Do you have a passion for all things railway and locomotive, then consider volunteering on the Bennett Brook Railway in Whiteman Park!
They are always on the lookout for drivers and guards, ticket sellers and archivists, as well as engineers, mechanics and more so read on if this sounds like where you should be.
Why volunteer with us?
Railway enthusiasts will find a home away from home at the Western Australian Light Railway Preservation Association Inc. ("WALRPA"), the volunteer organisation that operates the Bennett Brook Railway within Whiteman Park.
These passionate volunteer members maintain over six kilometres of narrow gauge tracks, providing the public with an old-fashioned train experience thanks to a collection of significant and restored rolling stock.
What kind of roles are available?
A core focus for the ongoing delivery of BBR's successful railway operation is in its public volunteer roles:
DRIVERS
Become a steam train Driver or Fireman during the winter, when the iconic and much-loved steam train season is in operation, or a diesel Locomotive Driver who can operate year-round, particularly on the mid-week operating days of Wednesday and Thursday.
STATION STAFF
Join the train and station staff which includes the Guards, Station Masters, Signalmen or Customer Service crew selling tickets to the public from the Village Junction Station.
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved behind the scenes too, with either the Mid-Week Crew who focuses on restoring and maintaining the heritage rollingstock and maintaining the railway or Friday Night Crew whose main area of activity is locomotive maintenance and restoration. The roles each need include:
TRACK DEPARTMENT
Help with machinery and hand tools maintenance and lay down track.
SIGNALS DEPARTMENT
Restoring and maintaining the old ways of controlling trains takes time and expertise. BBR has a huge collection of heritage signalling equipment and has three signal boxes, gained from locations all over the state.
ROLLINGSTOCK DEPARTMENT
These volunteers restore ex-Western Australian Government Railway wagons from as early as the 1890’s. BBR own several unique items of rollingstock that are awaiting restoration.
How do I apply?
There best way to get in touch with WALRPA to discuss volunteering opportunities is to contact Whiteman Park’s Volunteer Coordinator on (08) 9209 6000 or complete the Volunteer Registration Form. We’ll then pass on your details to the WALRPA committee.