Perth Electric Tramway Society
Operator of
Western Australia's Heritage Tramway
Whiteman Park - Perth - Western Australia
Volunteer with us
How you can help
Interested in volunteering for PETS? Our heritage tram experience is operated by vintage trams which need lots of maintenance to keep them going.
If you would like to join us and work with others with the same interests, you would be most welcome. Your existing skills will be highly valued. If you have no strong skills base, bring your enthusiasm and you will soon develop the new skills and knowledge that you need.
Download a Membership Application Form here.
We would like you to come out and meet us! New members are always welcome for ongoing activities in these areas -
Tram crew
Our trams operate at Whiteman Park on about 240 days every year. Seeing the delight on the face of passengers who may never have experienced a tram ride before, and those who remember what it was like, makes the job of conductor or motorman [tram driver] a very rewarding experience.
The conductor is our first and main contact with the public.
You can train for the position of motorman after experience as a conductor.
Electrical
The trams operate on 600 volts dc. There is a lot to do with their electric motors, controllers and other equipment - and also general ac work around the museum.
Tram controller
Reconditioning an electric motor.
Mechanical
Mechanical tasks include looking after brakes, suspension, air and structural aspects.
Re-threading fishplate bolts.
Tram lifting to access underfloor parts.
Restoration
The restoration team reconstructs the tram body shells into full operating or static display condition. They also help keep the operating trams as smart as possible. Many skills are used - woodworking, metalwork, painting, ...
Attention to detail is important - ensuring structural integrity.
Renewing cladding on the side of Perth #66.
Motor vehicles
The motor vehicle section provides essential support in many of our activities.
The multipurpose tractor in use towing a newly arrived tramcar.
A crane is used for lifting.
Education and display
We aim to improve knowledge about tramways and access to the PETS collection.
Historical display at the PETS Carbarn.
Our displays team regularly travels to outside venues to spread the word.
The track team
The track team makes sure we stay on the rails.
A healthy outdoor life ...
... renewing a crossing.
Membership Benefits
Membership of the Society offers you:
- Regular Museum workdays
- every Wednesday (great for the retired or those with flexible working hours)
- selected Saturdays and Sundays
- Involvement in Heritage Tramway operations within Whiteman Park - tram crews are needed on
- weekends
- public holidays
- Tuesday and Friday throughout the year
- every day of the week during school holidays.
- The opportunity to learn more about the history of urban electric transport in Australia, and especially in Western Australia
- The chance to promote knowledge of the electric transport era
- The Society's magazine, Carbarn, which contains historical information and Society news
- Involvement in restoration projects
- The chance to use your specialist skills
- The chance to develop new skills
- The chance to subscribe to Trolley Wire, the national journal with news of Australia’s tramways and tramway museums
- Family benefits – tram rides, the chance to work together
- Social activities
- Reciprocal benefits with associated Tramway Museums throughout Australia and New Zealand
- The opportunity to just enjoy trams and make lifelong friends with people with similar interests
Membership Details
| Annual Fee | |
|---|---|
| Juniors [14-17 years] | $15 |
| Adults | $30 |
| Family | $35 |
Annual fees are due in April.
Download a Membership Application Form here.