Governance

OUR GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

The governing body of Puffing Billy Railway (PBR), the Board, provides oversight within the framework of relevant legislation (including the Puffing Billy Railway Act 2022 ), and the Board Charter. The Board’s role is to govern and act in the best interests of the PBR; to represent and serve the interests of our stakeholders by overseeing and appraising the strategies, policies, performance and challenges of the business; and to hold management accountable, where appropriate.

Consistent with the PBR’s purpose to deliver an iconic visitor experience, the Board is conscious of its role in facilitating PBR’ key areas of focus:

Develop and deliver iconic service and product offerings that create memorable and unique visitor experiences.
Deliver a profitable and viable business outcome through efficient, safe and cost-effective operations.
Deliver our heritage legacy by working with the local community to maintain and develop the corridor heritage and tell the story of the Puffing Billy Railway.

As part of our continuous improvement process PBR’s governance documents are regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant, modern and fit-for-purpose.

An overview of our governance framework is set out below.

PBR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE Governance 2026 For Website

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Requests for information under Freedom of Information (FOI) must be made in writing and addressed to:

Freedom of Information Officer

Puffing Billy Railway
1 Old Monbulk Road
Belgrave VIC 3160
Email: [email protected]

Alternatively, FOI requests can also be lodged online at www.foi.vic.gov.au

Requests under FOI must be accompanied by an application fee. This application fee is updated annually on 1 July. Click here for the current FOI application fee.

Further charges for the supply of documents in relation to FOI requests are made in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act 1982 and the Freedom of Information (Access Charges) Regulations 2004.

Puffing Billy Railway Board

From 1 July 2023, the Puffing Billy Railway Act 2022 replaced the Emerald Tourist Railway Act 1977 as the new principal Act, securing and modernising the governance of the railway. The Emerald Tourist Railway Board is continued under the Puffing Billy Railway Act 2022 as the Puffing Billy Railway Board.

Puffing Billy Railway operates exclusively under the authority and sole governance of the Puffing Billy Railway Board, ensuring its role as the sole operator of the railway.

Objectives of the Board

The Board has the following objectives—
(a) to ensure the economic sustainability and viability of the Puffing Billy Railway;
(b) to maintain and develop the heritage significance of the Puffing Billy Railway;
(c) to manage and promote the safe operation of the Puffing Billy Railway;
(d) to promote the tourism offering of, and to enhance the visitor experience provided by, the Puffing Billy Railway and the surrounding region;
(e) to recognise the importance of volunteer participation in the operation of the Puffing Billy Railway;
(f) to promote understanding of and education relating to rail heritage;
(g) to promote the preservation of narrow gauge rail heritage;
(h) to develop and maintain partnerships with community organisations and businesses;
(i) to develop and maintain harmonious relations between the Board, volunteers and the community;
(j) to provide a safe, inclusive and diverse working environment for employees and volunteers.

Functions of the Board

The Board has the following functions—
(a) to operate, manage and maintain the infrastructure and assets of the Puffing Billy Railway in a safe, effective and efficient manner;
(b) to manage volunteer engagement with the Puffing Billy Railway;
(c) to develop suitable marketing and communications strategies for activities relating to the Puffing Billy Railway;
(d) to report to the Minister as required under this Act, including in relation to incidents and other matters relating to the safety of the Puffing Billy Railway
(e) any other function conferred on the Board under this or any other Act.
In performing its functions, the Board must—
(a) operate on a not-for-profit basis; and
(b) operate in an open, transparent and accountable manner; and
(c) have regard to—
(i) the objectives set out in section 6; and
(ii) the benefits of volunteerism; and
(iii) the need for continuous improvement in the operation and management of the Puffing Billy Railway; and
(iv) the expectations of the community in relation to the Board's activities and its use of public money and volunteer time.

Powers of the Board

Subject to this section, the Board has the power to do all things necessary or convenient to achieve its objectives and to perform its functions under this Act, including the power—
(a) to enter into any agreement, contract, lease, licence or easement; and
(b) to engage persons as employees, consultants, contractors or agents; and
(c) for any purpose consistent with the Board's objectives and functions, to accept appointment as the committee of management of any land reserved under the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
The Board must not enter into a contract or agreement for which the consideration exceeds $1 million without the written approval of the Minister.
The Board has the powers conferred on it by the Borrowing and Investment Powers Act 1987 for the purpose of performing its functions and exercising its powers under this Act.
The Board must not borrow any amount under a financial accommodation or financial arrangement without the written approval of the Minister.

