BCSV

BCSV February Tour: Martyrs & McKenzies
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:30 (Australia/Melbourne) | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The BCSV’s first event for 2024 will be a depot tour of both Martyrs and McKenzies on Saturday 24th of February 2024. Rides will also feature at both depots.
PICK-UP UPDATE
Following changes to the Level Crossing Removal line closures, the tour will now have two pickup points, one at Caulfield Station at 9am (624 Kew stop on Sir John Monash Dr – north side of station) and the other at Lilydale station at 10am (rail replacement bay on the south-west side of the station).
A Belgrave train leaves Flinders Street at 8.46am and arrives at Ringwood at 9.38am for a connecting shuttle to Lilydale at 9.40am with arrival at Lilydale at 9.57am. We will await this train at Lilydale.

From Lilydale we will travel to Martyrs in Warburton with an arrival at about 11am for photos and some rides.
At about 12:30pm we head over to Healesville arriving at McKenzie’s at about 1pm where attendees will have a BBQ lunch followed by opportunities for photography and some rides.
We anticipate a return to Blackburn at about 4.30pm.
Other pickup points may be added closer to the tour depending upon demand and availability or changes to the rail replacement program.
Sincere thanks to the Dineen Group for offering to host us once again.
COST
Tour costs will be $10 for members and $20 for non-members, with under 18s half price. This includes your BBQ lunch.
FOUR & A BIT MEMBERSHIPS

New members can join this month until 30 June for $20 ($15 students/pensioners) and travel on the discounted members’ fare – a saving of $10!
PDF form – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV-Membership-form-special-offer-2023-24-1.pdf
Word form – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV-Membership-form-special-offer-2023-24.docx
RSVP
To aid catering, those wishing to attend are requested to notify the BCSV Secretary, Paul Kennelly, at secretary@bcsv.org.au

RSVPs to the Facebook event page do not confirm attendance but can be made to receive tour update notifications.
SAFETY
A reminder that hi-vis vests/shirts are required to be worn when visiting depots on BCSV tours.
A page outfling BCSV tour etiquette can be found here – https://bcsv.org.au/events-overview/tour-etiquette

BCSV March Overnight Tour: Stawell & Hamilton
2024-03-23 08:00 - 2024-03-24 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria is currently seeking expressions of interest for an overnight tour on 23rd/24th March 2024 to Stawell and Hamilton in Western Victoria.
We will visit Sandlant’s museum in Landsborough and their depot in Stawell on Saturday 23rd March.
On Sunday 24th March, we will visit the Ansett Museum and Campe’s Motor Museum, both based in Hamilton.
Our overnight accommodation will be in Hamilton at the Comfort Inn Botanical Motel
Motel website – https://www.choicehotels.com/en-au/victoria/hamilton/comfort-inn-hotels/au389
The tour will start with a pickup at Southern Cross Station on Saturday 23rd March at 8am and return about 6pm on Sunday 24th March. Additional suburban pick-ups will be announced closer to the date.
COST & MEALS
Coach travel, entry to museums and lunch on both days are included in the cost (see below).
Breakfast at the motel will be at your own expense (there are other breakfast outlets near the motel if you wish). Dinner in Hamilton on the Saturday night will also be at your own expense.
The tour costs for BCSV members are as follows:

With single room accommodation $180pp
With shared accommodation (double or queen bed) $115pp
With shared accommodation (separate beds) $125pp

Non-members will be welcome, subject to spare seats, for an extra $20.

Your expression of interest will not be a commitment at this stage but will help with motel bookings
In January 2024, you will be asked to confirm your booking with a $30 deposit.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
To express your interest & reserve your spot, send us an email to secretary@bscv.org.au
Please include an early indication of your accommodation preferences and your roommate where appropriate.
Facebook RSVPs are not considered an expression of interest but are welcome for further updates

BCSV May Meeting: McKenzies Memories
2024-05-19 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
General Manager of McKenzies, Brad Sanders, will be our guest speaker at the BCSV’s May social meeting, looking back on the history of this operation that has now been operating for over 95 years.
Brad is a fourth generation descendant of the original McKenzies founder, Lorry McKenzie, and has been with the company for three decades.
Join us at 3pm on Sunday 19th May at Melbourne Tram Museum.
Free admission. Both members and guests are welcome to attend. Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
LOCATION
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

Scoresby Classic Bus Display 2025
2025-03-30 11:00 - 16:00 | National Steam Centre, 1200 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby, VIC, 3179, Australia
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria are excited announce that the inaugural Scoresby Classic Bus Display will be held on Sunday 30th March at the National Steam Centre, 1200 Ferntree Gully Rd, Scoresby.

