Emerald Tourist Railway Board
Photo by Michael Greenhill
The Emerald Tourist Railway Act 1977 (No 9020) established the Emerald Tourist Railway Board (ETRB) with responsibility for the "preservation, development, promotion and maintenance of the narrow gauge steam railway (known as Puffing Billy) and for the operation management and control of the service thereon for public recreational purposes."
The ETRB consists of four members nominated by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society (PBPS), one nominated by the Minister of Transport, and other members appointed by the Government. The ETR Act is administered by the Tourism Ministry.
Before 1977, the Victorian Railways ran Puffing Billy with the assistance of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.
While the Board owns and controls all Puffing Billy assets and is the policy-making authority, a Management Committee has been established to run the day-to-day operation of the railway. In addition, the Puffing Billy Preservation Society has an elected Executive Committee.
ETRB BY-LAWS: of the ETRB By-Law No. 2.
Emerald Tourist Railway Board 2017 - 2018
Bob Cochrane (Chairman)
Jacquie Prentice (Deputy Chairman)
Ray Leivers
Russell Bowen
Jeff Goodwin
Jean Clowes
David Eaton
Adrian Ponton
Doug Parbery (Secretary)
John Robinson (CEO)
Puffing Billy Preservation Society
The Puffing Billy Preservation Society (PBPS) is incorporated as a Company Limited by Guarantee (ACN 004 621 505) (ABN 79 004 621 505) and has a membership in the order of 1,000. It was first established on 8 June 1955.
As a Society Member, you play an important part in the moral and financial support to the continued preservation and restoration of the Puffing Billy Railway-Australia's Premier Heritage Steam Railway. Also, you have the opportunity to contribute to policy making through voting for the Executive or standing for office.
Upon formation of the Emerald Tourist Railway Board (E.T.R.B.) in 1977, the P.B.P.S. Executive Committee (with additional co-opted members) continued as manager of the Railway, and roles previously reserved for V.R. staff (e.g. safe working & rolling stock maintenance) became available to volunteers.
With the growth of railway activity and of paid staff numbers, the E.T.R.B. established a separate management committee but with continued strong Society representation.
Today, the E.T.R.B. comprises eight members, four of whom are nominees of the P.B.P.S. Executive Committee, the balance being Government appointees.
Become a member
For general enquiries, please call or email us on:
Call (03) 9757 0700 (9am - 5pm)
Email membership@pbr.org.au
2017 PBPS Annual Report
Download the 2017 PBPS Annual Report.
Puffing Billy Preservation Society Constitution 2012
View a copy of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society Constitution 2012.
Puffing Billy Preservation Society Executive Committee 2017-2018
Jeff Goodwin (President and nominee to ETRB)
Jean Clowes (Vice President & nominee to ETRB)
Tim Heeks (Secretary)
John Robinson (Treasurer)
Bob Cochrane (nominee to ETRB)
Russ Bowen (nominee to ETRB)
Ray Leivers
Ben van der Linde
Kevin Stanes
Roy Richens
Neil Kingswood
Reed Nickerson