The Puffing Billy Railway Board comprises of the following members:

Tim North OAM KC

Chair

Legal

Member of King’s Counsel. Admitted to practice as a barrister in 1980 and signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1983 specialising in commercial litigation for over 35 years. Appears regularly as an International Mediator and Arbitrator in Asia-Pacific region. Former President of the Victorian Rugby Union (elected by Victorian community-based clubs and associates). President of Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union.

Bart Clingin

Finance & Governance

Bart Clingin is an Interim Executive & Consultant. He is a Chartered Accountant and has held various interim executive positions across the public sector and not-for-profit organisations. Bart is a member of Finance Committees in the health and education sectors. Areas of experience include finance and accounting, enterprise risk management, governance, process improvement and system implementation.

Angela Jamieson

Thomas Sargant

Rail & Governance

Managing Director for Ranfurlie Consulting Group, as well as a management consultant and advisor to public and private sector clients on major projects and commercial transactions, particularly in the areas of franchising, network operations and asset management. Thomas is also currently engaged by the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning as the Director Assets on the Metropolitan Rail Refranchising Project. In addition, Thomas Sargant’s senior executive experience extends to the private and public sectors in heavy civil construction and public transport operations.

Jacqui deKievit

Gabrielle Lim

Trevor Budge AM

Town planning; heritage and tourism; governance.

Trevor Budge has held several Ministerial appointments on government boards and has extensive experience in senior positions in local and state government, universities and private consulting. He has led numerous strategic planning projects including extensive community consultations and conducted major heritage studies. Trevor lives in Emerald and currently works part time on the nomination by the Victorian Government for the World Heritage Listing of the Victorian Goldfields.

Tina Parras

Annual Reports

Read about the Ombudsman Investigation Report here

Policies & Disclosures

As a Public Entity, we are dedicated to upholding and maintaining the highest standards of accountability and integrity.

We operate in accordance with various regulatory standards, which are incorporated into the Puffing Billy Railway Board’s policies and procedures.

Our various policies, disclosures and compliance standards include but are not limited to:

Child Safety & Wellbeing Policy

Whistleblower Policy

The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB) has developed this Whistleblower Policy (Policy) for the following purposes:

To encourage and facilitate the making of disclosures regarding:
- “improper conduct” or “detrimental action”, which may be “public interest disclosures” within the meaning of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 2012 (Vic) (PID Act) (see section 5 of this Policy); and
- “misconduct”, an “improper state of affairs”, or “illegal, unethical or otherwise improper conduct”, which may be “reportable matters”, within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (Corporations Act) (see section 4 of this Policy),

committed by an employee, volunteer, contractor or officer of PBRB (Qualifying Disclosures).

To establish a system for Qualifying Disclosures to be investigated, reported (if required) and, if possible, rectified.
To provide protections against victimisation for individuals who make Qualifying Disclosures (Whistleblowers).
To ensure confidentiality in relation to the identify of Whistleblowers and, where required, the contents of their disclosures.
To ensure that Whistleblowers are aware of their rights under the PID Act and the Corporations Act.
To ensure that the PBRB is compliant with its obligations under the PID Act and the Corporations Act in relation to Qualifying Disclosures.

View our Whistleblower Policy.

Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy

This policy outlines the Puffing Billy Railway Board’s (PBRB) operators of Puffing Billy Railway’s (PBR) position on:

Responding to offers of gifts, benefits and hospitality; and
Providing gifts, benefits and hospitality.

This policy is intended to:

Support individuals and the organisation in the avoidance of conflicts of interest and maintain high levels of integrity and public trust, and
Support behaviour consistent with the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees, Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector Employees of Special Bodies and/or the Code of
Conduct for Directors of Victorian Public Entities.

View our Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy.