No entry fee to National Steam Centre – but there is a donation box.

The event will commence around 11am and run until 4pm. It will consist of a bus & coach vehicle display across the decades along with joyrides on selected vehicles throughout the day.

A shuttle bus will depart Glen Waverley Station (Bay 10, 753 bay) throughout the day. A gold coin donation applies, which will cover fuel costs.

FROM GLEN WAVERLEY: 10:50am, 11:35am, 1:15pm & 2:15pm
RETURN FROM SCORESBY: 12:55pm, 1:55pm, 2:55pm, 3:55pm & 4:15pm

Routes 693 (Oakleigh – Belgrave via Ferntree Gully) & 753 (Glen Waverley – Boronia) also travel past the venue.

Share our flyer around your depot meal room! – https://bcsv.org.au/…/uploads/BCSV-Scoresby2025flyer.pdf
This is a new event on the BCSV calendar & will be open to the general public. It will complement the annual HCVCA Yarra Glen display, which will still take place each November.

We plan to model the day on the successful BusFest held by our counterparts from Sydney Bus Museum in recent years. Some 50 buses attended their November 2024 event, a mix of vehicles owned by the museum, operators and individuals.

Those with very long memories may recall a few BusBQ rallies previously ran only for BCSV members and that when the Melbourne Steam Traction Engine Club was in its previous location, preserved buses did attend several of their major events back in the 1980s.
The Scoresby Classic Bus Day will take the place of our March Social Meeting.

DISPLAYING A BUS or COACHWe warmly encourage owners of preserved and current vehicles to come along on the day – either operators or those BCSV members with privately owned buses.

To facilitate planning could those intending to attend with a bus please notify BCSV committee member Gary Driver of your intention to participate. His preferred contact method is by email – gdriver@drivergroup.com.au

We’d also welcome expressions of interest for those vehicle owners who would be happy to provide shuttle transfers from Glen Waverley or around the precinct for a gold-coin donation per passenger (to cover fuel costs).

Previous advice from Transport Safety Victoria is that the general public may travel on vehicles on heritage plates if operating on a donation/not-for-hire basis.

Please share this event with fellow preserved vehicle owners or to your friends, family and any others you think may be interested in attending.

