Last night, the Melbourne Chapter of the Asset Management Council hosted an enlightening technical presentation and networking event, shining a spotlight on the iconic Puffing Billy Railway. Titled “Melbourne – Five Tales of Asset Management: Puffing Billy Railway – from Compliance to Community,” the event took place on 28 February, drawing professionals from across the industry.
(more…)Puffing Billy Railway is a Victorian tourism icon with a history that spans 125 years. With over $100 million of assets under management, the Railway’s portfolio covers everything from heritage-listed rolling stock to internationally awarded, ultra-modern architecture, all along 25 km of managed rail corridor. Its unique placement offers both challenges and opportunities to the Asset Manager. Five of Puffing Billy’s asset management challenges will be outlined, spanning pre-COVID to the years to come.
Bret Butler, Group Manager, Infrastructure, Puffing Billy Railway
Bret has 40 years of operations and executive management experience in manufacturing and technical service companies in both Australia and New Zealand, across the tourism, facilities, property, engineering, forestry, and chemical manufacturing sectors. Bret has a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science and a Master’s in Business Administration. For the past seven years, Bret has been employed by Puffing Billy Railway as the Infrastructure Manager, responsible for the management of the majority of the Railway’s assets, including rolling stock, land, track infrastructure, bridges, buildings, the environment, construction projects, and the Museum. Bret is an ultra-marathon runner, part-time cook, book reader, has two daughters, a mad Kelpie named Harry, and is proud to be an active member of his local CFA brigade in Yinnar South.