New members jump on board at Puffing Billy

Dianne Smith.

Puffing Billy Railway has announced the appointment of two new members to the Emerald Tourist Railway board of management.

Dianne Smith and Michael Mangos were selected by Tourism Minister Martin Pakula and announced as board members on 29 June.

Ms Smith has been chief executive at the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce since 2016 and held previous roles that include chief executive of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, manager of tourism partnership at Parks Victoria and CEO of Ballarat Tourism.

Mr Mangos is the director of stakeholder partnerships and community relations at Deakin University.

Reappointed board chair Tim North said the pair would bring valuable knowledge into their new role.

“The two new members bring impressive skills and strength in a multitude of fields and, on behalf of Puffing Billy Railway, I welcome them to the board,” he said.

The new appointees will join James Pinder, Campbell Rose, Justine Heazlewood and Judy Maddigan who were reappointed to the board for another term.

The Railway also farewelled retiring board members, Roger Clifton, and Paul Lappin.

Roger Clifton served on the board for the last two years and made a major contribution to future strategy and implementing the change management program. He also chaired the board’s Commercial Sub-Committee.

Paul Lappin also served on the board for the last two years and contributed significantly to the success of current major infrastructure projects. Paul chaired the board’s Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

“Paul and Roger’s contributions to Puffing Billy Railway have been outstanding. On behalf of the Emerald Tourist Railway board I wish Paul and Roger all the best for the future,” Mr North said.