Membership at Corio Bay Miniature Railway
Membership is open to anyone aged 15 years and over who is enthusiastic about miniature railways, community involvement, and hands-on volunteering.
Volunteering and Participation
Membership is based on active participation. While volunteering is flexible and not onerous, full membership requires attending and assisting at the railway at least one day per month.
Members can engage in a wide range of activities, including:
Operational Sundays: Helping run the portable railway for public events and special functions
Maintenance and Administration Wednesdays and Weekends: Repairing and maintaining track, locomotives, carriages, and equipment while enjoying camaraderie with fellow members
Monthly Management Meetings: Participating in decision-making, planning, or prearranged project work
By joining, members gain practical experience, technical skills, and the satisfaction of contributing to a community-focused railway project.
Monthly Board Meetings
The Board of Management meets monthly to oversee governance, strategic direction, and operational management of the Club. These meetings ensure the Club operates efficiently, safely, and in alignment with its mission and objectives.
Purpose of Board Meetings:
Review and approve operational activities and projects
Monitor financial performance, budgets, and funding
Discuss and plan future developments, including railway infrastructure and community programs
Oversee health, safety, and compliance matters
Address membership, volunteer engagement, and training initiatives
Make decisions regarding policies, procedures, and governance
Attendance:
Typically includes elected Board members: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and other designated committee members
Full members may attend if invited, particularly when contributing to specific projects or agenda items
Minutes are recorded to ensure transparency and accountability
Scheduling:
Usually held once per month at a designated venue or online
Special meetings may be called to address urgent matters or specific projects
Participation in board meetings allows members to actively contribute to the leadership and future of Corio Bay Miniature Railway.
Board Member Requirements
All Board and subcommittee members are required to hold a current National Police Check (NPC) prior to appointment or election. This ensures safety, integrity, and compliance, particularly when overseeing activities involving children, vulnerable persons, and the public.
Proof of a valid NPC must be provided before taking up the role
Members must maintain an up-to-date NPC throughout their tenure
Membership Eligibility
To become a member, applicants must:
Be of good character
Hold a current Working with Children Check (WWCC)—membership cannot be granted without a valid WWCC
Application Process
Complete the membership application form
Attach a photocopy of your current WWCC card
Submit your application to the Club Secretary
Applications are reviewed and approved once the Club Secretary has verified the WWCC.
Upon approval, applicants are welcomed as valued members of the Corio Bay Miniature Railway community.
Tradesmen Membership
Corio Bay Miniature Railway welcomes tradespeople and skilled workers to join as Tradesmen Members, providing a pathway to contribute practical skills while supporting the Club’s mission.
Tradesmen Membership is designed for individuals with experience in trades, engineering, construction, or related fields who wish to volunteer, donate time, mentor, or assist with railway and infrastructure projects.
Benefits of Tradesmen Membership
Opportunities to apply your skills to real-world railway construction and maintenance
Access to specialized workshops, tools, and training
Hands-on involvement in building and maintaining locomotives, carriages, track, and facilities
Mentoring and knowledge-sharing with other members
Recognition as a valued contributor to a community-focused project
Responsibilities
Tradesmen Members are encouraged to:
Assist in workshop and on-site construction or maintenance projects
Follow safety procedures and Club operational guidelines
Mentor less experienced members in practical skills
Participate in planning and development activities as required
Application Process
Complete the Tradesmen Membership application form
Attach proof of relevant qualifications or experience
Attach a copy of your current WWCC card
Attach a copy of your current Insurance policy
Submit your application to the Club Secretary
Volunteer Positions at Corio Bay Miniature Railway
At Corio Bay Miniature Railway, every member begins their journey by supporting station operations, providing a safe and welcoming experience for the public.
As members gain experience, they can progress to more advanced roles such as Train Guard, Train Driver, Signal Operator, and Ways & Works.
Station Assistant
All new members start by assisting passengers at the station.
Responsibilities:
Helping passengers board and disembark safely
Ticket collection and fare management
Supervising train arrivals and departures, including opening gates and coordinating passenger flow
This foundational experience ensures members gain a strong understanding of railway operations and safety before progressing to train crew roles.
Train Guard
After approximately 15 hours of training in station operations, members may qualify to join the train crew as a Guard.
Responsibilities:
Ensuring the safety of up to 30 passengers while the train is in motion
Monitoring passengers and assisting with any issues during the journey
Completing a written or verbal assessment to demonstrate competence in train guarding procedures
This role provides hands-on experience and prepares members for future opportunities in train operations.
Train Driver
After 25 hours as a Guard, members may advance to become a non-steam locomotive driver (petrol, diesel, or electric powered).
Responsibilities:
Safely operating trains while ensuring passenger safety
Managing train operations in line with Club procedures
Performing pre-operational safety checks
Completing a written or verbal assessment to confirm understanding of operational and safety protocols
After approximately one year of experience driving non-steam locomotives, members may be offered the opportunity to train as a steam locomotive driver, a challenging and highly technical role.
Once qualified as a driver, members may progress to operating the railway’s Signalling system, controlling train movements and ensuring safe passage along the tracks.
This vital role keeps operations running smoothly and safely.
Ways & Works
The railway’s fleet includes a Club-owned petrol locomotive and privately owned locomotives and rolling stock contributed by members.
Responsibilities and Opportunities:
Assist in home workshops to maintain or build locomotives and rolling stock
Support on-site maintenance to keep the railway fleet operational
Gain practical experience in engineering, mechanics, and railway maintenance (no prior experience required)
By contributing to Ways & Works, members perform vital tasks that ensure the railway continues to operate safely and reliably.
Signals and Telegraph
The safe and efficient operation of trains relies on a well-managed Signalling and telegraph system.
Role Overview:
Operate the Signalling system to manage train movements safely along the tracks
Communicate between stations and train crew using telegraph-style systems or modern communication tools
Monitor track sections and coordinate train arrivals and departures
Ensure compliance with operational safety protocols and railway rules
Build and maintain the telegraph system
Skills and Training:
No prior experience required
Comprehensive training provided, including signal types, meanings, and operation procedures
Learning to communicate clearly and effectively with train crew and station staff
Recording train movements and maintaining logs for safe operations
Progression Opportunities:
Coordinating multiple trains on larger or dual-gauge tracks
Assisting in the design or upgrading of signaling infrastructure
Training new volunteers in safe signaling practices
Signals and telegraph operations are critical for passenger safety and smooth train operations, contributing directly to the professionalism and authenticity of the miniature railway experience.
Administration
For those who prefer office-based or remote volunteering, there are numerous administration opportunities, including.
Board of Management (Full Members Only)
Committee Chairs (Full Members Only)
General office and administrative tasks
Maintenance of IT infrastructure and management software
Planning, documentation preparation, OHS and volunteer coordination
Marketing, membership recruitment, and more
Administration roles are crucial to the smooth running of the Charity and allow members to make a meaningful contribution from home or within the office environment.