BCSV April Tour: Farewell Ryan's Route Services
2025-04-06 10:00 - 16:00 | Ryan Bros Bus Service – Tullamarine Depot, 11 Beverage Dr, Tullamarine, VIC, 3043, Australia
Ryan Bros Bus Service in the Essendon area will cease operating their route services at the end of June as a result of the State Goverment’s competitive tender process.
Ryan’s three routes will be absorbed by the CDC-Kastoria partnership in the north-western suburbs as part of the new Melbourne Metropolitan Zero Emission Bus Franchises.
While Ryan’s will continue to operate their school and charter bus operations, the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria (BCSV) will celebrate Ryan’s 78 years of route service on Sunday 6th April.
The date has been chosen due to the extensive school sport charter work undertaken on weekends by Ryan’s during term time, with Ryan’s requesting that the tour occur on a weekend during the April school holidays – the last school holiday period before changeover day.
We understand a second event for the wider community will be held by the company in late June – watch this space for further details.
PICK-UPs
We are pleased to announce extra pick-up points for our BCSV April Tour: Farewell Ryan’s Route Services on Sunday 6 April:
BUS 1Driver Coach
9.00am Depart Driver Mt Waverley Depot – 45 Ricketts Rd (drop off 5.30pm). Street parking available.
9.15am Oakleigh Station – southern side Johnson Street – Bus Stop 733/625 (drop off 5.15pm)
9.30am Caulfield Station – northern side Sir John Monash Drive – Bus Stop 624 (drop off 5.00pm)
9.35am Malvern Station – Dandenong Road Bus replacement stop (drop off 4.55pm)
10.00am Southern Cross Station – Spencer Street outside Coles – Bus Stop 216 (drop off 4.30pm)
We have confirmed that our City pick-up will remain accessible during Run for the Kids on Sunday but be aware of tram changes on many routes.
There’s also bus replacement on the Glen Waverley, Werribee, Williamstown, Sunbury & Geelong Lines.
BUS 2Peninsula BL 1963 Comair from Ventura/Grenda heritage fleet
9.15am Ringwood Station – Bus Stop 684 (drop off 5.20pm)
9.30am Box Hill Station – Bus Stop 612 (drop off 5.00pm)
The tour should conclude at the now later time of 4.00pm with a drop off at SC at around 4.30pm. Other approximate drop off times are indicated above.
For those making their own way to the Ryan’s Depot (11 Beverage Drive Tullamarine), there is parking in the street but please wait outside the gates until the shuttle buses arrive.
FARE
The fare for BCSV members will be $5 with U/18s free. Fares payable on the day by cash
The non-member fare will be $15 with U/18s $10.
MEMBERSHIP OFFER
New members can join up at the tour for a special deal of $70 ($50 student and pensioner rate) which will cover you up until 30 June 2026.
This special rate includes the March & May editions of Australian Bus Panorama magazine plus all 7 editions for the coming financial year.
Anyone who joins the society on the day will be able to travel on the cheaper $5 members’ fare.
Membership benefits & forms – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
RSVP
Members interested in attending are requested to let the BCSV secretary, Paul Kennelly, know via email in order to assist with catering – secretary@bcsv.org.au
LUNCH
Ryan’s have offered to provide lunch on the day, for which we are very grateful.
Please advise us by email of any dietary requirements – secretary@bcsv.org.au
HI-VIS VESTS
As this visit will be on the depot premises, hi-vis vests are required. A small number of spares will be available for those who forget.
COMPANY OVERVIEW
In August 1947, members of the Ryan family (Annie with three of her sons John, Patrick and Gerald) purchased the Moonee Ponds Station to Aberfeldie service , route 15A and now route 467, from Peter Callaghan, along with 4 Reo buses.
The partnership soon became known as Ryan Brothers with the initial depot at 827 Mt Alexander Road. In the early 50s, it moved to the other end of the route at Brunel Street, where they stayed for many years until they moved to the current depot in Beverage Drive, Tullamarine in the late 80s.
In January 1970, Ryan’s purchased the Buckley Street route, initially route 17A now Route 465, from the Hills brothers, with 6 buses.
Ryan’s were an early member of the BCSV with (young) Pat Ryan being a keen preservationist who eventually became the sole owner of the business.
After his untimely death in 2019, Pat’s wife, Kath Feehan, assumed ownership and will host our tour along with manager, Daniel Zampatti.

BCSV May Meeting: Buses of Italy & Canada
2025-05-18 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Our next BCSV social meeting will be at the Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn on Sunday 18th May at 3pm. Geoff Foster present a pictorial presentation on buses of Italy and Canada from his 2024 adventure.
Each meeting concludes around 5pm with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.
Both members and guests are welcome to attend, free admission. RSVP appreciated by the Facebook event page or email to secretary@bcsv.org.au
LOCATION
Our bi-monthly Sunday meetings are held at Hawthorn Tram Depot / Melbourne Tram Museum, 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.

BCSV AGM 2025 + Driver Bus Lines over the decades
2025-09-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Driver Bus Lines, 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149, Australia
The 2025 Bus and Coach Society of Victoria (BCSV) Annual General Meeting is to be held on Sunday 21st September at the Driver Bus Lines Depot, 45 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 3pm – note change of venue.

After the AGM proceedings, Paul Kennelly will present “Driver Bus Lines over the decades“ looking back at nearly 95 years of this iconic bus operation in Melbourne’s south-east, with Gary and Daryl Driver present to share special comments and insights.

Both members and guests are welcome, free admission. Members must be paid up for 2025/2026 to vote in the election of committee members.

ELECTIONS
Elections for the Committee will be conducted at the AGM along with the presentation of the annual and financial reports. Vacant positions include:
Executive Positions:

President
Deputy President
Secretary
Treasurer

Officers:

Assistant Secretary
Tours Organiser
Historical Research (Heritage/Archive)
Membership
Restoration
Safety
Publications Editor
Social Media
Website & Virtual Museum Content

We’d also welcome those who wish to join us as general committee members.

