10/06/26

New Website Page

A new page has been added to the site to list coming railway themed events that are being run by other organisations. As we are advised of events we will list the details including a link to flyers or websites on this page. Obviously we will try and keep this page up to date and if members are aware of any events that seem of interest to the general membership then let the secretary know at mailto:secretary@pbps.org.au

30/05/26

Release of a new Channel 5 DVD 'Saving Steam in Victoria'

Channel 5 Productions, in association witht he Puffing Billy Preservation Society, is releasing a new Steam DVD in June 2026. The theme of this DVD will be 'Saving Steam in Victoria'.
The DVD will contain two parts. Firstly there is a voyage of discovery covering the closure of the Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook railway and how it was saved and rebuilt over time by the Puffing Billy Preservation Society members and volunteers.
The second part is an overview of the success of volunteers in preserving main line broad gauge steam in Victoria and how some branch lines remain in operation today thanks to these groups.
The 70 minute DVD contains both black & white and colour material and retails for $39.50. PBPS members are entitled to a 10% discount due to the Society's assistance in providing material from our archives.
If you want to be one of the first to own this DVD, then the link below will take you to a downloadable order form that you can forward to the Society.  

Download Form here: Saving Steam in Victoria ORDER FORM.pdf

31/05/26

2026, 50 Plus Years of Membership Lunches

On Thursday 14th and Saturday 30th of May 2026, the Society ran luncheon events, at the Paradise Hotel, for members with more than 50 years membership of the Puffing Billy Preservation Society.
A number of new 50, 60 and 65 years of membership badges were presented to worthy recipients on the day.
It is really incredible that we have so many members who continue to be involved in our 71 year old organisation. Many of these 50 plus members were instrumental in saving and rebuilding the Puffing Billy Railway into what it is today. A testament to the devotion and hard work put in by so many people over the years to achieve something that would be impossible today.
A scrumptious two course lunch was followed with a ceremonial cake which was cut and handed around to finish off a pleasant afternoon.
Old friends caught up on the latest gossip and reminisced over events from years gone no doubt with some embellishment to old stories.

Link to photos: 2026 Badge Presentations

21/04/26

Two upcoming community heritage events in the Dandenong Ranges.

Ngurrak Barring local Aboriginal open day Friday 24th April Grants Picnic ground Kallista.
Download brochure: ngurrak barring Open Day program.pdf

Dutch exhibition Sunday 3rd May in Monbulk.
Download Brochure: Dutch Exhibition invitation 03 May 2026.pdf

13/04/26

Pictures & video from the recent Peninsular Railways Ramble are available at the link below.

Link: Peninsular Railways Ramble 2026

4/04/26

March & April Zoom meeting notes available

Link: PBPS Zoom Gatherings

31/03/26

Member Information Session Notes now available at the following link.

Link: Society Documents

10/02/26

PBPS February Member Information Session Done & Dusted

A very successful member information session was held at the Belgrave Hub on Saturday 7th February.
For a full report including a Powerpoint presentation, meeting minutes and pictures, go to Member News via the following Link: Member News  

27/01/26

PBPS February Member Information Session 

Members are invited to the first Information Session for 2026 to be held on Saturday 7 February starting at 2pm at the Belgrave Community Hub, 1616/1624 Burwood Highway, Belgrave. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. 

The Belgrave Community Hub is next to the Cameo Cinema and is just a short walk from the Belgrave transport hub. Parking is available both on site and in nearby public carparks.

This is an opportunity for members to hear reports from the Executive on important issues affecting the Society and what is being done behind the scenes to make sure that the Puffing Billy Preservation Society can continue to operate successfully into the future.

It is important that as many members as possible can attend as we will be inviting comments and feedback from members on a variety of issues currently being addressed by the Executive. 

The meeting will look at the future role of the Society in regard to supporting narrow gauge projects across the State and not just focussing on the Puffing Billy Railway. There is already a close relationship with Walhalla Goldfields Railway and a project is underway at Crowes. Potential projects have been identified at Whitfield and from Upper Ferntree Gully to Belgrave.

To register for this event, click here - PBPS Information Session - February 2026

You can also RSVP, via reply email or by leaving a message on (03) 9757 0767.

17/12/25

Moondarra property has been boarded up by the railway, preventing the Society from accessing the building. Work had commenced on cleaning up the building prior to remediation works so that the Society could use the property for office space and meeting rooms. The Society purchased the Moondarra property in 1980, with the full knowledge of the ETRB at the time. Here is a link to photos showing the way in which the property was boarded up - see link: Moondarra Update 

14/12/25

Today, the Puffing Billy Railway celebrated the 125th anniversary of the Upper Ferntree Gully to Gembrook Railway combined with a community day for local area residents. Unfortunately the Puffing Billy Preservation Society's request to support and assist with these celebrations was refused by the Puffing Billy Railway Board. This was very disappointing as without the Puffing Billy Preservation Society's efforts, the railway would not exist today and there would be nothing to celebrate.
The Society held a small celebration at the Paradise Hotel, beside Clematis station. We hung a banner on the fence which read 'Puffing Billy Preservation Society, Supporting Puffing Billy railway since 1955'. members stood next to the banner and waved to the crew and passengers as five scheduled trains passed through the station. Lunch and drinks were purchased from the Hotel and a number of members dropped in during the day to support the event.   

20/11/25

Two new children's books about a character called 'Puffing Billy' have been added to the online store. The books have been produced by Australian locals, Derek & Gina Braidner with lovely illustrations that youngsters will enjoy. Based on a similar format as the Thomas The Tank Engine books but with a distinctly Australian flavour, recognisable characters from the Puffing Billy Railway and the local wildlife found in and around the Dandenong Ranges. These are a great stocking filler for any young child in your extended family.

