May 2009#430
May 2009
#430
Please note: These pages are provided by me, Bill Russell as a service to the Puffing Billy Railway & the E.T.R.B.
If you find a problem with them please contact me first. No other person has the ability to alter these pages.
If you want to be notified when Monthly News changes, send me an e-mail. My e-mail address is bill.russell@optusnet.com.au .
As yet there is no news from Government regarding the funding requests; however, we would expect some decisions shortly, and will keep all informed via the Weekly Notice as well as Monthly News.
Following the Board's request for me to spend more time in fund raising, to support these requests for grants, some reorganisation has taken place on the Railway. We have asked Nadine Hutchins, in her role as Marketing Manager, to join the senior management team, and we welcome and congratulate Nadine in this appointment. As a consequence, Food & Beverage and Retail will now report through to Nadine with Passenger Services, and all of Jean's reports, reporting through to John. Sue Ham, whilst continuing her role as Volunteer Co-ordinator, will also now report directly to John Hoy. Within the re-organisation, an unfortunate consequence is the retrenchment of Gerry Chirgwin, and we thank Gerry for his hard work and commitment during the last twelve months - the department's functions have now been transferred to the management of Jason Bell.
Whilst our financial situation is tight we appreciate everybody's efforts in keeping our expenses to a minimum - I thank you all for your good work and efforts in this regard. The next few months will be critical for the Railway in both for its financial resources, setting out its capital program as a consequence of these resources - and also collectively building on a strategic direction for the Railway. The plans going forward are exciting, and the opportunity of delivering these remains a high priority for us all.
Eamonn Seddon, CEO
The Board spent much of its March Meeting discussing four topics:
Ray Leivers, ETR Board Chairman
Deepest Condolences to Ian Norton Smith on the passing of his Son. Our thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time.
We have also just learned that Jeff Goodwin's father has passed away unexpectedly. Our sincere condolences also go to Jeff and his family at this sad time.
John Hoy, Operations and Engineering Manager
We need volunteers in the Menzies Creek Refreshment (including souvenirs) Rooms as these are now totally manned by volunteers. If you know anyone who would like to be involved in this exciting project: this is the time to put your hand up. If you have asked why it is not manned by volunteers, this is the time to volunteer, Puffing Billy Railway needs you. Training will be provided.
Contact Sue for more information
Please be advised that Neil Elkin has resigned as the Food & Beverage Manager. Neil's final day with the railway will be Tuesday 30th June 2009. I would like to acknowledge Neil for his hard work and dedication in improving the quality and professionalism of our dining products. We will be advertising the Food & Beverage Manager role very soon as we would like to have someone commence early June to ensure there is time for Neil to provide a thorough handover. We sincerely thank Neil for all his efforts and wish him well with his future endeavours.
Nadine Hutchins
Puffing Billy Railway is seeking a Food and Beverage Manager. An opportunity exists to play a key part in consolidating and building on the F&B service. This includes Lunch & Dinner Trains, Special Events and Wedding Receptions. Strong organisational and personnel skills are essential along with a background in F&B management or supervision. Salary range $55k - $59k. For a position description, call Chris or email to christine.dixon@pbr.org.au. Previous applicants need not apply. Applications close 27th April 2009.
Get well soon to John Thompson who has had an operation on his shoulder.
We have plenty of 'PB Volunteer' car stickers in stock. If you would like one, please email Sue on sue.ham@pbr.org.au or phone her and we will arrange delivery.
Overnight accommodation is available for any volunteer who is working on the railway and the distance from home makes the option of staying locally preferable. You must pre-book - and this can be done by contacting Sue Ham at least three (3) working days prior to your required stay date. If you book and do not require the bed, or you need to leave early please contact us, as the bed may be required for other volunteers. If you need to get accommodation closer to your work day, please ring Sue to enquire.
The Railway has a policy relating to smoking. The Board does not encourage smoking by staff and volunteers. Volunteers and staff who choose to smoke do so in their own time, and out of public view.
In order to provide a smoke free working environment the following are Designated Smoke Free Areas:
Shopping: we all have to do it. Why not help your favourite Railway by shopping at IGA and support local business as well. (Ritchies is the IGA store in Emerald, where many PB volunteers do their shopping and by doing so, support Puffing Billy and a locally Australian owned business.)
