Volunteering

You will need to be over 18 and have a desire to assist with the operation and safe running of the Railway.

Puffing Billy Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer. People from all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

We value diversity in our volunteer program and look at each volunteer’s skills on an individual basis. Our focus is on what a person can do, rather than what they cannot do. However, it is important that the volunteer be able to perform inherent requirements of a specific role (as listed in the Volunteer Role Descriptions), unsupervised and in a safe manner. Puffing Billy Railway is a fully operating railway and volunteers will need to pass rail medicals applicable to their particular role.

Puffing Billy Railway’s primary concern is the health and safety of its staff, volunteers, visitors, and subcontractors. Many of our volunteer positions involve strenuous and physically challenging activities, so a certain level of fitness is required to undertake these roles. You can discuss this with our Volunteer Services team to determine your suitability for a particular role.

Puffing Billy Railway needs to be made aware of any health conditions, illnesses or injures, so we can avoid placing volunteers in a role or task that is unsuited to their situation. Puffing Billy Railway also reserves the right to request an external medical assessment if necessary.

There is no charge for volunteer Working with Children Check (WWCC), which applicants must obtain before submitting their Expression of Interest. Puffing Billy Railway will cover the cost of other applicable screening processes and assessments, and subsequent training.

If you are placed in a role that requires a specific uniform, this would be a cost to the volunteer.

Our volunteers are crucial to the safe and continuing operation of Puffing Billy Railway. Volunteers are expected to commit to a minimum of 2 shifts per month, maybe more depending on the role. Shifts can vary in length depending on the role.

We understand that our volunteers have other commitments outside of the railway. Shifts can be during weekdays, weekends and public holidays. If for some reason you cannot attend a shift, it is important to contact your Roster Officer or Supervisor to inform them so they can make alternate arrangements.

 Yes – all of our volunteers are required to undergo a National Police Check and provide a current Working with Children Check and References Checks. We will also complete any additional suitability screening we deem appropriate. If there are any other formal background checks required for the volunteer role you are interested in, you will be informed of this upon applying for the role.

Puffing Billy Railway is committed to the training and development of all of our volunteers.  We offer formal training for all our positions and ensure our volunteers are aware of the safety requirements of working on an operating Railway.  Further training may be required for certain positions and will be provided. Training can vary depending on the role selected.

We have a number of entry-level roles to begin your volunteer journey immediately with minimal training. From there, you may choose to progress to other roles requiring additional training and experience. If you do want to be a steam train driver it will take years, but the training and time is essential to ensure you become a skilled and safe driver!

You do not need any prior qualifications to volunteer with us as all training in provided.

If you have heritage rail experience, we are keen to hear from you! Recognition of prior learning opportunities are available to those with appropriate skills and qualifications.

Volunteering is an opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills, achieve personal goals and be part of an historical tourism icon. It is also an opportunity to give back to the community and often involve family and friends. Other benefits include:

• Volunteer recognition events;
• Product discounts;
• Free parking;
• A sense of achievement and personal satisfaction.

Puffing Billy Railway boasts a successful and enjoyable Corporate Volunteer Program for organisations to give their employees time out of the day to day and participate in a variety of team building activities.

Puffing Billy Railway volunteers are welcome to apply for externally advertised positions. Please visit our careers page for current vacant positions.