I have an existing adult or senior/concession membership on the pre-2017 structure, what does this mean for me?

If you currently have an adult or senior/concession membership on the pre-2017 structure, by now you will have received an email with a link to renew in the current structure.

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If you have an existing adult membership, your fee will increase from $70 to $90 per year.

 

If you have an existing senior/concession membership, your fee will increase from $58 to $70 per year.

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If you eligible for the THNSW volunteer discount (80 hours or more), you can renew at the volunteer rate.

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For instructions on how to renew your membership, click here.

 

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I have an existing family or senior family membership on the pre-2017 structure, what does this mean for me?

If you currently have a family or senior family membership on the pre-2017 structure, our customer service team will call you to discuss your renewal options and process your renewal over the phone.

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The primary contact listed on your existing family membership will receive a call from a member of our customer service team by 17 September. If you miss this call, or would like to renew as soon as possible, please call our customer service team on 1300 11 55 99.

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For current membership types and pricing, see the THNSW Membership page.

 

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Why are you removing family memberships?

Since 2017, THNSW has maintained two separate membership structures – one for members who joined prior to 2017 and the current structure, which has been in place since 2017.

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The ability to join as a family member ended when the current structure was introduced in 2017.

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Our analysis found of the existing 277 family and senior family memberships, 213 had no children attached to their family or senior family membership.

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This essentially means the bulk of our existing family memberships are in fact couples without children.

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Moving forward, THNSW will now empower couples and households to decide the types of memberships they wish to maintain.

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For example, a couple can now purchase one membership with Roundhouse magazine, while the other can pay a cheaper rate without the magazine.

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In addition, all THNSW members will now be entitled to bring one (1) child FREE to the NSW Rail Museum, including on loop line heritage train rides (excluding during special events) and a new youth membership has been introduced for those aged 13 to 17 years of age.

 

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Why are you removing child memberships?

Under the THNSW constitution, under 18s are not eligible to vote, hence making a child membership almost obsolete by its own nature.

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However, those who are aged 13 to 17 can now renew or join as a ‘ Youth Non-Voting’ member.

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We will also be working to position the NSW Rail Museum Annual Pass as the main product for families, as well as young children, in the marketplace.

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In addition, all THNSW members will now be entitled to bring one (1) child FREE to the NSW Rail Museum, including on loop line heritage train rides (excluding during special events).

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I joined after 2017, how does this impact me?

If you joined after 2017, you are not impacted by these changes. However, we are pleased to be introducing new benefits for all members as detailed in the next answer below.

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What are the new member benefits?

As a Transport Heritage NSW member, you can now bring one (1) child FREE when visiting the NSW Rail Museum, including on Thirlmere Heritage Railway train rides (excluding during special events).

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This is in addition to your current membership benefits, which include:

• Unlimited FREE entry to the NSW Rail Museum, including unlimited FREE train rides on the Thirlmere Heritage Railway (excluding during special events).

• Unlimited FREE entry to the Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum.

• 10% discount on all merchandise at the NSW Rail Museum store.

• Pre-sale opportunities for upcoming tours and special events.

• Access to member only events and communications, including member forums, AGMs and monthly email updates.

• Ability to have a say as a THNSW constitutional member.

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We are also working with a range of institutions to expand your membership benefits, including with the Australian National Maritime Museum, Australian Museum, The Workshops Rail Museum (Queensland), Puffing Billy (Victoria) and more!

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These new benefits will be added to the THNSW membership page and announced in eNews as they’re finalised.

 

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Won’t making Roundhouse optional make the magazine less viable?

No. During the recent THNSW membership survey, the vast majority of members indicated Roundhouse was one of the primary reasons for being a THNSW member.

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While not a requirement, the magazine has been made optional to provide those who live in the same household the flexibility of purchasing membership with Roundhouse and a second, third, or more memberships without.

 

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How can you justify increasing membership fees?

While members on the pre-2017 structure will now have to pay more to renew their membership under the current structure, this will be the first price increase for those members since 2017.  The current structure pricing has not increased since it was first introduced in 2017.

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These changes are also being introduced following a 12-month fee free year.

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In recognition of the fact we have once again been required to suspend our operating program and temporarily close our museums due to COVID, we are offering members who renew onto the current structure a further four months free when they renew by 30 September.  This means you won’t be required to renew again until January 2023.

 

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If I renew on the current structure, do I get to keep my membership number?

Yes. If you renew your membership by 30 September, you will be able to keep your existing membership number. However, please note if you let your membership lapse – we cannot re-attach your old membership number to your profile and you will receive a new one.

 

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Why does each member need a unique email address?

Your email address is your unique identifier and is what allows you to access your profile, update your details, purchase tickets at discounted member rates and reset your password.

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For this reason, you are unable to purchase and maintain multiple memberships under one email address.

 

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Do we still get membership cards?

Yes. When purchasing or renewing your membership, you will be asked for your delivery method preference.

 

You have two options:

1. ‘eTicket’ – you will only be issued a digital membership card (i.e. eTicket), OR

2. ‘Mail’ – you will be issued a printed membership card sent by mail.

 

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I don’t have a debit or credit card, how do I renew?

If you do not have a debit or credit card, please contact our customer service team on 1300 11 55 99 for assistance.