IGA have made available key tags & cards that can be used at any IGA store in Australia. (We have plenty.) By obtaining and then presenting the card each time you shop at IGA, 1% of the total you spend goes to the nominated charity (in our case, PB). They can be found in the Stationmasters office at Belgrave or we can post one to you. If you have any questions, I am happy to assist. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Ham
Would all volunteers please remember to sign your name in the 'sign on' book located in the SM's office at Belgrave. It is very important that you record your hours of duty as this is always helpful when we need to check voluntary hours provided in running the railway. Many submissions that we submit to Government and other agencies require this information. It is also important for checking purposes if their is any query from our insurance company should we receive a claim at a future date for an injury or medical condition.
If you are working at other locations, some have their own 'sign on' book e.g. Lakeside, but if you are unsure, simply pick up the phone and dial 721 and the Station Master Belgrave will record your name in the book at Belgrave.
National Volunteer Week - 11 - 17 May 2009
We would like to thank all of Puffing Billy's Volunteers many of you work behind the scenes, many in front but all of you make up the Puffing Billy family.
Volunteers are vital to our Railway. Thank you and well done.
In the last two weeks there has been a rash of unfortunate behaviour amongst volunteers. Without naming individuals, some of you will recognise your own behaviour or that of others. The main protagonists have been those involved with fire patrols, those involved in guarding, shunting, catering and general maintenance work.
Added to this sad state of affairs is the fact that much of this has unfortunately been played out within the view of our customers. Imagine what they must have thought of our shouting at each other - clearly unacceptable behaviour.
One of the key planks of any organisation is that of mutual respect and what has been brought to my attention over the last 2 weeks clearly shows that some do not have that key plank in mind when they work with others.
Recently a Code of Conduct was introduced to provide guidance in such matters and there are penalties for those who behave in an unacceptable manner. Surely in our Puffing Billy family there is no need to invoke such penalties for our behaviour. We all need to think very carefully about this.
If you don't have a copy of the Code and would like one, please see Sue Ham.
John Hoy, Operations and Engineering Manager
Society Information Evening for ALL people new to the Railway Come join us and others new to the Railway to learn about the Society's 54 year history and its importance in the continuing preservation and operation of our Railway.
Thursday 14th May, 7.30pm at Conference Room, Belgrave Police Station, Terry's Avenue, Belgrave. Supper Provided. (Park in the Car Park behind the shops.)
RSVP by Monday 11th May to Jean Clowes, 9757 0781 (bh) or e-mail to jean.clowes@pbr.org.au
Congratulations are due to the following people, who recently received their Long Service Membership Badges. Our sincere appreciation to them all for their commitment, passion and dedication that has helped the Railway grow into the "Puffing Billy" we know today.
Dave Campbell, Walter Ritter, Gary Ryan, Max Michell, Bryan Homann
Brendan McKenna
To receive these awards, these members have had a long term continuous financial membership to the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.
Any queries about membership should be directed to secretary@pbr.org.au
Many of you will be aware that over the past eighteen months the Puffing Billy Railway, together with all other tourist railways in Victoria, has been involved in the creation and implementation of a new Rail Safety Management System to replace the previous system which has been in use since 1998.
The new system is required in order to comply with the most recent Rail Safety Act which came into force in 2006. A massive amount of work has been carried out by both volunteers and staff members and will culminate in an external audit conducted over two days by Public Transport Safety Victoria (PTSV) in the week ending 24th April 2009.
The Victorian Rail Safety Act 2006 (RSA) was implemented on 1 August 2006 to enable a more effective regulatory framework to improve the safety of rail operations in Victoria. The Act introduced a strengthened accreditation and risk management framework and a range of compliance options for the Victorian rail safety regulator, Public Transport Safety Victoria. Under the RSA rail operators are required to demonstrate their capacity for achieving their safety objectives and meeting regulatory requirements by developing and maintaining a Safety Management System (SMS).
An SMS documents the system that a rail operator will use to ensure that rail operations are carried out safely, protecting passengers, staff and property. It recognises the potential for errors and establishes robust defences to ensure errors do not result in incidents or accidents.
An SMS represents a systematic, explicit, and comprehensive process for managing risk. As with all management systems, a SMS provides for goal setting and planning, and also measures performance.
