Transport Heritage NSW recently welcomed 45 representatives from 21 independent heritage transport organisations from across the state to the NSW Rail Museum for the first Sector Development Day of 2026.

The program featured four professional development sessions designed to share knowledge, foster collaboration and support capability building across the sector. Representatives from the Ladysmith Tourist Railway presented on a range of recent initiatives, including the commencement of operations across level crossings and the restoration of a gangway carriage. The Byron Bay Solar Train shared insights into the organisation’s origins, ongoing innovation and community impact.

Transport Heritage NSW also delivered sessions on conspicuity and visibility in heritage rail operations, as well as effective management of the volunteer involvement lifecycle.

Sector Development Days are a cornerstone of the THNSW Sector Program, providing independent museums and heritage transport operators with opportunities to share experiences, strengthen skills and build valuable professional networks.

The event marked both the first Sector Development Day to be held at the NSW Rail Museum since before the pandemic and the largest gathering of heritage operators hosted by THNSW in recent years.

Transport Heritage NSW extends its thanks to all participating organisations, along with the staff and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of the day.

Groups in attendance

• Byron Bay Railroad Company (Byron Solar Train)

• Campbelltown Steam and Machinery Museum Association Inc.

• Canberra Railway Museum

• Cooma Monaro Railway

• East Coast Heritage Rail

• Goulburn Crookwell Heritage Railway Inc

• Illawarra Light Railway Museum Society

• Ladysmith Tourist Railway – speaker, Carolyn Dumont.

• MV Cape Don/Sea Heritage Foundation

• Oberon Taran Heritage Railway Inc

• Dubbo rail museum

• Richmond Vale Mine Railway

• Sydney Road Transport Museum

• Steam Tram & Railway Preservation Co-Op Society Ltd.

• Sydney Tramway Museum

• The Railmotor Society Inc.

• Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum

• Wagga Wagga Rail Heritage Association

• Yass Railway Heritage Centre

• Zig Zag Railway