Historic Commercial Vehicle Display - Yarra Glen *NEW DATE*
2023-02-19 09:00 - 15:00 (Australia/Melbourne) | Yarra Glen Racecourse, Armstrong Grove, Yarra Glen, Victoria, 3775, Australia
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Sadly the event will be postponed to the new year, now to be held on SUNDAY 19th FEBRUARY 2023 (HCVCA dinner on the 18th). This follows recent flooding in the area and another wet weekend ahead.
Thanks to HCVC (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of AUST.) and Yarra Glen Racecourse for arranging another date for us.
More time to give our buses and trucks some love over summer!
A statement from HCVCA can be found on their Facebook Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/hcvca/posts/3398244760410711
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DISPLAY DETAILS
Join the HCVCA (Historic Commercial Vehicle Club of Australia) and BCSV (Bus and Coach Society of Victoria) for a relaxing day out at Yarra Glen Racecourse on Sunday 19 February enjoying the 41st Historic Commercial Vehicle Display, with the HCVCA also celebrating their golden anniversary this year.
Entry is $10 per person with under 14s free! Free parking on site.
Inspect some of the hundreds of vehicles on display, from vintage trucks, buses and tractors, to steam engines and older cars.
Bus operators who regularly take part include Driver Bus Lines, Moonee Valley Coaches, Dysons, Ventura, Diamond Coaches, John Usher’s Invicta collection, among others.
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 squizz how they all work.
Enjoy live music all day, rocker cover races, which always draws a huge crowd, trade stalls, and of course delicious food and drink stalls.
HCVCA will also draw the much anticipated Tool Box Raffle at approx 2:30pm.
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DISPLAY DAY SHUTTLE BUS
On Sunday 19 February a transfer bus will depart the Driver Bus Lines depot at 45-53 Ricketts Rd, Mt Waverley at 8:30am

Montrose Bus & Coach will operate a second transfer bus from Lilydale Station at 9:20am.
Please be aware that there are works in the City Loop and between Camberwell & Box Hill which require catching an earlier train to meet the transfer bus at Lilydale.

We suggest:
1 – Catch the 7:46am train from Flinders Street (direct to Richmond), arriving Camberwell at 8:01am
2 – At Camberwell take an EXPRESS bus to Box Hill which will arrive in time for the 8;42am train to Lilydale (the express bus is not in the Public Transport Victoria journey planner)
3 – Take the 8:42am Lilydale train at Box Hill and arrive Lilydale at 9:14am.
4 – Look for the transfer bus supplied from Montrose Bus & Coach departing at 9:20am. This will depart from the 683/684 stop located on Maroondah Hwy (near Professionals Real Estate)

If you are unable to reach the City by 7:45am, you can join us late morning by taking the 684 bus and changing to the 685 at Coldstream.
1 – Take 684 bus from Southern Cross Coach Terminal at 9:45am, arriving Coldstream at 10:46am (touch off for a Zone 1+2 fare!)
2 – Take 685 bus from Coldstream at 11;07am
3 – Alight at Yarra Glen Racecourse at approx 11:20am

Alternatively, get a later train to Lilydale to connect with the 11am 685 departure (the 9:16am direct train from Flinders Street should meet the bus with transfers at Camberwell, Box Hill and Ringwood)

The return transfer buses will depart from Yarra Glen shortly after 3pm, returning to Lilydale by 3:45pm-4pm & Mt Waverley around 4:30pm.

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MEMBERS’ PREVIEW

BCSV members should refer to their email sent Tuesday 14 February for details on the members’ preview on Saturday afternoon.

Any interstate attendees are also welcome and can email Paul Kennelly (secretary@bcsv.org.au) for details

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BRINGING A VEHICLE?
BUSES & COACHES
Owners of preserved buses wishing to present their vehicles can contact BCSV Secretary Paul Kennelly via secretary@bcsv.org.au for further details, or call him on (03) 9509 1593

Parking is available from 3pm Saturday afternoon for those wishing to secure a prime position or group their fleet together.

Vehicles should arrive by 9am Sunday and must remain in position until 3pm on Sunday.

TRUCKS & TRACTORS
Those wishing to present preserved trucks, tractors or other machinery should contact the HCVCA directly for bookings.
Contact one of the following people:
Russ – 0409 073 523
Dave – 0412 063 357

BCSV Weekender to Echuca, Deniliquin & Shepparton
2023-03-25 08:00 - 2023-03-26 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
Expressions of interest are invited for a Bus & Coach Society Victoria weekender bus tour on 25th/26th March, visiting the Echuca, Deniliquin & Shepparton.

