By Tyler Wright
Puffing Billy Railway, operated by the Emerald Tourist Railway Board, has received a $47,510 grant to re-engage volunteers as part of the Victorian Government’s Emerging Stronger grant program.
The recipients of the grants, who will receive up to $80,000 to help re-engage and broaden their volunteer base, were announced on Sunday 21 August,
Puffing Billy Railway CEO Peter Abbott said Puffing Billy Railway will consult with past and current volunteers, and partner with Tourist and Heritage Railways, to identify barriers in re-ingaging volunteers as Covid-19 causes a drop in volunteer numbers.
“The data from these surveys will provide us with sector-specific recommendations that can be used across all Tourist and Heritage Railway organisations,” Mr Abbott said.
“Similarly, to increase the number of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) volunteers we welcome to Puffing Billy Railway and the Tourist Railway sector, we will partner with CALD organisations in the Yarra Ranges and Cardinia Shire to understand what the perceived barriers may be around recruiting those more culturally and linguistically diverse.
Based on the consultation and literature review outcomes received, Puffing Billy Railway will be able to prepare recommendations and priority tasks to increase recruitment and retention of CALD volunteers.”
330 active volunteers are currently part of operating Puffing Billy Railway, which is still running at 20 per cent of pre-Covid 19 levels, Mr Abbott said.
“Our volunteers are vital to the future success of preserving this icon of the Dandenong Ranges and with this funding, volunteers will be encouraged and supported to learn a great range of skills as they join, or re-join, a strong team that welcomes visitors from all around the world,” he said.
The $1 million Emerging Stronger grants program is part of the Victorian Volunteering Strategy launched in May; a five-year action plan to promote, build, support and celebrate all forms of volunteering.
Colin Brooks, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers said the programs run by grant recipients will help Victoria’s social recovery from Covid-19.
“Volunteers are also healthier and happier through social connection, and the sense of purpose and achievement [volunteering] provides,” Mr Brooks said.
