique heritage narrow gauge railway in the Dandenong Ranges and its history for current and future generations to enjoy.