Tour coaches will be provided by Driver’s and Moonee Valley Coaches.

ITINERARY
Our major highlight will be visiting The Depot museum, run by the Purtill family, in Deniliquin. Details of this Museum can be found here: The Depot – Historic Vehicle and Memorabilia Collection
On the way to and from Deniliquin, we will visit a number of operators in the Echuca/Moama area, with details still being finalised and to be announced in the new year.

On the Saturday, we will have a BBQ lunch in Echuca and then travel to Deniliquin to visit The Depot museum in the afternoon.

After check-in at the hotels, attendees will make their dinner arrangements in the town in the evening.

We will have breakfast on the Sunday morning at the Cruizin* Diner, which is associated with The Depot museum. This will be at your cost. An indicative menu can be found here.

After breakfast, we will visit Dyson’s operation in Deniliquin.

On the journey home, we will call in at MOVE, the Shepparton Motor Museum, to see the latest display and have a BBQ lunch.

A final tour update is to come but we can confirm pickup details as follows:
DRIVER COACH
* Driver Bus Lines Depot (Ricketts Rd Mt Waverley) – arrive by 7am for 7:10am departure (park in staff carpark out the front)
* Caulfield station (624 Kew stop in Sir John Monash Dr) – 7:30am
* Southern Cross (216 stop on Spencer St near Lonsdale St/Coles) – 8am
MOONEE VALLEY COACH
* Moonee Valley Coaches depot (6 Tullamarine Park Dr) – arrive by 8am (secure parking in vistors’ carpark overnight)
We plan to return to Southern Cross & Moonee Valley Coaches around 6pm on Sunday evening

ACCOMMODATION & DEPOSITS
We have tentatively booked a number of motels in Deniliquin with a range of prices to suit a range of budgets.

The links to their websites, along with costs, are provided for your consideration:

(1) Country Club Deniliquin
Single $125 or Twin-share $155 ($77.50pp)
(www.countryclubdeni.com.au)
(2) Centrepoint Motel
Single $140
(www.centrepointmotel.net.au)
(3) Riviana Motel
Single $110 (http://riviana-motel.newsouthwaleshotels.net/en/)

Attendees are advised to check their emails regarding tour deposits – $50 BCSV members/$70 others. Deposits are due by Friday 10 March
This will confirm your seat on the tour coaches. You’ll then pay the motel for discounted accommodation directly upon arrival in Deniliquin (check your email for which room you have secured & cost)

TOUR COST
Tour cost will be $50 for members (and subject to available space, non-members $70), which is in addition to your accommodation cost above.
The tour cost will include the two BBQ lunches, but not dinner and breakfast in Deniliquin.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Limited rooms are still available at Riviana Motel ($110) – email secretary@bcsv.org.au if interested ASAP. Bookings close on Friday 10 March

Nuline Charter / Bayside Coaches - 25th Anniversary Tour
2023-04-23 09:00 - 17:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
The Bus & Coach Society of Victoria is planning to visit the three depots of Nuline Charter and Bayside Coaches in Moorabbin, Clayton and Spotswood on Sunday 23 April as part of an all-day tour, open to both BCSV members and guests.

The day will include rides on a variety of vehicles in the predominantly Volvo fleet. The availability of the low floor rail fleet for rides and photos will be subject to Metro Trains “Big Build” occupations occurring on the day of our visit.

This tour will mark the 25 year anniversary of Nuline Charter under the sterling leadership of Geoff Vickers & Andrew Czarnecki, growing the business to over 120 vehicles today.

On 9 February 1998 Geoff Vickers & Andrew Czarnecki of Bayside Coaches purchased 21 vehicles from Craig Coop of Nuline Bus Services and renamed the operation as Nuline Charter.

A highlight of the day will be sampling #111, a 1997 Scania K93 Austral Pacific ‘XL” (see event cover photo by Jason Lipszyc) recently repainted back to original colours. This is the only original vehicle purchased by Craig Coop (Nuline Bus Service) still with the Nuline Charter fleet and remains in ad-hoc use. This bus was renumbered from #100 after being semi-withdrawn during the many COVID-19 lockdowns, before being called back into action as charter demand returned. #100 was also its original number at Nuline Bus Service.
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COST

The tour cost will be $10 for members (u/18 half fare) and $20 for non-members (u/18 half fare). This will include a BBQ lunch and a special commemorative CD.
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NEW MEMBERS
Annual adult membership is currently just $50 & a concession rate of $40 for pensioners and students under 25.