Previously the requirements of an SMS were stated only in very broad terms and there was no mandated performance standard for the scope or quality of an SMS other than its relationship to AS4292. Tourist and Heritage operators were exempt from many SMS requirements through the Victorian Guidelines. The new Rail Safety Act introduces a common SMS standard for both commercial and tourist and heritage rail operators, and focuses on the risks of each particular operator to determine the requirements for operation.
Under the RSA rail operators must:
The changeover to the new SMS commenced on the 19th February 2009 and is an ongoing process. Promulgation to staff and volunteers of information contained in the SMS has been undertaken by way of workshops attended by Branch managers and representatives who will in turn convey relevant information to rail safety workers.
Controlled copies of the new SMS manual have been issued to Branch Managers on the railway. Copies are also available in the SM's office at both Belgrave and Gembrook and are available for perusal by all volunteers and staff.. Copies of the new SMS are also available from John Hoy or Rob Emmerson
Don Marshall
Rail Safety Accreditation Officer
I would like to thank all staff who worked so tirelessly over the four days of Easter. I appreciated all your efforts, as I know there was little time to have lunch breaks or even grab a drink but we managed to fill every service. At times the queue started at the Connex platform and with everyone working together we managed to accommodate most of our customers.
Once again, thank you for your help.
Our fares changed on 20th April so if anyone needs a copy for your conductors book please let me know.
Welcome back to Ron Peach after his recent hip operation. We will now have a bit of decorum in the Booking Office on Wednesdays.
Jean Clowes
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who worked tirelessly at Thomas this season, it was a wonderful team effort with everyone enjoying themselves.
All lavender products, jams, chutneys, sauces etc. are on sale at 40% discount. Please see either Lyn or April to obtain discount. Stock is selling fast, so be quick if you would like a bargain. Perfect for a Mother's Day gift! Thankyou.
April Williams
Here I go again! Yes, after the "Great Train Race" I'm off on another trek north but not for as long as in previous years. I leave for Brisbane on the overnight XPT to Sydney, then straight on to to Brisbane where I'll visit family. Then to the Sunshine Coast for a week to see my brothers, before heading back to Newcastle, Sydney and Moama. Part of the Sunshine Coast trip will be over the new section of track from Caboolture to Beerburrum. Newcastle as always will involve photo shoots along the coal lines and in Sydney I plan to take a trip on the new Chatswood/Epping line, and of course nothing would be complete without a day out at the Zig-Zag and the Loftus Tramway Museum. This year I'll be doing the rosters as I travel, contacting will be unchanged as I'll not be moving around as I have in past years.
I'd like to thank all of those good people who gave that little bit extra during the month of March, it was a difficult time trying not only to cover the normal shifts, but the additional signalmen's work for the Thomas events. Generally though, the Thomas events ran very well and it is a credit to those signalmen who performed their tasks so professionally.
Signalmen are reminded that when on duty at Emerald not to forget to secure the yard before finishing duty; this includes reinstating and locking all appropriate pieces of equipment. After the last train ensuring that all signals are placed at proceed and the Stop Board is covered and padlocked.
I see many of the Safeworking Trainees have almost completed training, so we can expect to see a few out on the rails over the next few weeks. I would like to ask each and everyone to think of the days when they were confronted with their first runs and look after our new workmates. Also when any are working at Menzies Creek please try to remember not to rush in and take over as this can be a distraction, also when in the signal cabin please refrain from loud conversations.
You may have noticed certain markings alongside Guards or Signalmen's names in the Roster section of this month's news; this is to assist Trainers and Trainees as a reminder who they are matched with on a particular day. This idea was put to me by one of the trainees and I believe has merit.
See you all when I return, and have a good trip, thank you!
Kevin Stanes,
Roster Clerk - Guards & Signalmen.
Track Patrollers are requested to leave Lakeside set for the first train (No.11 Pass.) to arrive into No.2 Road. (No.13 Pass. is then to be admitted to No.1 Road.) This is so that the Luncheon Train (No.21/32 Pass.) will also arrive into No.2 Road. (Having the Luncheon Train in No.2 Road allows better access for the Catering Staff.)
We are planning a Wood Collection Train on Saturday 9th May to collect locomotive light-up firewood. It is planned that this diesel hauled train will depart Belgrave at 8.00am and will return at approx 12.30pm. Please come along and assist with collecting some light-up wood. If you want to fill either second man or Guard positions - contact the relevant Roster Clerk now.
