australian railway historical society new … report 2013.pdf · page 1 arhsnsw annual report 2013...

ARHSnsw Annual Report 2013

AUSTRALIANRAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

New South Wales Division(ACN 000 538 803)

ANNUAL REPORT 2012-2013

Notice is given that the 2012-2013 Annual General Meeting of the Australian Railway Historical Society, New South Wales Division, will be held in the Mitchell Room on the 1st floor of the Sydney Mechanics School of Arts, 280 Pitt St, Sydney, at 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 September 2013.

Business:

1. to receive and adopt the Income Statement for the year ended 30 April 2013 and the Balance Sheet at that date.

2. to elect members of the Council for the year 2013-2014.

3. to appoint Kenneth Date as a Life Member of the Society.

4. to transact any other business that may be brought forward in accordance with the Society’s Constitution.

A member entitled to attend and vote at the meeting is entitled to appoint a proxy (who need not be a member of the Society) to attend and vote in the member’s absence. Clause 14 of the Society’s Constitution prescribes the form of appointment of a proxy. Such forms may be obtained from the Secretary at the registered office of the Society at 67 Renwick Street, Redfern 2016 and must be lodged with him at that address on or before 31 August 2013.

By order of the CouncilGrahame L ThurlingSecretary Sydney, 12 August 2013

FOR ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN RAILWAYS

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ANNUAL REPORTFOR THE YEAR TO 30 APRIL 2013

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETYNEW SOUTH WALES DIVISION

ACN 000 538 80367 Renwick Street Redfern NSW 2016

Newcastle Branch: PO Box 432 New Lambton NSW 2305

THE SOCIETY

The Australian Railway Historical Society had its beginnings in 1933 with the formation of the Railway Circle of Australasia. Since then it has grown to become one of the largest railway societies in the country. Autonomous Divi-sions exist in each state and the Australian Capital Territory, and there is a branch of the NSW Division in Newcastle. The Society’s main objectives are: to promote the association of persons interested in the history and operations of railways for their mutual benefit and enjoyment; to encourage the study of Australian railways and the compilation and maintenance of authentic records; to maintain an archives collection, to produce books, periodicals, etc., of railway interest (including Australian Railway History and Railway Digest) and to arrange rail tours and excursions.

Meetings of members and their guests are held monthly in Sydney and Newcastle. These meetings usually feature a talk on a topic of railway interest, often accompanied by a program of films, DVDs or photographic slides.

The ARHS Railway Resource Centre houses the ARHS Archives and is located at 67 Renwick Street, Redfern. The bookshop is located at Rail Heritage Central, on the concourse at Central Railway Station.

OTHER DIVISIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Australian Capital Territory PO Box 7335, Canberra Business Centre, ACT 2610 Victoria PO Box 748, Williamstown, Vic. 3016 Queensland PO Box 682, GPO Brisbane, Qld 4001 South Australia PO Box 16, Melrose Park, SA 5039 Western Australia PO Box 363, Bassendean, WA 6934 Tasmania PO Box 162, Sandy Bay, Tas. 7006

AFFILIATIONSAustralian Electric Traction Association

Canadian Railway Historical AssociationIrish Railway Record Society

Light Railway Research Society of AustraliaLight Rail Transit Association (UK)

Narrow Gauge Railway Society (UK)National Railway Historical Society (USA)New South Wales Rail Transport Museum

New Zealand Railway & Locomotive SocietyThe Rail Motor Society

Railway Correspondence & Travel Society (UK)Railway Society of Southern AfricaRoyal Australian Historical Society

3801 Limited


COUNCILThe Society is managed by the Council on an honorary basis. Its members during 2012-2013, and their attendances at council meetings, are set out in a table in the attached Directors’ Report.General Manager Ross Verdich also attended council meetings. Spencer Ross has been attending council meetings in the dual role of councillor and representative of the Newcastle Branch.

NEWCASTLE BRANCHThe Newcastle Branch has a committee that organises local activities, including meetings, tours and outings. One member of the committee attends council meetings to ensure co-ordination between the branch and the council. Committee members are: Branch Chairman: Glen Magee Branch Secretary: John Barnes Committee: Tony Lowther, Matthew Parr, Ray Power, Spencer Ross and Wal Williams

STAFFThe following people are employed by the Society:Full Time: Ross Verdich General Manager Bruce Belbin Railway Digest Editor Bill Phippen OAM Rail Resource Centre Manager Chris Harding Bookshop Manager (toMarch 2013) Roy Howarth Bookshop manager (from April 2013)Part Time: John Clifton Webmaster John Birchmeier Railway Digest Specialist News Editor Shane O’Neil Editorial Assistant and Bookshop Sales Richard Whitford Australian Railway History Editor Ivar Sorrasson Bookshop Sales Assistant

LIFE MEMBERSTony Bailey John Barnes John Beckhaus Terence Boardman OAM Ian Brady Kenneth Butt (deceased 28/1/2013) Joseph Davis George Gettens Dr John GlastonburyAlexander Grunbach Donald Hagarty Graham Harper Murray HarperJohn Hoyle Geoffrey Lillico Glen Magee Barry Millner Peter Neve John Newland John Oakes Ray Pickard Neville Pollard Ray Power Robert Ritchie Spencer Ross Dr Stuart Sharp Colin Short Dr Robert TaaffeGrahame Thurling Eric Walkley

RRC TRUSTMembers of the RRC trust met regularly throughout the year. The trust members are:Neville Pollard (Chairman) Ben Barnes Graeme Bolton Ian Dixon Donald Hagarty Ben Lewis Ray Love (NSWRTM nominee) Dr Stuart Sharp John Ward (NSWRTM nominee) Allan Watson (Minute Secretary) to February 2013


CREDITS & THANKSThe Council would like to acknowledge those listed below for their generous contributions of time and effort made to the Society’s various activities during the year.

Harry Anneveld Bookshop, Publications Fred Appleton BookshopSteve Baker RRCAlan Bailey RRCAlan Baird RRC, DVD presentationBen Barnes ARH, Publications, RD, RRCJohn Barnes Newcastle Branch Sec./TreasurerSatish Basavaiah BookshopJohn Beckhaus Publications, Railway DigestJohn Birchmeier RRC, Railway DigestBarry Blair Railway DigestGraeme Bolton RRCGraham Boulton BookshopDavid Brown RRCJohn Brown RRCGordon Burr RRCColin Butcher Slide CompetitionEllen Byrne RRCGraham Byrne RRCDavid Campbell Railway DigestLesley Cherry RRC Peter Clark Railway DigestJohn Clifton BookshopBob Daniel BookshopKen Date Railway DigestIan Dixon RRCKevin Dodds RRCTrevor Edmonds ARH, SpeakerPeter Ferguson RRCArthur Ellis RRC, Tour GuideGraham Fry RRCBob Gibson Railway DigestCol Gilbertson Bookshop, ARHClive Gillam RRCRobert Gillingham RRCPhil Griffiths Slide CompetitionKarl Grunert RRC Alex Grunbach ARH, PublicationsDon Hagarty RRCBernard Hanlon RRCChris Harding PublicationsGraham Harper RRC & ARHBill Harrison BookshopDerek Hobbs RRCGary Hughes Luncheon ClubMichael James Railway DigestJim Jones RRCKen Kershaw RRCBernie le Breton RRCRick Lawler RRCBen Lewis RRC Geoff Lillico RRC, ARHRay Love RRC, ARHMaikha Ly Railway Digest