As always members are encouraged to put themselves forward if they believe they can make a contribution to the Society, particularly helping us organise tours.

NOMINATION FORMS
Nomination forms have been emailed to members ahead of the AGM. They can be downloaded from our website:
DOC – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV_2025-AGM_notice.doc

PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV_2025-AGM_notice.pdf

PROXY FORMS
Members who are unable to attend the AGM may nominate a proxy by way of a form which clearly identifies the name of the member’s proxy and is signed by the member.
To assist members, an example proxy form has been prepared.
DOC – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV_2025-AGM_proxy-form.docx
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/BCSV_2025-AGM_proxy-form.pdf

Proxy forms should be declared by your nominated proxy at the commencement of the AGM. Digital copies will be accepted at secretary@bcsv.org.au up to 24 hours before the meeting time i.e., by 3pm on Saturday 20th September 2025.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
For those yet to renew their membership, see https://bcsv.org.au/membership/

AGM LOCATION
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we will be relocating our AGM to the Driver Bus Lines depot, 45 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley.

Nearby bus options include Route 693 on Ferntree Gully Rd (connect via Oakleigh) or Route 703 on Blackburn Rd (connect via Syndal or Clayton), both around 10 minutes walk from the depot. Ample parking is available along Ricketts Rd.
NB: Route 737 is not travelling via Syndal currently due to ongoing SRL works, however it will still stop at Avonhurst Dr/Blackburn Rd (near Ricketts Rd). Also be aware of rail replacement on the Belgrave/Lilydale and Sunbury Lines.

AFTERNOON TEA
Each meeting concludes with a short afternoon tea and chatter on the latest industry gossip.

MODEL RULES
A copy of the BCSV model rules can be found on our website – https://bcsv.org.au/about/model-rules/
We encourage all members planning to nominate to familiarise themselves with the model rules ahead of the AGM

Yarra Glen Display 2025 - Members' Preview Afternoon
2025-11-08 13:00 - 17:00 | Driver Bus Lines, 45-53 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149, Australia
Want a chance to get some photos at the annual HCVCA Yarra Glen Display without the crowds? Would love to ride a couple of the many restored coaches in the Driver Classics Fleet?
Gary Driver from Driver Bus Lines has once again kindly invited BCSV members (& any guests from interstate) to come along on Set-Up Saturday.
Driver Bus Lines will also provide transfers to/from the event for BCSV members on Display Day Sunday!
Both the members’ preview afternoon & display day transfer are provided free to BCSV members! New members welcome to join ahead of the display day weekend – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/
SET-UP SATURDAY
A convoy of Driver Classics heritage vehicles will leave the Driver Bus Lines depot at 45-53 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 1.00pm on Saturday 8th November. Arrive by 12:45pm.
A second stop in Lilydale will also be available upon request.
Email secretary@bcsv.org.au if interested.
Upon request on the day, there can be opportunity to change vehicles in Lilydale or Coldstream on the way – chat to Gary and the other drivers before departing Mt Waverley.
A current day coach will return attendees back to the depot around 5pm, setting down at Lilydale Station enroute upon request.
The afternoon is free for both BCSV members and interstate guests and we thank Gary for the kind invite.
DISPLAY DAY SUNDAY
On Sunday a transfer bus for BCSV members will depart the Driver Bus Lines depot at 45-53 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 8:30am (arrive by 8:20am) and Lilydale Station at 9:20am (awaiting train from the City).
Those boarding at Lilydale should wait at the 683 Warburton stop on Maroondah Hwy (near Captain K Fish & Chips).
For the general public, McKenzie’s Route 685 now operates every hour from Lilydale to Yarra Glen on Sundays.
The return journey from the display, using the heritage vehicles, will leave Yarra Glen at 3pm with drop off at Lilydale Station by 3:45pm before travelling back to the depot in Mt Waverley, arriving back around 4:30pm.
Again, RSVPs appreciated via BCSV Secretary Paul Kennelly – secretary@bcsv.org.au