Puffing Billy Railway Board currently have two Safety Interface Agreements in place as per the Rail Safety National Law (Victoria). This obliges Rail Infrastructure Managers and Road Authorities to identify and assess and manage, so far as is reasonably
practicable, risks to safety that may arise from railway operations carried out on or in relation to rail infrastructure wholly or partly because of the existence of any rail or road crossing that is part of a road.
The current versions of these agreements are as follows:

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The Puffing Billy Railway Board (the PBRB), the operator of the Puffing Billy Railway, is committed to protecting the privacy of all individuals’ Personal Information, Sensitive Information and Health Information that it may collect and hold.

The PBRB is committed to:

The responsible collection and management of Personal Information;
Providing individuals with the right to access the Personal Information held about them;
Providing individuals with the right to make corrections to the Personal Information held about them;
Appropriately handling queries and complaints about privacy related issues;
Only sharing Personal Information with other parties when permitted to by law or when failure to provide information to another party may result in a breach of any other applicable law; and
Ensuring stakeholders and representatives such as employees, staff, and contractors understand their obligations relating to the management of Personal Information.

View our Privacy Policy.

Diversity and Inclusion Policy

The Puffing Billy Railway Board (the ETRB), the operator of the Puffing Billy Railway (PBR), publicly commits to creating and supporting an organisation that values diversity and inclusion. PBR will actively and consciously consider diversity and inclusivity practices when making strategic and operational work-related decisions.

As a defined entity under the Gender Equality Act 2020 (Vic), PBR is required to take positive action towards achieving workplace gender equality and promote gender equality in our policies, programs, and services, undertake Gender Impact Assessments (GIA) and create a Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP).

All workplace participants have a responsibility to:

Understand and comply with this policy and the organisation's Codes of Conduct.
Ensure they do not engage in any unlawful conduct towards other workplace participants, external parties or others with whom they come in contact through work.
Complete training at regular intervals on diversity and inclusivity.
Report breaches of this policy per the relevant organisational policies and procedures.

View our Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy

The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB), operators of Puffing Billy Railway (PBR) is committed to providing a safe and harmonious work environment where people are treated with dignity and mutual respect. This commitment extends to external parties including visitors, children, and young people.

We recognise that positive working relationships underpin our ability to achieve our mission and deliver on our organisational objectives.

We have an obligation covered by law to take proactive, reasonable and proportionate steps to eliminate discrimination, harassment, bullying, and victimisation.

We understand our legal responsibility to prevent bullying and harassment in the workplace and we have adopted a proactive and systematic approach to promote awareness of discrimination, harassment and bullying as a means of reducing the risk of inappropriate behaviours occurring at PBR.

We have Issue Resolution processes in place to address discrimination, harassment, bullying and other workplace grievances should they occur. Where such behaviours involve a child or young person, we implement the Child Safety, Wellbeing Policy, and Child Safety and Wellbeing Reporting and Response Procedure.

We aspire to create a work environment which promotes good working relationships.

This policy is designed to assist Puffing Billy Railway (PBR) to:

Provide a working environment where employees, volunteers, external parties and others are treated fairly, with respect and free from discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Ensure when work related decisions are made, they are based on merit, not on irrelevant attributes or characteristics that an individual may possess.
Ensure appropriate education and standards regarding workplace conduct are implemented, to define unacceptable behaviour and to set out the procedure for reporting and managing such conduct.
Demonstrate a commitment to providing an environment which promotes good working relationships founded on respect, dignity, and inclusion.

View our Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying Policy.

strategic compass

OUR PURPOSE

We strive to deliver an iconic heritage visitor experience.

OUR VALUES

SAFETY

Safety first, every time

FUN

Make memories that last

ONE TEAM

Pull in the same direction

RESPECT

Value every person

EXCELLENCE

Raise the bar

INTEGRITY

Do the right thing

LEGACY

We are custodians for future generations

WHO WE ARE

The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB) is a Victorian State Government entity governed by the Puffing Billy Railway Act 2022, reporting to the relevant Minister through the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions. PBRB is responsible for the strategic growth, development, and long-term sustainability of Puffing Billy Railway, recognising
its heritage significance and the vital contribution of accredited volunteers. We are committed to delivering safe, inclusive, and memorable heritage experiences through the
dedication of our staff and accredited volunteers.