Jim Longworth ARHTony Lowther Newcastle Branch CommitteeTony McIlwain RRCJohn McNamara RRCBob McKillop ARH, PublicationsEwan McLean Railway DigestTony McMiles BookshopGlen Magee Newcastle Branch Committee Tom Marschall Railway Digest Peter Marshall RRC Richard Mathews RRCRod Milne Railway Digest, ARHWarren Miller Bookshop, SpeakerBarry Millner MembershipKevin Mirah Bookshop, Railway DigestKevin Morgan RRCNeil Munro RRCPeter Neve Railway Digest, ARHKeith Newell BookshopJohn Newland PublicationsJames Ng Bookshop, RRCKevin Noonan RRCJohn Oakes Publications, Tour GuideMatthew Parr Newcastle Branch Committee Dennis Pate RRCRay Pickard Financial, RRC, ARH, MailingRay Power Newcastle Branch CommitteeLawrence Ryan Railway Digest, ARH John Roberts RRCPeter Sellars ARHPeter Stock RRCStuart Sharp RRC, Luncheon ClubAlan Smith RRCBob Stack ARH, Railway Digest, PublicationsBob Stewart BookshopLeigh Stokes RRCBob Taaffe ARH, RRCMyrle Tanner BookshopMichael Thompson RRCEd Tonks Speaker, Tour GuideLen Truscott RRCDarren Tulk ARH, Railway DigestRudi Viglienzone RRCGraham Vincent Railway DigestJohn Ward RRC, SpeakerJohn Watkins RRCAllan Watson RRCRon White RRCDavid Whiteford ARH, Railway DigestJack Withford RRCWal Williams Newcastle Branch Committee Barry Wong RRCTony Woodland RRCShang-Su Wu RRC


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in that the Society has again had a very successful year. This report shows a summary of our various activities.

In particular, Bill Phippen’s report on the Railway Resource Centre shows the range of activities being carried out. Bill’s team of volunteers is rapidly bringing order to the collection, conserving it (especially with scanning records to save their being handled), making it more accessible (again scanning is a big player) and extracting data from various sources. The volunteers have also been doing the research involved in responding to Railcorp engineering’s requests (which is done on a fee for service basis, and helps to contribute to the operating costs of the RRC)

But I cannot leave out the activities of our other volunteers, from people helping with magazines and other publications, tours, meetings, administration and bookshop (which helps substantially to fund our other activities.). Which leads me to our volunteer extraordinaire – Grahame Thurling. Grahame, or GT as he is known, normally works six days a week, and long days at that (he is usually the last to leave our office at night). Members would be aware of seeing him at monthly entertainment meetings (where he has several roles), at the shop (where he usually does the end of day processing after delivering new stock received at Redfern and collecting items needed for mail order processing at Redfern) and at the Railway Resource Centre. But these are only the tip of the iceberg. Behind the scenes, he handles the mail order sales, helps with processing membership renewals (including posting out the renewal notices), handles telephone enquiries and does the bankings. No wonder he sometimes gets a bit sharp with us if we don’t do things right! But under that grumpy exterior is a heart of gold,

and he will go out of his way to help if he can. A very special thank you to Grahame.

I also cannot forget our paid staff who have continued to keep the organisation running smoothly. They often go beyond their normal duties to ensure the success of Society activities. It is appropriate at this time to record our appreciation for Chris Harding. Chris has filled several roles in the Society over the last 12 years, his most recent being as bookshop manager; most members would have appreciated his easy manner and helpfulness when visiting the shop. Unfortunately (for us) Chris reached that age when he wished to devote more time to his modelling efforts and decided to retire from our employ. We wish him all the best in his retirement (but hope that he will still contribute to the Society in other ways).

The only down side to our report this year is the reduction in our financial bottom line. I have been commenting for the last couple of years that our bookshop sales have been down, and this is now starting to be felt in the bottom line. The decline in sales does appear to be moderating, perhaps even levelling out. Hopefully, this will be the case. Our Treasurer will be continuing his campaign to keep us on the straight and narrow when it comes to expenditure.

The other thing of significance is the new arrangement for Rail Heritage in NSW announced by the Minister in May. As yet, we do not know what effect that will have on our activities. But we are in a good position in that we own our own premises at Redfern and Alexandria and are relatively independent. We do, of course, rent our shop space at Rail Heritage Central and what will become of that is uncertain.

George Gettens

PRESIDENT’S OVERVIEWof the year 2012 - 2013


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COMMERCIALThe shop is still feeling the impact of the

slowdown in the retail sector.Wholesale sales of ARHSnsw publications are

slower too as businesses cut their ordering or, in some cases during the year, go out of business. While the high Australian dollar allowed us to buy overseas books, magazines and DVDs at at very good prices, it also has allowed purchasers to buy goods cheaply direct via the internet and not pay GST. The bookshop has to add GST to all its items whether sourced locally or overseas. The bookshop is a specialist seller of international railway publications and DVDs and, unfortunately, this is one major area where we are loosing sales to direct internet purchasers.

We continue to bring in new book and DVD titles, and will keep the range of magazines we have always carried but quantities are now more limited. Members are urged to use the bookshop’s ‘put aside’ magazine service to reserve their favorite magazines, both local and especially international.

The shop attended our usual venues at Broadmeadow and Liverpool in August and October 2012. The latter in particular raises good revenue for the Society; but a lot of effort is expended to set up, run and pack up again. It falls again to Grahame Thurling who works tirelessly for days preceding, and following these weekends. Thanks also to our Newcastle Branch for their assistance at Broadmeadow. We have again taken the opportunity to trade on selected Sundays coinciding with special events held at Central Station.

The bookshop’s Facebook page is still being very capably managed by Kevin Mirah, our Saturday assistant. Facebook is another opportunity to market our products to younger railfans – click on the Facebook symbol on our front page at www.arhsnsw.com.au and check it out.

To all our volunteers our very great thanks. The flexibility of the week-day and Saturday volunteers in assisting while staff and other volunteers are away is to be commended.

A second-hand bookshop at at 67 Renwick Street, Redfern sells the large range of donated books we have on hand. The second-hand bookshop is open on the first Tuesday and Saturday of each month. Check the web site and newsletter for any changes to this timing. Grahame Thurling almost solely is responsible for its operation.