We are offering a special “Welcome Bonus” membership rate for the 2023/2024 financial year to anyone joining us between now and June 30 2023.
This will include the discounted members’ fare on the Nuline 25th anniversary tour on Sunday 23 April plus a copy of the May 2023 Australian Bus Panorama magazine…a saving of up to $19!
Payment can be made online in advance or alternatively cash payments on the day.

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PICK-UP INFO

Pick-up locations are as follows:
* 8:00am – Nuline Clayton depot at 36-44 Whiteside Road (please park all cars in drivers’ carpark, entering off Whiteside Rd, please do not walk around depot)
* 8:05am – Clayton Station (rail replacement bus stop on Carnish Rd)
* 8:30am – Caulfield Station (North Side Route 900 bus stop on Sir John Monash Dr)
* 9:00am – Southern Cross Station (Route 216 bus stop outside Coles, near Lonsdale St)

Alternatively, meet outside the Nuline Spotswood depot (176 Hall St) opposite Spotswood Station by 9:20am. (Please wait outside for our arrival). Note the transfer coach does not return in the afternoon, see below.

Afternoon drop-offs:
* 4pm tour conclusion at Nuline Clayton depot
* 4:05pm – Clayton Station
* 4:30pm – Caulfield Station

Those returning back to Southern Cross or Spotswood will need to catch a train from Caulfield (every 10 mins). 24 mins to Southern Cross & 38 mins to Spotswood.

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RSVP

Please advise your attendance on the day by email to secretary@bcsv.org.au to aid in catering & demand for a second transfer vehicle. Any special dietary requirements should also be advised.

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HI-VIS VESTS

As usual, hi-vis vests / shirts will be required to be worn within depots. Pick one up for about $10 from Kmart, Bunnings, Lowes, discount shops etc.

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AN ABRIDGED HISTORY OF NULINE

The Nuline brand has been synonymous with Melbourne’s south-east since 1949 when a business syndicate, headed by Charlie Spence, acquired two routes in the Caulfield area from Mr Lee, who had purchased the routes from Eastern Suburbs Omnibus Service (ESOS) 6 months earlier.

The business has gone through multiple owners in the decades since including Joe Bellofiori & Ray Higginson (Moonee Valley Bus Lines) in March 1972 and Craig Coop in January 1987.

Under Craig Coop Nuline acquired 7 buses and the Centre Rd depot from the Bentleigh Charter 14 August 1988, previously operated by the Suhr family. Bentleigh Bus Lines’ route services had previously been sold to Ventura effective 27 April 1987.

Nuline continued to run local routes focused on Moorabbin & Brighton until 30 September 1991 when they transferred these across to Grenda’s/Moorabbin Transit. In exchange they took over the former Camden 627 Elsternwick – Chadstone – East Brighton route from Moorabbin Transit. Craig Coop soon sold the route to Driver Bus Lines on 1 May 1992.

The most recent ownership chapter began on 9 February 1998 when Geoff Vickers & Andrew Czarnecki of Bayside Coaches purchased 21 vehicles from Craig Coop of Nuline Bus Services and renamed the operation as Nuline Charter. The focus in the years since has been school and general charter along with a rapidly expanding fleet of rail replacement buses.

Nuline Bus Services remained as a trading name for Craig Coop (mostly for school charter work) until the majority of his vehicles were sold to Diamond Coaches in Melbourne’s north-east in September 2018.

Andrew and Geoff had previously acquired two vehicles from Craig Coop on September 23 1995 to form Czarvic Pty Ltd, trading as Bayside Coaches. Bayside Coaches continues as a premium brand alongside Nuline Charter.

In mid 2021 Nuline absorbed Victorian Touring Coaches from Bill Armstrong via liquidators; another long-standing operation also dating back from 1949 which sadly fell victim to the rolling COVID-19 lockdowns in Victoria.

Most recently effective 1 February 2023 they have purchased the Jay Tee Coaches business from John Trenfield, but not the vehicles.

BCSV May Meeting: An afternoon with Cos Sita
2023-05-21 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The BCSV are pleased to welcome Cos Sita as our special guest speaker for our May Sunday meeting on 21 May 2023.

This is our fourth attempt at scheduling this talk after Cos became unavailable at short notice twice in 2019, with the Covid pandemic in 2020 causing a third postponement. Fingers and toes crossed!

Cos will reflect on his many decades running Sita Bus Lines in Melbourne’s west alongside his father George and brother Dom, before the sale to Transit Systems in April 2019.

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.

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

Both members and guests are welcome, free admission.