Historic Commercial Vehicle Display 2025 - Yarra Glen
2025-11-09 09:00 - 15:00 | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
Join the HCVCA (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia) and BCSV: Bus and Coach Society of Victoria for a relaxing Sunday at Yarra Glen Racecourse on Sunday November 9 2025 enjoying the 44th annual Historic Commercial Vehicle Display.
Public gates open from 9am to 3pm. Entry is $10 per person with under 14s free! Free parking on site.
Sunday entry from 7:00am for display vehicles. All vehicles must remain displayed until 2:30pm.
A courtesy transfer bus for BCSV members & interstate guests will be available from the Driver Bus Lines depot and Lilydale Station – we’ll confirm timings soon. Alternatively, Route 685 now operates every hour from Lilydale Station to Yarra Glen Racecourse. Timetable on Transport Victoria website.
Inspect some of the dozens of vehicles on display, from vintage trucks, buses and tractors, to steam engines and older cars, including a display by the Chrysler Restorers’ Club.
Bus operators who regularly take part include Driver Bus Lines, Moonee Valley Coaches, Dysons, Ventura, Diamond Coaches, McKenzies, Martyrs, John Usher’s Invicta collection, among several privately owned buses.
There will be kids amusements, including face-painting and a jumping castle, and also a Touch A Truck section where kids are able to hop into trucks and have a squiz how they all work.
Enjoy live music all day, rocker cover races, trade stalls, and of course delicious food and drink stalls.
HCVCA will also draw the much anticipated Tool Box Raffle at approx 2pm – tickets just $2.
VEHICLE OWNERS
If you’re bringing a bus or coach, please register with BCSV Restoration Officer Steve Bayer – steve.bayer@bcsv.org.au. There’s no cost to display a vehicle and drivers also receive free entry to the display.
Those bringing a truck or other commercial vehicle should make contact with the HCVCA (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia) committee
Pam – treasurer@hcvca.com.au or
Frank – president@hcvca.com.au
Or call Russ on 0409 073 523
SET-UP SATURDAY
Vehicle owners are welcome to arrive on Saturday afternoon to set up. Camping is also available ($20 per person). Showers, toilets and early morning breakfast will be available.
BCSV members will have an opportunity to ride the Driver Classics convoy to Yarra Glen Racecourse on Saturday afternoon (returning via transfer bus). Details will be announced closer to the day.

Vehicle owners are also welcome to join the HCVCA for dinner Saturday evening in the Yarraview Dining Room. Expect raffle prizes, a guest speaker, tea and coffee, a great meal and good company! Drinks available at bar prices. Meal will be heavily subsidized for HCVCA members.
Please book early as there is a minimum number required for the dinner to go ahead! Alternatively, there’ll be a casual Pizza and BBQ dinner outside.
Those wishing to attend dinner on Saturday night should book directly via the HCVCA using the contract information above.

BCSV November meeting: Australian Buses of the '60s & '70s
2025-11-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
Our next Sunday social meeting will be held on Sunday 16 November at 3pm to 5pm. Geoff Foster and Paul Kennelly will take a detailed look back at Australian Buses of the ’60s & ’70s.
Each meeting ends with afternoon tea and a chance to catch up on the latest industry gossip.
We are pleased to advise that the meeting will be return to our usual venue at Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn at 8 Wallen Rd, near the corner of Power St.
Alight Tram Routes 70 & 75 at Riversdale Junction. Alternatively, Hawthorn Station on the Belgrave/Lilydale line is a short 10 min walk away.
For those driving, there is usually parking next door at Wallen Rd Reserve / Leonda by the Yarra.

BCSV February Overnight Tour: Gippsland
2026-02-07 08:00 - 2026-02-08 17:00 | Victoria
Expressions of Interest for our February 2026 overnight tour to Gippsland remain open. The tour is scheduled for Saturday 7 February & Sunday 8 February.
We plan to visit Gillicks and Dysons in Bairnsdale on Saturday followed by Dysons in Sale and a train ride on the Walhalla railway on the Sunday.
A group booking for motel accommodation will be made for Bairnsdale on the Saturday night. Twin share rooms and queen beds will be available.
Late EOIs are still being accepted until Sunday 5 October – make sure to email BCSV Deputy President Steve Bayer – steve.bayer@bcsv.org.au with name and numbers attending. EOIs will assist us in detailed planning and costs.