At the end of March, Chris Harding retired from his postion of Bookshop Manager. Chris had been with the Society for over 10 years and was the well-known face in the bookshop. We wish him well in retirement. Local rail identity Roy Howarth was recruited to fill the position.

Ross Verdich

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LFINANCEThe drop in net profit for the year-ended April

2013 at $33,635 is a direct result of a major downturn in our operating revenue of 10% over the past two years. Management costs including magazine purchasing have been restrained as far as possible. The country’s economic climate is unlikely to assist us in the short term to achieve results the Society had in the past. No transfers were made to or from reserves.

The Society continues to fund its archive expend-iture from general revenue without drawing down on reserves.

Our two flag ship magazines continue to be self-supporting as is our tour operations.

The Society’s Balance Sheet remains very strong with our net worth now standing at $2.3 million. Current assets exceed current liabilities by $271,000.

Murray Harper, Treasurer

RRC TRUSTThe ARHSnsw RRC Trust met four times during

the reporting period in its role as custodian of ARHS digital and print resources. A resignation was received from Alan Watson. The Council appointed Ben Lewis and Graeme Bolton to the Trust.

During the year the Trust was involved in the following activities:•Preparing policy relating to archival matters.•Advising RRC Manager on items to be collected, retained and disposed. The decision was made during this year to collect and preserve historic railway tickets.•Ongoing review of cataloguing of plans at Alexandria, under the capable direction of Ian Fathers.•Researching the best ways to preserve 8mm movie film.•Gaining accreditation as a volunteer organisation with the Volunteering NSW Unit.•Providing direction on items which should be digitised.•Reviewing work on digitising signalling diagrams under the capable direction of Graham Harper and Dr Bob Taaffe.Our Resources Manager, Bill Phippen, continues to work tirelessly to provide the high quality resources for research to both ARHSnsw and its members and the public at large. One of his major projects during this year has been to summarise staff movements from past NSW Railways Annual Reports and make them available in an easily accessible format.

Neville Pollard, Chair ARHSnsw RRR Trust


and the RailCorp plan room, in several formats, to be compared and cross referenced for the mutual benefit of all organisatons and to better meet the needs of researchers.

The sorting and scanning of images has advanced significantly. All prints and negatives have been sleeved and numbered, and the only slides not scanned are those waiting, numbered, beside the several scanners. These will be processed over the following months. The limitation of the processing of images fully into the collection is the want of computer competence in the RRC staff, including the manager. Most of the staff are amazingly competent considering their age and previous occupations, and especially with regard to scanning, can do sophisticated operations that their peers might marvel at, but the RRC lacks people with the skills to maintain the system and set up working templates for the others. We have many people who can drive cars and even large trucks very well, but we need more motor mechanics and NRMA servicemen.

The test of any volunteer based organisation’s competence is to ask if the volunteers look forward to their rostered day or days. All reports are that the RRC is a successful operation from the volunteer’s perspective. There has been an emergence of the concept of the “Mens Shed” to foster the well being of retirees in recent years. The ARHS and the RRC have been such places long before the wider community got on the band wagon, and this contribution to society must be valued alongside the value of the archives we maintain.

The worksite at Redfern has been upgraded in the year with the provision of a new kitchenette for the use of the volunteers and the replacement of the rear sliding glass door which had deteriorated to the stage that it was problematical, that having gone out to enjoy the handkerchief sized patch of sunlight during lunch, return inside would be possible.

Particularly satisfying during the year was the request by Railcorp for support in the analysis of structures within the network. What was required was access to a complete series of Working Timetables and the ability to read their coding to identify routes travelled by trains and the length of those trains. Both our historical collection of timetables and our assiduous collection of current documents, as well as the knowledge of our volunteer staff enabled the RRC to meet this request.

The RRC continues to work with other archival and rail heritage groups. Railcorp will have been replaced by new structures by the time this report is published, and with that change new heritage arrangements will be imposed. The details of these new structures will develop over the next period, but the RRC is well placed, under the wider competence of ARHSnsw, to remain a significant contributor to the sector.

Bill Phippen

While it is always a challenge to summarise a year’s activities and achievements into a few paragraphs, the fundamental report must be that the RRC has progressed well into its task of making the immense record of the railways of New South Wales and Australia more accessible to all persons who might be interested in knowing the history of those systems.

The heart of the operation continues to be the fifty or so volunteers who both man the counter to answer queries and work behind the scenes to sort, catalogue and scan the collection. There is no foreseeable end to the task. The completion of the processing of one set of documents only raises the challenge of processing another parallel set.

A well known, but largely inaccessible, resource for employee records has been the long chronological lists of appointments and removals published in every Annual Report between 1888 and 1930. This year the RRC volunteers scanned all 138,000 names and have produced an alphabetical index of them all. That many names, if printed in a readable sized font, would occupy about 1,500 A4 pages, printed double sided. While that task is complete, the possibility of doing the same for the triennial lists of the whole NSWGR staff arises. The lists are one third the size, but there are fifteen of them.

The whole of the ‘videotape’ collection is being transferred to DVD before the tape technology disappears and/or the tapes degrade beyond use. Many hundreds of tapes in the collection are ‘buffer-cam’ trips along now long closed lines. With the thousands of tapes held the process is tedious and lengthy, but essentially cheap. A working party of RRC volunteers has been formed to review and recommend the copying of movie films. The cost of properly transferring the moving image from film to electronic forms is so high that some rationalisation will be required.

The Track and Signal Diagram collection has been re-published on a much enlarged DVD. This represents an ideal solution for the archives held in the RRC. The fragile copies are taken out of circulation, the whole resource is readily accessible by all who have need of it, and the information is secure into the future. The same has been achieved over several years for many periodical series, Weekly Notices, Timetables, General and Local Appendices, CME Circulars, NSWGR Staff Magazines, Annual Reports and many other internal railway documents and the like. Still in hand are the Chief Traffic Manager’s circulars, Public Handbills, Special Train Notices and many other large and small things. As of mid-2013 the volume of archival material stored on the RRC Intranet is 220GB and that does not include any photos.

The sorting and cataloguing of hard copy plans held at the Alexandria repository has continued by the hard work of four volunteers. There is a need for the holdings of the RRC, NSW State Records,

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presentation of 16 tours covering a wide variety of destinations and interest.

Joint ARHSnsw and ARHS Luncheon Club Tours were held in May 2012 to Scenic World Katoomba which included a last trip on the railway before its closure and refurbishment. Also a two-day tour to Dungog and Singleton with Ed Tonks in July 2012. Both tours were well attended and considered very successful events.

Another Summer WineLander Tour to Wallan-Garra with the Queensland Division in March 2013 was well represented by NSW Members.