BCSV July Meeting: Reservoir Reflections
2023-07-16 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The BCSV are pleased to welcome Peter Cooper as our special guest for our July Sunday meeting at 3pm on 16 July 2023 at Melbourne Tram Museum in Hawthorn.
Peter Cooper is a son of Pat Cooper who started East Preston & Epping BS back in 1954. This company combined with the other operator on the routes, Webb & Williamson, in 1964 and the company was officially renamed Reservoir Bus Company in 1968.
The Cooper family were also involved in the East-West and Melbourne Bus Link partnerships with Dysons, and played a role in the SmartBus orbitals which absorbed East-West Routes 560 & 571 in 2010.
Peter will add his insights of being involved in the company over many years before the Cooper family ultimately sold to Dysons in November 2012. Their shares in East-West Bus Company were sold in February 2014.
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.
Each meeting ends with afternoon tea, industry gossip and a chance to catch up with fellow enthusiasts.

BCSV: Farewell Ventura Northcoasts Tour
2023-09-10 09:00 - 17:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
After 25 years, the Northcoast low floor era at Ventura Bus Lines in Melbourne’s east is coming to an end.

Peaking at 33 units (31 Scania & 2 Mercedes) by the end of 2003, just 8 of these buses remain in active service, most now downgraded to school and rail replacement work. Fleet renewal continues at a steady rate, with their days at Ventura sadly appearing numbered.

Ventura was second only to Metro Tasmania in favouring these buses of a large scale (Metro purchasing 42 Scania L94UB Northcoasts) and we feel it’s fitting for them to have a warm send-off from Melbourne.

Ventura management have kindly given the Bus & Coach Society of Victoria approval for a farewell tour, to be held on Sunday 10 September using a variety of the remaining buses.

Our day will focus on the traditional routes these buses were used on from their days at Oakleigh, Knoxfield and Croydon (Mt Dandy Bus) depots.

PICK UP LOCATIONS:
* BUS 1 – Dandenong Station (V/Line bay) – 9am
* BUS 2 – Ringwood Station (Maroondah Hwy bus bays) 8:50am
* BUSES 1 & 2 – Oakleigh Station (south side/Johnson St) – 9:30am (meets 9:02am Pakenham train from Flinders St)

Please note buses replace trains Blackburn to Belgrave/Lilydale next weekend

Attendees can switch vehicles throughout the day.

Buses will return to Oakleigh about 4:30pm and Dandenong & Ringwood about 5pm

LUNCH
A 45 min lunch stop at Boronia will provided (own expense)

FARES (cash-only)
Free for BCSV members
$15 for non-members ($10 for under 18s)

NEW MEMBERS
New members can join on the day for 2023/2024 for a members’ fare ($0) PLUS receive back-copies of both the July & September editions of our Australia Bus Panorama magazine

Annual BCSV membership is $50 (adults) and $40 (concession) – https://bcsv.org.au/membership/

RSVP
Please RSVP by sending an email to secretary@bcsv.org.au or calling Paul Kennelly (BCSV secretary) on (03) 9509 1593
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BCSV 2023 AGM + More European Buses
2023-09-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Melbourne Tram Museum (Hawthorn Tram Depot), 8 Wallen Rd, Hawthorn, Victoria, 3122, Australia
The Bus and Coach Society of Victoria (BCSV) Annual General Meeting is to be held on Sunday 17th September at the Hawthorn Tram depot / Melbourne Tram Museum at 3pm.

After the AGM proceedings, Geoff Foster will present highlights from his latest European expedition across Austria, Hungary and the Czech Republic.

Both members and guests are welcome, free admission. Members must be paid up for 2023/2024 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/2023-BCSV-AGM-Nomination-form.doc
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023-BCSV-AGM-Nomination-form.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/2023-BCSV-AGM-Proxy-form.docx
PDF – https://bcsv.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023-BCSV-AGM-Proxy-form.pdf

Proxy forms should be declared by your nominated proxy at the commencement of the AGM.

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

AGM LOCATION
Our bi-monthly Sunday social 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.

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

BCSV: Benalla & Wangaratta tour
2023-10-07 08:00 - 18:00 | Various Pickup Points, Refer to event description
On Saturday 7th October the Bus & Coach Society will head to North-East Victoria to visit both Benalla Bus Lines and Wangaratta Coachlines for depot visits and to sample the variety in both fleets.

This is a day tour with transfer coaches to be provided by Montrose Bus & Coach and Mee’s Bus Lines for which we are grateful.

Cost is $10 for members and $20 for non-members (U/18 half price). Lunch is included.

The tour will start at Southern Cross Station at 8am. Other pick-up times and locations will be advised closer to the tour.

BCSV February Tour: Martyrs & McKenzies
2024-02-24 10:00 - 16:30 | 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
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.