Please Note that, effective immediately, only PB volunteers or paid staff are to travel on 5NBD in the Guard's area. This is because the remainder of the vehicle is used as a food service area. Thanks.
Rob Emmerson, Traffic Manager
First of all, a big thank you to all personnel who have helped out during this very long exhausting fire season. Your efforts have been greatly appreciated. With news that the restrictions are finishing on the 20th April we are praying for more rain.
Secondly, HELP, if any person or persons are interested in doing any building maintenance around the railway, please don't hesitate to give me a call. Jobs will vary from painting to building to repairing and many other wonderful things. Any help would be appreciated and we can set tasks for any person to do.
Emerald station is up for a fit-out inside, so any one with carpentry or cabinet making skills, we have a great job for you. Don't forget that we also have plenty of track work if any one decides that they would like to have a try at this with the boys - don't knock it till you try it. Saves money that you may spend at the gym!!
The training portable interior is nearly finished with the major job of painting and the floor being polished, completed. There are some other little jobs still to be finished inside.
Jason Bell
Work has started on repairs to two bridges and is expected to take about two weeks.
Delays in Council approval and government funding have meant that a start on this project is now expected in early May.
Work on this project continues at a very good pace. To date we have replaced 35 piles with another two to go. There then remain 15 beams to replace which should take a few days only. Installing a deck and some handrails will take 3-4 weeks and bring this 2 year project to a conclusion.
John Shaw
The S&T Manager has returned from Overseas safe and sound. (Obviously the report to Immigration didn't work - they let him back into the country. Ed!)
| MARCH | 2009 | 2008 |
|---|---|---|
| On-time running (OT - 5") | 52% | 48% |
| Locos docked on trains by due time | 71% | 70% |
| Carriage sets docked by due time | 75% | 68% |
| Train kilometres for the month | 4,334 | 4.081 |
| Loco kilometres steam | 2.900 | 3.864 |
| Loco kilometres diesel | 1,0823 | 536 |
| NA locomotive days for month | 65 | 58 |
| G42 days for month | 1 | 27 |
| Carriage kilometres | 31,386 | 37,899 |
| Carriage Days for month | 777 | 986 |
| Highest kms operated - loco | 1,390 | 1,249 |
| Highest kms operated - pass vehicle | 1,530 | 1,647 |
| Highest kms operated - wagon | 8 | 64* |
| Scheduled trips run (one way) | 249 | 250 |
| Revenue trips (one way) | 322 | 286 |
| Non-revenue trips (one way) | 8 | 8 |
Excludes 21NQR which ran passenger carrying trips of 104 kms in March 2008
The 3rd of March was another very challenging day for the railway weather wise. Advance warnings had predicted severe fire danger and only one return trip to Menzies Creek was operated that day, using DH31. DH31 also operated all services to Gembrook during the month so our two mainline diesel locos operated 39% of all loco kilometres for March (37% in February). The big difference between scheduled and revenue trips was largely due to a number of 'Thomas' days and the shuttle trips run on each occasion.
Bob Wilson
You are invited to a party to celebrate the 120th birthday of Couillet locomotive 986. On Sunday 19th July. We will be travelling from Emerald to Gembrook behind locomotives 861 and 1711. We will have lunch and a cake at Gembrook. We might even have time for a triple run-past with the Gembrook pass locomotive. There will be plenty of opportunity for photos and listening stops.
Please book early using the booking form in the May Monthly News or contact John Conway via email or telephone. Places will be limited.
We have run a number of training days for Firemen to become familiar with the little locomotives that operate out of Emerald. These highlighted the differences between the big engines that live at Belgrave and 861 and Peckett that work out of Emerald. About ten Firemen took the opportunity to learn more about the industrial locomotives. The engines were inspected to see the differences and then lit up.
A trip to show how the little locos operate on the track will be run later in the year.
The Footplate Experience Trains have started in earnest for the year. May will see the numbers of FETs increase. Thanks to the crews who have started off the year so well. The feedback from the Guest Drivers and their families is coming in to thank us for the great day that has been provided by our wonderful crews. Well done to all!
 |
Updated Monthly. Contents © 2009 by the P.B.P.S. for the E.T.R.B. This service is provided for the Emerald Tourist Railway Board and maintained by Bill Russell. URI: http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/puffing.billy/monnews.htm |
 |