Our annual June Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend Tour was put back a week to avoid the annual North Main Line shut down for track maintenance. Our Brisbane and Beyond Tour departed on Friday 15 June travelling in the restored 621/721 Rail Cars from the Rail Motor Society at Paterson. We continued to enjoy regular patronage with several of our groups travelling on their twelfth trip with us. Our special thanks is given again to these faithful patrons for their continuing support. The tour this year extended over 4 days for the historic first heritage train to travel over the standard gauge line to Fisherman Islands on the Port of Brisbane. All enjoyed our journey north from Brisbane on Sunday 17 June to Palmwoods and Landsborough in the 2000 Class Rail motors arranged by ARHS Qld, whilst they utilized our 621/721 train to travel to Kyogle and Fisherman Islands. (See image of NSWR & QR railcars at Roma Street side by side below.)

A second successful extended weekend tour was arranged to travel to Canberra in the CPH Rail Motors and then by coach to visit the Cooma Monaro Railway in October.

A special thank you to Graham Swanson and his colleagues for the outstanding day provided for our volunteers and members for the end of year function held at the Lake Macquarie Light Rail Park, Toronto.

There was a great response in bookings for what has become an annual A Summers Day on the South Coast Tour in January that a second division tour was arranged for. However this trip was terminated

at Hawkesbury River due to extreme weather conditions prevailing, causing track closures on the South Coast line. This tour was subsequently re-programmed to run on 21 April.

Again we were involved in joint activities with main line operating organizations, ARHS ACT Division, The Cooma-Monaro Railway Inc, ARHS Queensland Division, The Rail Motor Society and 3801 Ltd.

We would also once again like to commend, The Rail Motor Society, its crews and volunteers for the continuing excellent service provided on our tours.

The variety of tours members and their guests have enjoyed taking part in during the year are listed on page 13. Many thanks must go to Society Members and friends for supporting these tours and outings.

It was with great sadness that we record the death of our long serving Tours Committee member Ken Butt. His contribution and involvement as Tours Officer for many years and continuing as a committee member will always be appreciated and remembered. Our thanks also to other Committee members, Grahame Thurling, Bob Daniel and Ross Verdich for their assistance in making sure all tours went to plan. Our thanks also go to Ed Tonks for his special efforts in acting as our tour guide on his special tours. Also to Stuart Sharp, Gary Hughes and Ed Tonks again for their contributions to the joint ARHS Luncheon Club Tours especially the two-day Dungog and Singleton tour.

Our special thanks also must be given to Bill Phippen and the volunteers at the Railway Resources Centre for their assistance in the research, preparation and compilation of Tour Notes for our various tours throughout the year. ARHSnsw Tours looks forward to continuing to provide a variety of tours and outings in the coming year. Suggestions for tours and outings are always welcome from our members.If any member is interested in joining the Tours Committee, please contact the Tours Officer or any member of the Redfern Office staff. Your interest will be greatly appreciated. Spencer Ross, ARHSnsw Tours Director


RAILWAY LUNCHEON CLUBThe Railway Luncheon Club provides a daytime outing on the third Wednesday of most months to a suitable railway oriented venue, followed, as the name implies, by lunch at a nearby hotel or club. It affords a daytime opportunity for members and their friends to meet and talk with others on aspects of railways, as well as inspect facilities which often are not normally available.

Other than the cost of getting to the venue and purchasing lunch, there is no charge for outings. Should the tour involve entry fees, bus hire, overnight accommodation etc, these are charged to the participants.

These outings have again been a great success. Attendances have averaged around 35 – 40, with a record of 70 being set in December 2012. The convenors and tour leaders, Stuart Sharp and Gary Hughes, continue to provide a variety of places to visit, and are always open to suggestions for future venues.

During the year (May 2012 to April 2013) the places visited were:

May: Scenic World Katoomba

June: Strathfield Station

July: Dungog/Maitland/Singleton (2-days)

August: Eastwood Station

September: Otford Station

October: Emu Plains Station

November: Gosford Electrical Depot

December: Sydney Train Control

January: No outing

February: No outing. Informal lunch at Strathfield

March : Croydon Station

April: Newtown Station

Our thanks go to Stuart Sharp, Ed Tonks, John Oakes, Nev Pollard, Spencer Ross, Grahame Thurling and Ross Verdich for their regular assistance with these tours, as well as various officers from Railcorp who in most cases make these outings possible.

As a footnote, we understand that the Victorian Division of the ARHS has now formed a group along similar lines to ours.

Gary Hughes, Manager, Railway Luncheon Club.

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MEMBERSHIP & ADMINISTRATION

Society membership as at 30 April 2013 was 1380 - slightly less than the 1389 a year ago.

Volunteer Grahame Thurling wears many hats for the NSW Division: He is its Honorary Secretary; he processess/despatches all mail, phone and web orders; bookshop sales; administrative duties; and provides relief/assistance as required in the bookshop, RRC and for the General Manager. It is probably easier to state what he doesn’t do and that is work on the Division’s magzines! He pops up everywhere else and is the very visable stalwart of the Division.

Barry Millner continues with his role as membership and subscriptions officer using QA4 software. The new subscription system being put together by George Gettens using Microsoft Access-based software is getting closer to implemenation. Administrative staff will able to assist Barry in entering membership and subscription details. Importantly, the old subscription Q&A software will only run on the Windows XP computers now gradually being phased out at Redfern.

The Society has 16 computers connected to the Redfern server, plus those at the bookshop and Alexandria connected via a VPN link. Three laptops are also in use. Warringah IT continues to perform routine maintenance and upgrades to the Society’s computer system, as well as supplying new PCs and solving computer and server problems.

The Redfern building is still in good repair. The Council is of the opinion that essential repairs and minor refurbishment only is to be undertaken given the long term future of the building is doubtful. Replacement of the RRC’s rear sliding door was undertaken during the year as the old door just would not slide anymore, only grind. The anti-burglar grill mounted outside made refurbishment of the existing door impossible.

Alexandria has been maintenance free and is well-looked after by the RRC volunteers who have made this their workplace.

Ross Verdich

NEWCASTLEAttendances at our Entertainment Meetings

were generally satisfactory. Unusually, the majority of our guest speakers were not from among our own members and regular visitors.

Again members of the Branch assisted at the Division’s display and sales stand at the Our Town Hobbies Exhibition at the Newcastle Jockey Club, and a small group manned a display and sales stand at the Newcastle Regional Show in conjunction with the local ‘umbrella’organisation Heritage Hunter.

John Barnes, Branch Secretary


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Dexhibitors. Bruce Belbin attended a number of presentations during the course of the event and caught up with a few industry identities.

Under the stewardship of Michael James, our Facebook page continued to prosper. Late in the year, however, a change in employment and a move interstate forced Michael to take a secondary role. Fortunately, Kevin Mirah, who manages the Facebook page for the ARHSnsw Railway Bookshop so effectively, generously offered to take on the management of the Digest page as well.