Link: Publications  

7/11/25

YouTube videos from member zoom gatherings in September and October 2025 have been loaded and are available for viewing on the members pages.

Link: PBPS Zoom Gatherings

31/10/25

Pictures from the 69th Annual General Meeting of the Society are now available for viewing on the Photos page.

Link: 2025 AGM Photo's

23/9/25 More On-Line Store Stock Added!

A number of additional publication items have been added to our on-line store. There are a number of books both hard and soft cover available to purchase on-line with options for delivery or pick up from our Knoxfield Office.

Link: On-Line Store

16/8/25 On-Line Store Stock Added!

Our line of Climax T-Shirts have been added to our on-line store. Our 70th anniversary cups & keyrings have been available for some time. Postage is added after choosing your items. Please ensure that you select the correct postage to avoid delays. Pick up from our Knoxfield office is also an option.

Link: On-Line Store

16/8/25 Belgrave Station Precinct Survey

The 'Conversation Co.' are running a number of face to face, Zoom and Web based surveys to gather ideas for improvements to the Belgrave Narrow Gauge Station area. Both paid staff and volunteers have been asked to contribute as well as passenger surveys, community groups and those living in the Belgrave area.

There is a public website where you can have your say in this survey.

Link: https://conversationco.com.au/puffing-billy-railway

Note: At this stage the railway have only received a Government Grant to fund this survey however at this stage no funding has been requested or promised to proceed with any actual work. The purpose of the survey is to assemble a project plan, based on the results of the survey, to put to the Government with a request for funding later in 2026. The survey results are expected to be finalised in early 2026.

The Yarra Ranges Council Planning Department have been formally advised on who are the title holders of the land around the station. The Society has made it clear that we need to be involved and give approval before any work is undertaken on our land parcels. 

16/8/25 August Member Gathering Now Available Online  

August 2025 Zoom member gathering is now available to view by logged on members.

here: PBPS Zoom Gatherings

6/25 70th Anniversary Web Page

Be sure to check out our 70th Anniversary Web Page which will be added to as the year goes on.

We already have a link to the home movie that was shown at the inaugural meeting of the Society on 6th June 1955 along with minutes from that meeting and links to presentations at the 70th anniversary afternoon tea. Link: 70th Anniversary 

6/25 70th Anniversary Afternoon Tea

On Saturday, 8th June 2025, The Puffing Billy Preservation Society held a High Tea at the Belgrave Community Center, to celebrate 70 years of Society achievements. Around 40 members enjoyed this event with some bringing memorabilia and all bringing stories of times past on the railway.

Some pictures from the day can be found on our photo pages, Link here: 70th Anniversary Afternoon Tea  

5/25 50 Year Plus Badge Presentation Events 

Each year, the Society holds two presentation luncheons for those members who have 50 or more years of membership with the Puffing Billy Preservation Society. At these events badges are presented to those who have reached milestone years of 50, 60 and 65 years of membership. This year the first event was held on Thursday 15 May with 25 members and Executive enjoying a three course lunch at the Paradise Hotel overlooking our iconic Puffing Billy Railway line. Two 60 year and one 65 year badge were presented to those present to receive them. On Saturday 31 May we had over 45 members present. five 50 year badges, one 60 year badge and one 65 year badge were presented to those who were present on the day.

Link to 15th & 31st May photos: 2025, 50 Plus Badge Presentation Events

5/25 Visit to Crowes - Saturday May 17 2025 Postponed - New date to be advised

Members are welcome to join in the next visit to the Crowes railway station site. As this is a railway site, please ensure proper clothing, including closed toe shoes are worn.

Travel options are

• train to Colac, with carpool pick up from Colac Station at 10.30am, with return to the station about 4.00pm, or
• travel by car and meet at 11.00-11.30am at Lavers Hill Information Centre/bakery. Offers to assist with carpool from Colac Station would be appreciated.

More details closer to time of visit. Visit coordinator is Richard Main.

If you wish to come to this event, please send email to secretary@pbps.org.au or leave phone message on 9757 0767. 

4/25 Peninsular Railways Ramble - Sunday April 27

Photos and a video from this most enjoyable event are now available for members viewing.

Link to photos page here: Peninsular Railways Ramble 17/4/25 

Link to YouTube Video here: https://youtu.be/hLOnQE5Rvhw

3/25 Article On Puffing Billy Written By David Burke In 1953

Click on this link to take you to the Member News page where you can view this article.
Link: Member News

AGM AND SGM video presentations now available on line

November SGM and AGM video's are available to logged on members here: Society Documents

11/24 Society Members Visit To Mr Col Rees' Engine Collection

Society member and railway enthusiast Mr Col Rees, invited Society members to visit his 7 1/4" scale engine collection in November 2024. The collection comprises live steam and diesel engines but the pride of the fleet is the Union Pacific Big Boy 4015.
Members, who are logged in, can find photos and information on the event at the following link:
Link: Col Rees's Model Engine Visit 

11/24 2024 Annual General Meeting Photos

The Puffing Billy preservation Society held its 68th Annual General Meeting on 10th November 2024 at the Emerald Hills Hub. The AGM was preceded by a SGM to tidy up wording in several sections of our constitution.
Members, who are logged in, can find photos from the event at the following link: 2024 SGM/AGM Photos 

New railfan DVD

Check out the latest Society Public News Page for details about a new Victorian Railways DVD from Channel 5 Productions. Link: Society Public News

2024 Society Climax Event Photos 

Two videos of the Climax special train event can be viewed on YouTube by clicking on the following links.
Leaving Lakeside Station: Link: https://youtu.be/HlV-l6pu44k
Passing through Emerald station on the UP: Link: https://youtu.be/Wav-g0Aj5WM