Our workplace culture embraces diversity and inclusion, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued. We work collaboratively with government, regulators, councils, tourism bodies, and community stakeholders, and we honour our commitment to reconciliation through active engagement with First Nations communities and our Reconciliation Action Plan. Our goal is to preserve and enhance Puffing Billy Railway as an iconic, viable visitor experience for generations to come.

our commitments

Child Safety

Puffing Billy Railway's staff and accredited volunteers are committed to providing positive experiences for children in an environment that is caring, nurturing and safe.
Our Children, Our Focus, Our Future, Speak Up!

Accredited Volunteer Program

At the heart of Puffing Billy are our volunteers, who keep our heritage alive, connect our community, and bring history to life.

First Nations People

Puffing Billy Railway acknowledges the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Puing Billy Railway operates, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Stakeholder & Communities

Puffing Billy Railway connects communities through heritage, tourism, and education—preserving history while creating meaningful experiences for all. We collaborate with stakeholders to deliver inclusive, sustainable, and iconic journeys that celebrate local culture and enrich the region

OUR FOCUS AREAS

DEVELOP AND DELIVER IONIC SERVICE AND PRODUCT OFFERINGS TO CREATE AN ICONIC VISITOR EXPERIENCE THAT IS MEMORABLE AND UNIQUE.
- Define, create and deliver an iconic visitor experience that is memorable and unique.
- Develop the experience at each of our precincts.
- Define the workforce role in the heritage experience.
- Build, develop and celebrate the PBR workforce to support the visitor experience.
DELIVER A PROFITABLE AND VIABLE BUSINESS OUTCOME THROUGH EFFICIENT, SAFE AND COSTEFFECTIVE OPERATIONS.
- Deliver efficient, safe and cost-effective operations.
- Deliver profit results to fund our strategic investment opportunities.
- Create diversified revenue sources.
- Deliver services sustainably.
- Continue to realign our operating model (workforce, skills and cost) to enable economic viability.
DELIVER OUR HERITAGE LEGACY TO SHARE OUR STORY
- Define our role as custodians of the PBR legacy.
- Develop the future legacy to tell the story of PBR.
- Work with the local community, to maintain and develop the corridor heritage.
- Renew and maintain steam rail heritage.

Our Gender Equality Action Plan

The Gender Equality Act 2020 is Victoria’s first piece of legislation specifically designed to address gender
inequalities within the workplace. This Act requires that defined entities develop a Gender Equality Action to help address this issue.

The Puffing Billy Railway Board (PBRB) operators of Puffing Billy Railway have embraced this opportunity to
publicly articulate our commitment to and outline how we will contribute to the improvement in the status of women in the workplace and provide a fair and just workplace free of discrimination. Puffing Billy Railway's three-year Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-2025 is available for viewing here.

This is the first time Puffing Billy Railway has critically reviewed workforce data through a gender lens. The GEAP outlines a 4-year action plan including strategies and measures designed to create a firm foundation for gender equality changes with the possibility for more aspirational strategies in the future. While Puffing Billy Railway aspires to the gender equality principles outlined in the Act, this GEAP is reflective of the organisation today; and is the first step of our gender equality journey.

August 2022 - The GEAP has been lodged with the Commission for Gender Equality in the Public Sector.

Puffing Billy Railway's Progress Report for it's first GEAP can be viewed here.

Reconciliation Action Plan 2022 - 2024

In March 2023, Puffing Billy Railway's Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia.

As the railway's first RAP, this is a significant milestone that reflects the organisation's commitment to reconciliation and is the first step in building and strengthening relationships with the Traditional Custodians of the land Puffing Billy Railway operates.

Fourteen actions have been identified in the Reflect RAP, with a number of these focused on key themes of Relationships, Respect, and Opportunities. During this time, Puffing Billy Railway will scope and develop relationships with the Wurundjeri and Bunurong people and explore our sphere of influence, which will prepare the railway for reconciliation initiatives in future RAPs.

RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2022 - 2024:

Download a copy

OUR GOVERNANCE FRAMEWORK

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Puffing Billy Railway Board

Annual Reports

2025 PBRB Annual Report

2024 PBRB Annual Report

2023 PBRB Annual Report

2022 ETRB Annual Report

2021 ETRB Annual Report

2020 ETRB Annual Report

Policies & Disclosures