As in previous years, Railway Digest was the beneficiary of a steady stream of quality contributions from a wide range of supporters. Notable among these were Steve Ban, Phil Buckley, Colin Butcher, Adrian Compton, Ken Date, Dominik Giemza, Bob Grant, John Hoyle, Maikha Ly, Ewan McLean, Rod Milne and Neville Pollard, though many others also provided valuable material. For this, we thank them all most sincerely, for without their support, there would be no Railway Digest.

Throughout the year, David Campbell, Graham Vincent and Michael James maintained the high standard of their quarterly ‘Signalling & Infrastructure’ section, while John Beckhaus and Peter Clark continued to edit the magazine’s well-regarded quarterly ‘Rolling Stock contracts and deliveries’, providing a comprehensive listing of recent contracts and deliveries, as well as interesting information on locomotive, rolling stock and light rail developments.

The quarterly ‘Remember When‘ section featured a diverse range of subjects, including a ride on the Roma rail motor in 1992 and steam excursions in Tasmania in 1991, while Ken Date’s quarterly International News pages continued to provide an interesting insight into current railway and light rail developments throughout the world.

In October a new Railway Digest masthead, and a new layout for the contents page, were introduced, the existing ones having served the magazine since May 2008. The reaction from the readership to the new look was overwhelmingly positive.

In March, we celebrated 50 years of Railway Digest , with a special issue featuring reminiscences by past editors and major players in the Digest story, and a reproduction of the front page of the very first issue – Vol.1 No.1 March 1963 Price: 1/- [one shilling].

In recent times, there have been many requests, particularly from overseas subscribers, for Digest to be made available in digital format, and as the financial year drew to a close, the first steps were taken to introduce a digital subscription option for Digest readers during 2013.

Finally, thanks are due to the Society’s Council, management and staff for t heir ongoing encouragement and assistance, and to the magazine’s contributors, volunteers and readers for their continuing loyalty and support of Railway Digest. Bruce Belbin, Editor

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Published monthly by the Australian Railway Historical Society (NSW Division)

Signalling and Infrastructure: Regional Rail Link Works

Riding with The FoxSydney farewells the monorail

August 2013 • $9.50

A greener future for Australian RailNSW Fixing the Trains reforms beginBy G-train from Guangzhou to Changsha

Despite a sluggish retail market, Railway Digest held its own throughout the year, with a

strong, consistent level of sales. As one would expect from an inclusive, broad spectrum railway magazine, the contents covered a wide range of subjects, including rail industry issues, operations, economics & politics, rail travel, locomotives & rolling stock and heritage & tourism.

As National Affairs editor, John Birchmeier proved a worthy successor to his long-time predecessor, John Hoyle, doing a first-rate job producing our well-regarded news pages. Unfortunately, the pressure of other commitments created difficulties for John, and later in the year he expressed a desire to stand down once a suitable replacement could be found. We were fortunate to obtain the services of former Digest sub-editor Lawrance Ryan, who agreed to take on the challenging role, beginning with the July issue. Our sincere thanks are due to John for a job well done.

Bruce Belbin and Shane O’Neil continued to perform their roles of Editor and Assistant Editor/Photo Editor respectively. Richard Whitford, although predominantly involved in his role as Editor of Australian Railway History, provided some valuable advice and assistance. Darren Tulk continued to provide reliable proofreading and invaluable copy-editing services, as well as contributing news from the sunshine state and the occasional article.

Australian Railway Association CEO Bryan Nye continued his informative bi-monthly column in our news pages, and this year Digest again participated as a media partner in AusRAIL, the rail industry’s flagship yearly event. Held on 27-28 November at the National Convention Centre, Canberra, AusRAIL 2012 attracted over 1500 delegates and 120+


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For the Society’s financial year 2012/2013, Australian Railway History magazine was

published monthly, with 11 being regular 32-page issues and one special 48-page issue.

Richard Whitford held the editorship duties for the period and was also responsible for layout and design. Peter Sellars continued as general proof-reader for all articles, while primary editorial assistance was received from Ben Barnes. Valuable proofing and help was received from many other people. Maps and diagrams produced by Bob Stack on a regular basis were also much appreciated.

Article supply has been strong, with regular authors contributing many articles, but also new authors stepping-up. Trevor Edmonds contributed many articles, including major features: ‘A Locomotive Blown to Fragments’; ‘Christmas Greetings, Mr Fraser’; ‘Pushing the Railway Line North’ and the series on the misadventures of locomotive 3817; ‘231 Miles 45 Chains 32 Feet’; ‘The Big Lift’; ‘The Other Accidents of 3817’, plus several smaller articles. Trevor also helped secure the article by Rachel Hollis ‘Robbery Under Arms — The Eveleigh Heist, 1914’.

Neville Pollard produced a series on grain handling in NSW through the ages: ‘Silo to Seaboard’; ‘Striving to Keep Up’; ‘Moving NSW Wheat 1970s and ’80s Style’ (co-authored by Terry Boardman and John Brown). Associated articles for the grain series were supplied by Robert Driver, Geoff Attwell and Wal Lane. Nev also authored ‘Rates, Railways and Riverboats — The Riverina’s 19th Century Wool War’ and ‘Exploring the Castle’.

Jim Longworth contributed informative pieces on unusual railway history ‘A Railway by any other name would run on rails — Heraldry

of the NSWGR’ and ‘Reading the Railway Landscape — Strathfield–Emu Plains’.

Bob Stack managed to bring together three people who had worked with Australia’s biggest and heaviest rail vehicle, Phil Robinson, Roger Urech and Ray Wright to produce ‘NZZA 800 Special Heavy Load Wagon’. Bob also produced many of his fine diagrams and maps for the article.

Rod Milne’s article ‘The Centenary of Rail to Taree’ was part of a feature on the North Coast line and the magazine was sold at the Taree Centenary celebrations during May. Evelyn Joyce and Stephen Halgren also supplied articles for this issue, along with Trevor Edmonds’ aforementioned North Coast article.

Our 900th edition (October 2012) was marked by a 48-page special edition featuring a ‘900’ theme. The response from requests from the editor was so successful that the celebrations overflowed into the November issue. We would like to thank the two major feature writers: Des Egan, ‘The 900 Class locomotives of the South Australian Railways’; and Peter Neve ‘Worms to the Bush — The 900 Class DEB Sets of the NSWGR’, along with the many knowledgeable people they encompassed to put these articles together. Other articles for the 900th edition were contributed by Owen Roberts, Bill Casley, Allan Tilley, Adrian Gunzburg, Philip Dunn, Jeff Austin and Graham Watson. Former Railway Digest editor, Chris Walters stepped in to help get the issue to press when it became necessary for the editor to take bereavement leave with the deadline approaching.

Interstate articles were healthy, not just in the 900th edition, but throughout the year, with many NSW-centric articles encompassing other states. Andrew Everett wrote the story of Charles Hesterman Merz, the man behind Melbourne’s electrification ‘Electrifier Extraordinaire’; Peter Knife supplied ‘Locomotive 259 — South Australian Railways inter nal combustion experiment of 1913’. Peter Gould wrote a piece on WA’s Boyerine Disaster, Jeff Austin and Graham Watson also supplied ‘The Traffic Offices of the WAGR’. Graeme Castleton wrote of his memories in the Victorian Railways Signal and Telegraph Division ‘Test Room Travels’ and Brian Patterson wrote of his ‘Experiences of a General Relief Assistant Station Master’. Dale Budd interviewed John Dunn about his recollections of one of the ARHS’ founders, C C Singleton. We also had a previously unpublished article by another founder of the society, Giff Eardley’s ‘The A Class Locomotives of the NSWGR’.

Newsagent sales of t he magazine were particularly strong for the 900th celebrations, and also the 3817 feature and North Coast features.

Richard Whitford, Editor


OTH

ER P

UBLI

CATI

ONS

OTHER PUBLICATIONSPublications Meetings have been held during the

reporting period May 2012 to April 2013. The meetings, however, have been held within the continued backdrop of restraints imposed by financial restrictions and a reduction in overall trading conditions due in the main to the current economic conditions. This has placed an impost on the publication of books and a lean publication list that has been mindful of the general financial climate and expectation of sales.

Nevertheless work has continued on a number of manuscripts involving continued research and clarification of information that has come to light. As in previous years it is worth repeating that these manuscripts are under long term consideration but active development by the Committee and are subject to the strictures previously mentioned. Some work on some texts have again been deferred for the time being for reasons such as the need for further research or by other pressing commitments to projects that the author may be involved with. Again some offered manuscripts have had to be declined after careful review.

Opportunities have arisen to develop two manuscripts from original drafts held by the Division for many years. Both are the work of the late Cyril Corbet-Singleton better known as Sing, a founder of the Society. The first relates to an original draft manuscript for a proposed book on railways in Australia written in 1958 and authored by C C Singleton and later published but co-authored with David Burke as Railways of Australia. For historical purposes it can now be considered as a reference book as at 1958.

The second relates to a manuscript titled To the Fertile Plains Beyond - The Story of the Crossing of the Blue Mountains, N.S.W.

Work continues to bring them to publishable form and while one can be considered complete a decision will be made as to the most appropriate format they may be eventually published for research purposes. For historical purposes they will remain as drafted for the era for which they were originally written. Briefly the books published for the reporting period include:

•A new edition of John Oakes’ Sydney’s Forgotten City Railways was reprinted and published in September 2012.

•A new edition of John Oakes’ Sydney’s Central was been reprinted and released in November 2012 with a new cover and an updated text.

•A revised edition, with enhancements, of John Oakes’ Sydney Forgotten Goods Railways was published in late February 2013.

Each book is a very welcome addition to this successful group of books by John Oakes.

Again it is very important to record with sincere thanks the work of the members of the Publications Committee, the Division’s Railway Resource Centre, divisional members and many others for their generous assistance and contribution to the Division’s publications activities. All participation and assistance is gratefully acknowledged.

Ian Fathers, Publications Officer

City RailwaysForgotten

John Oakes

Australian Railway Historical SocietyNew South Wales Division

Central–Museum–St James–Town Hall–Wynyard–Circular Quay–North Sydney

SYDNEY’S FORGOTTEN CITY

RAILWAYS

JOHN OAKES

FOR ALL WHOARE INTERESTED

IN RAILWAYS

ARHS/nsw

SY

DNEY'S


IN RAILWAYS

SYDNEY’S CENTRAL JOHN O

AKES ARHS/NSW

CENTRAL

John Oakes

Australian Railway Historical SocietyNew South Wales Division

Goods Railways

John Oakes

BOTANY−DARLING HARBOUR−ROZELLE−ENFIELD−ABATTOIRS−CHULLORA

ForgottenSY

DNEY'S

AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Sydney’s Forgotten Goods R

ailways

John Oakes


IN RAILWAYS


2012-2013 TOURS PROGRAM 16 May 2012 Joint ARHS Luncheon Club tour to Scenic World Katoomba.

15-18 June 2012 Brisbane & Beyond Rail Cruise in 621/721 with The Rail Motor Society & ARHS Qld Division. 17/18 July 2012 Joint ARHS Luncheon Club tour to Dungog and Singleton. 11 August 2012 In the Wake of The General Gordon Hawkesbury River & Bridges Tour. 20 October 2012 Kandos with 3801 Ltd and to mark 50th Anniversary of 4501 into service. 27/28 October 2012 Cooma-Monaro Railway CPH/Coach Tour. 25 November 2012 3016 Delivery run from Goulburn with 3801 Ltd. 2 December 2012 End-of-Year Function at Lake Macquarie Light Rail at Toronto. 20 January 2013 Another Summers Day on the South Coast with The Rail Motor Society in 621/721. 17 February 2013 3016 Steam to the Suburbs Carlingford & Richmond tour with 3801 Ltd. 9-10 March 2013 ARHS Qld Division WineLander Tour to Wallan-Garra. 10 March 2013 3016 Steam to the Suburbs Lavender Bay & Gosford tour with 3801 Ltd. 2 April 2013 Another Summer’s Day on the South Coast 2nd Division with The Rail Motor Society. 28/29 April 2013 Hunter Region Bridges and Beyond Tour with Ed Tonks.

2012-2013 SYDNEY MEMBERS’ MEETINGS SPEAKERS May Trevor Edmonds The Future of Our Past June Allan Baird Illawarra Steam DVD Part Two July Mike Moy Train Operations August Ed Tonks Adamstown to Fernleigh September DVD Presentation Chinese Narrow Gauge Coal Railway October Gary Hughes Broken Hill November Ian Sheppard Redbank Tunnel Deviation December Members Slide & DVD Night January Warren Miller Indian Railway Mayhem February Roy Howarth The Bruce Cook Slide Collection Presentation March Trevor Edmonds Rocky Ponds Accident April John Ward Sydney Harbour Ferries and Shipping

2012-2013 NEWCASTLE MEMBERS’ MEETINGS SPEAKERS May Annual Meeting, Election of Officers, Photographic competition and Quiz June Michael Taylor &Angus Webster Slide show on European railways July Russell Butterworth Slides of Caribbean holiday in 1984 August Allan Baird Miles to Griffith Bros Teas Part 1 September Gary Hughes Broken Hill October Mike Moy Train Operations November Allan Baird Miles to Griffith Bros Teas Part 2 December Bill Harrison DVD presentation on recent railway events January Warren Miller Indian Railway Mayhem February Graham Black Jack Overhaul at Lake Macquarie Light Rail March Ian Sheppard Mining Beneath the Main Southern Railway - Past and Future Challengers April John Ward 1970s Slide and Photo Presentation


AUSTRALIAN RAILWAY HISTORICAL SOCIETYNew South Wales Division

ACN 000 538 803DIRECTORS’ REPORT

Your Councillors submit this report on the Society for the financial year ended 30 April 2013.

1. The names and details of the Councillors in office during the year and to the date of this report, together with their areas of responsibility, year of original appointment/election and attendance at Council meetings held during the year to 30 April 2013, are:

Nicole Buckley. Age 48 years. Catering Aide. Councillor since September 2011.

Ian W Fathers. JP, B. Leg. S (Macquarie). Age 67 years. Retired public servant. Councillor since 1999. Previously Councillor 1986 – 1990. Minute Secretary.

George W Gettens. Age 71 years. Retired bank officer. Councillor since 1997. Previously a Councillor and Treasurer 1967–1971 and 1986–1992, Secretary 1997–2001. President since 2009.

Murray C Harper. B.Comm., CPA. Age 73 years. Accountant. Councillor since 1994, Treasurer since 1996. Vice President since 2009.

Geoffery H Moss. Age 82 years. Retired NSW railway employee. Councillor since 2009.

Michael J Nicholls. Age 55 years. RailCorp employee. Councillor since September 2008.

Neville J Pollard. JP BA MEd. Dip. Theol. Teach. Cert. Age 67 years, Retired High School Principal. Education Consultant. Councillor since 2007.

Spencer C Ross. C.T.M., FCIT. Age 72 years. Bus consultant. Councillor since 2001. Previously Councillor 1968–1971.

Grahame L Thurling. Age 66 years. Retired bank officer. Councillor since 1996. Secretary since November 2004.

Directors’ Meeting Attendance:

Number Eligible to Attend Attended

N Buckley 6 6

IW Fathers 6 6

GW Gettens 6 5

MC Harper 6 6

GH Moss 6 5

MJ Nicholls 6 6

NJ Pollard 6 5

SC Ross 6 6

GL Thurling 6 6



ACN 000 538 803INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR

ENDED 30 APRIL 2013

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements

Revenues from Ordinary ActivitiesChanges in InventoriesMembership Subscription RevenueInterest Revenue

Direct Costs incurred in Receiving RevenuesEmployee ExpenseDepreciation ExpenseProvision for Archive RestorationAuditors RemunerationOther Expenses from Ordinary Activities

Surplus from Ordinary Activities before Income Tax

Income Tax relating to Activities

Surplus from Activities

Note

2

12

2012$

1,560,747(8,000)34,10816,247

(831,396)(430,400)

(17,220)(20,000)

(5,000)(195,943)

103,143

-

103,143

2013$

1,449,90731,95235,99618,302

(822,806)(453,599)

(13,281)0

(5,500)(207,336)

33,635

-

33,635


2012$

509,461115,875142,949

768,285

12,0002,009,808

2,021,808

2,790,093

200,519214,391114,500

529,410

529,410

2,260,683

1,001,6391,259,044

2,260,683


ACN 000 538 803BALANCE SHEET AS AT 30 APRIL 2013

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

AssetsCurrent Assets

Cash & Cash EquivalentsReceivables/PrepaymentsInventories

Total Current Assets

InvestmentsInvestment advance to Rail Motor SocietyProperty, Plant and Equipment

Total Non-Current Assets

Total Assets

Current LiabilitiesPayablesIncome in AdvanceProvisions

Total Current Liabilities

Total Liabilities

Net Assets

Members’ FundsReservesRetained Earnings

Total Members Funds

Note

345

67

89

10

2013$

646,16189,971

110,997

847,129

9,0002,013,975

2,022,975

2,870,104

254,170207,116114,500

575,786

575,786

2,294,318

1,001,6391,292,679

2,294,318



ACN 000 538 803CASH FLOW STATEMENT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2013

The accompanying notes form part of these financial statements.

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

Receipts from CustomersPayments to Suppliers and EmployeesInterest Received

Net Cash provided by Operating Activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities Purchases of Plant and Equipment & PropertyRepayment of InvestmentMortgage Advance/Repayment

Net Cash used in Investing Activities

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash Held

Cash at Beginning of Financial Year

Cash at End of Financial Year

Notes

13

3

2012$

1,869,129(1,782,584)

16,248

102,793

(7,029)3,000

(9,391)

(13,420)

89,373

420,088

509,461

2013$

1,816,441(1,683,595)

18,302

151,148

(14,448)

0

(14,448)

136,700

509,461

646,161

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITYFOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2013

Balance 1 May 2011

Surplus attributed to Members

Balance 30 April 2012

Surplus attributed to Members

Balance 30 April 2013

Total

$2,157,540

103,143

2,260,683

33,635

2,294,318

CapitalReserve

$140,720

140,720

140,720

BequestReserve

$31,544

31,544

31,544

Capital Revaluation

Reserve$

829,375

829,375

829,375

Retained Profits

$1,155,901

103,143

1,259,044

33,635

1,292,679


These notes form part of the financial statements.

NOTE 1: STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The financial report is a special purpose financial report that has been prepared in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001.The financial report is for the Australian Railway Historical Society New South Wales Division as an individual entity, incorporated and domiciled in Australia. Basis of Preparation The report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Corporations Act 2001, and the following applicable Australian Accounting Standards and Australian Accounting Interpretations. AASB 101: Presentation of Financial Statements; AASB 107: Cash Flow Statements; AASB 108: Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors; AASB 110: Events after the Balance Sheet Date; AASB 1004: Contributions; AASB 1031: Materiality; and AASB 1048: Interpretation and Application of Standards. No other Accounting Standards, Accounting Interpretations or other authoritative pronouncements of the Australian Accounting Standards Board have been applied.Reporting Basis and ConversionsThe financial report has been prepared on an accruals basis and is based on historical costs. It does not take into account changing money values or, except where stated, current valuations of non current assets. Cost is based on the fair values of the consideration given in exchange for assets. The following is a summary of the material accounting policies adopted by the entity in the preparation of the financial report. The accounting policies have been consistently applied, unless otherwise stated. Accounting Policies a. Revenue Revenue from the sale of goods is recognised upon the delivery of goods to customers. Revenue from the rendering of a service is recognised upon the delivery of the service to the customers. All revenue is stated net of the amount of goods and services tax (GST).b. Inventories Inventories are measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Costs are assigned on first in first out basis and include expenditure incurred in acquiring the inventory and bringing it

to its existing condition and location.c. Property, Plant and Equipment Each class of property, plant and equipment is carried at cost or fair values are indicated, less, where applicable, accumulated

depreciation and impairment losses. Property Freehold land and buildings are shown at their fair value based on periodic, but at least triennial, valuations by external

independent valuers, less subsequent depreciation for buildings. Increases in the carrying amount arising on revaluation of land and buildings are credited to a revaluation reserve in

equity. Decreases that offset previous increases of the same class of asset are charged against fair value reserves directly in equity; all other decreases are charged to the income statement. Each year the difference between depreciation based on the revalued carrying amount of the asset charged to the income statement and depreciation based on the asset’s original cost is transferred from the revaluation reserve to retained earnings.

Any accumulated depreciation at the date of revaluation is eliminated against the gross carrying amount of the asset and the net amount is restated to the revalued amount of the asset.

Plant and Equipment Plant and equipment are measured on the cost basis less depreciation and impairment losses. The carrying amount of plant and equipment is reviewed annually by directors to ensure it is not in excess of the recoverable

amount from these assets. The recoverable amount is assessed on the basis of the expected net cash flows that will be received from the assets employment and subsequent disposal. The expected net cash flows have been discounted to their present values in determining recoverable amounts.

Depreciation The depreciable amount of all fixed assets including buildings and capitalised lease assets, but excluding freehold land, is

depreciated on a straight line basis over the asset’s useful life to the economic entity commencing from the time the asset is held ready for use. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of either the unexpired period of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the improvements.

The depreciation rates used for each class of depreciable assets are:

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2013



Class of Fixed Asset Depreciation Rate Leasehold Improvements 33.3% Plant and equipment 33.3% The assets’ residual values and useful lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. An asset’s carrying amount is written down immediately to its recoverable amount if the asset’s carrying amount is greater

than its estimated recoverable amount. Gains and losses on disposals are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount. These gains or losses are

included in the income statement. When revalued assets are sold, amounts included in the revaluation reserve relating to that asset are transferred to retained earnings.

d. Impairment of Assets At each reporting date, the entity reviews the carrying values of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether

there is any indication that those assets have been impaired. If such an indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset, being the higher of the asset’s fair value less costs to sell and value in use, is compared to the asset’s carrying value. Any excess of the asset’s carrying value over its recoverable amount is expensed to the Income Statement.

Where the future economic benefits of the asset are not primarily dependent upon on the assets ability to generate net cash inflows and when the entity would, if deprived of the asset, replace its remaining future economic benefits, value in use is depreciated replacement cost of an asset.

Where it is not possible to estimate the recoverable amount of a class of asset, the entity estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs.

e. Employee Benefits Provision is made for the entity’s liability for employee benefits arising from services rendered by employees to Balance

Sheet date. Employee benefits expected to be settled within one year together with benefits arising from wages, salaries and annual leave which may be settled after one year, have been measured at the amounts expected to be paid when the liability is settled plus related on costs.

Contributions are made by the entity to an employee superannuation fund and are charged as expenses when incurred.f. Cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits held at-call with banks, other short-term highly liquid investments

with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.g. Goods and Services Tax (GST) Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised net of the amount of GST, except where the amount of GST incurred is

not recoverable from the Australian Taxation Office. In these circumstances the GST is recognised as part of the cost of acquisition of the asset or as part of an item of expense. Receivables and payables in the Balance Sheet are shown inclusive of GST.

Cash flows are presented in the Cashflow Statement on a gross basis, except for the GST component of investing and financing activities, which are disclosed as operating cash flows.

h. Income Tax No provision for income tax has been raised, as the entity is exempt from income tax under Division 50 of the Income Tax

Assessment Act 1997.i. Provisions Provisions are recognised when the entity has a legal or constructive obligation, as a result of past events, for which it is

probable that an outflow of economic benefits will result and that outflow can be reliably measured.j. Comparative Figures Where required by Accounting Standards comparative figures have been adjusted to conform with changes in presentation

for the current financial year.k. Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgments The directors evaluate estimates and judgments incorporated into the financial report based on historical

knowledge and best available current information. Estimates assume a reasonable expectation of future events and are based on current trends and economic data, obtained both externally and within the group.

Keyestimates—Impairment

The entity assesses impairment at each reporting date by evaluating conditions specific to the entity that may lead to impairment of assets. Where an impairment trigger exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is determined. Value-in-use or current replacement cost calculations performed in assessing recoverable amounts incorporate a number of key estimates.

The financial report was authorised for issue on 12th August 2013 by the board of directors.



These notes form part of the financial statements

Cash flows (used in),/provided by operating activities NOTE 2: PROFIT

2013 2012After charging the following as an expense: $ $

Depreciation and Amortisation 13,281 17,220Remuneration of auditor— audit or review 5,500 5,000

NOTE 3: CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS2013 2012

$ $Cash at bank 644,961 508,261Cash on hand 1,200 1,200

646,161 509,461

NOTE 4: TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES2013 2012

$ $

Trade receivables 86,402 109,712Prepayments 3,569 6,163

89,971 115,875

2013 2012NOTE 5: INVENTORIES $ $CURRENT (at cost)

Stock – Retail Publications 96,466 101,322 – Society Book Publications 14,531 41,627

110,997 142,949

NOTE 6: OTHER ASSETS2013 2012

$ $INVESTMENTS

Rail Motor Society – Advance (interest free) 9,000 12,000

NOTE 7: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT2013 2012

$ $PROPERTY Freehold Land and Buildings

- Redfern – at directors’ valuation 1,300,000 1,200,000- Alexandria – at directors’ valuation 700,000 800,000

2,000,000 2,000,000Leasehold Improvements

-Rail Heritage Central Bookshop - at cost 59,678 59,678Less amortisation 59,678 59,678

0 0PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

Plant and equipment – at cost 152,252 134,804 Less accumulated depreciation 138,277 124,996Total plant and equipment 13,975 9,808Total property, plant and equipment 2,013,975 2,009,808



These notes from part of the financial statements

NOTE 8: TRADE AND OTHER PAYABLES2013 2012

$ $CURRENT

Trade payables 196,530 145,304Employee benefits 52,140 50,215Audit Fees 5,500 5,000

254,170 200,519

NOTE 9: INCOME IN ADVANCE2013 2012

$ $Subscriptions Prepaid 207,116 214,391

NOTE 10: PROVISIONS2013 2012

$ $CURRENT

Archive Records Restoration 66,500 66,500Building Maintenance 48,000 48,000

114,500 114,500

NOTE 11: INCOME TAXThe Council of the Society is of the opinion that the Society is exempt from income tax under Section 50-10 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Tax effect accounting has not been adopted.

NOTE 12: CASH FLOW INFORMATIONReconciliation of cash flow from operations with operating surplus after income tax

2013$

2012$

Surplus after income tax 33,635 103,143Non cash flows in profit

Depreciation and amortisation 13,281 17,220Changes in assets and liabilities

(Increase)/Decrease in receivables/prepayments 25,904 (16,500) Increase/(Decrease) in subscriptions prepaid (7,275) (5,558) (Increase)/Decrease in inventories 31,952 (8,000) (Decrease)/Increase in provisions 0 20,000(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables 53,651 (7,512)

Cash flows (used in),/provided by operating activities 151,148 102,793

NOTE 13: CAPITAL MANAGEMENTManagement control the capital of the entity to ensure that adequate cash flows are generated to fund its services to ensure returns are maximised.

NOTE 14: ENTITY DETAILSThe registered office of the company is:

Australian Railway Historical Society New South Wales Division67 Renwick Street REDFERN NSW 2016






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