Issue 206 / 20 January 2022
North East Service Revolution
History has been made with the first Standard Gauge VLocity train making its maiden Albury Line journey on Thursday 30 December 2021. Chief Executive Officer, Matt Carrick,
North East Line and were shaped by
improved comfort for passenger
said this was a historic milestone as
community feedback.
services and made services more
V/Line continues to modernise its
The trains feature USB chargers, new
reliable.
bike and luggage racks, shared tables,
The Victorian Government is also
and six accessible spaces for people
delivering level crossing upgrades
“The introduction of VLocity trains
who use mobility aids with companion
and modifications to stabling and
onto our long-haul rail lines will
seats nearby.
maintenance facilities at South Dynon
deliver improved speed, reliability
The service will run as a six-carriage
to support the introduction of the
service on weekdays on the 12:05pm
new trains.
lunchtime service from Southern Cross
Work is also underway on an
passenger rail services across the state.
and additional service features for our customers,” Matt said. “It is a momentous occasion for V/Line
Station to Albury, and the 5:20pm
and one which has changed the nature
return evening service.
of travel to the north east of Victoria.”
Track upgrades delivered as part of
overnight, which will enable more
The new trains are unique to the
the North East Line Upgrade have
VLocity services to be run on the line.
upgrade to stabling at Albury Station to accommodate the new trains
In this issue • Waurn Ponds ready • Covid health monitoring • Christmas competition winners • Extreme heat timetables • Regional facilities upgrades • Equality and inclusion
V/News / Issue 206
Major works at Waurn Ponds now complete Construction works on the Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade are now complete providing significant improvements for customers in one of the fastest growing areas of Greater Geelong. Regional Manager South West, Stuart Beardwell, said the works now pave the way for commissioning and critical safety testing to take place in the coming weeks.
“The upgrade also includes the construction of a second platform on the south side of the station – with an accessible pedestrian overpass connecting it to the existing platform.
“The Waurn Ponds Station Upgrade includes a transformed main entrance to give customers better access to the station, as well as more than 200 new car parking spaces, better security, and improved customer information,” Stuart said.
“Final fit outs on the second platform will be completed in early 2022, including line marking and seating installation.” The project is being delivered by the Australian and Victorian governments, as part of a $511 million commitment across the Warrnambool Rail Line.
Commissioning works will include relocating a signal box from the rail corridor to allow the final 50-metre section of rail to be installed, and completing track duplication at the station. More than 2,000 sleepers and 2.9 kilometres of new rail has already been laid. Major earthworks have also continued at the site for the new train stabling and maintenance facility near Waurn Ponds, which will allow track installation works to take place. Crews have since installed drainage and commenced work on the new track to link the main line to the stabling facility – which will support the extension of services on the line to Waurn Ponds.
Health monitoring the COVID game-changer Staying away from the workplace when feeling unwell has become essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. General Manager COVID Assurance, Cindy James, said traditionally attending the office with a sniffle was considered reasonable given impending deadlines or the demands of shift work.
“This pandemic has heightened the awareness of hygiene basics with not attending the workplace with any kind of illness symptoms being a health and wellbeing game-changer,” Cindy said. Continued next page
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V/News / Issue 206
Continued from previous page
Moe wins annual Christmas decoration competition
“In the weeks ahead, our community will be transitioning to more self-management of COVID-19 with a greater availability of Rapid Antigen Tests (rapid tests) to be conducted at home.
Christmas celebrations were in full swing thanks to the annual V/Line Christmas decoration competition. Judged by CEO Matt Carrick, the winning station was Moe, with Camperdown coming in second and Echuca third. Thanks to all entrants for your valued time and creative efforts. The stations have never looked so festive! Moe
“It will no doubt become commonplace for households to maintain a small stock of rapid tests in case a family member does start to feel unwell. “V/Line will also maintain a small stock of rapid tests to undertake COVID-19 surveillance of certain critical roles like Train Controllers and Yard Masters. “For the past few months, all staff working at the IOC have also undertaken rapid tests each day before commencing their shifts which has proved invaluable in keeping our services running.
Camperdown
“For all other staff, continuing to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols and accessing sick leave entitlements should they experience symptoms of illness will continue to be a key health and wellness defence.” Continue to monitor local news services for updates on rapid test availability across the state.
Echuca
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V/News / Issue 206
Extreme heat timetables prove value After three years of implementation, the Extreme Heat Timetable is providing a more reliable customer experience. GM Network Planning & Performance, Scott Short, said the introduction of the concept of an alternate timetable on days of extreme heat required considerable stakeholder engagement and discussion.
from regional Victoria.
“When proposed in 2018, the Extreme Heat Timetables represented a significant departure from existing operations and were aimed at providing those customers who needed to travel on days of extreme heat a clearer picture of departure and arrival times.
“This means points, circuits, signals and other track infrastructure are being harshly baked in the sun with our response being to slightly reduce train speeds to sensibly manage our assets during these rare days of extreme heat.
“In the short heat wave over the New Year period this year, we managed to maintain a network-wide average punctuality over 93 percent as Extreme Heat Timetables were implemented across many parts of the state. “Providing this kind of dependability is the best form of service we can provide customers travelling to and
“On parts of the regional network, the ambient temperature in full sunlight can approach 60 degrees Celsius which is far outside the regular operating temperatures we experience throughout the year.
“The required recalculation of station arrival times has been translated in the Extreme Heat Timetables which are being very well communicated and implemented.” To see the network-wide Extreme Heat Timetables, from the Engine Room homepage select Documents & Forms > Documents > Staff Reference Timetable.
Regional facilities to be upgraded A range of staff facilities and amenities will be updated across the regional network. General Manager Business Planning and Reporting, Scott Quirke, said the opportunity to create additional meal room space in key locations would support our COVID-19 health and wellbeing protocols. “Over the coming weeks, investments in staff facilities will commence at a number of key sites across the regional rail network” Scott said. “The works will mainly include a reconfiguration of existing facilities, upgrading meals and changing facilities, repainting of rooms and generally upgrading station fit-outs which have become tired. “For example, at Swan Hill a new kitchenette will be installed. “Over the coming weeks, an implementation plan will be developed, and we will endeavour to keep staff at each of key locations fully informed as works are due to commence. “We look forward to seeing the final results as this important work is completed.”
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V/News / Issue 206
Conversation starts about equality and inclusion As part of our culture uplift work we would like to invite you to a conversation about Equality and Inclusion at V/Line. V/Line aspires to be a workplace that accepts and values the contributions of all employees regardless of gender or other attributes. We are committed to being a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace. We are in the process of developing our new Gender Equality Action Plan. This plan will include the actions we
will take as we work towards equality. We know gender disparity exists across our community and workplace. That is why we want to hear from you about your experience of equality and inclusion at V/Line and to hear your suggestions about how we can work on this together. Our aim is for people of all genders
and backgrounds to belong and thrive at V/Line. Please take this opportunity to share with us constructive and practical ways to do this. Our next session will be held from 10am – 11am on Monday 24th January. Please email culture&leadership@vline.com.au to register. Alternatively, if you are unable to attend this session but would like to contribute please scan the QR code for more information around the seven key indicators and confidentially submit your responses. Click here to read the Workplace Gender Audit Summary Report.
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V/News / Issue 206
Some pictures from the first Albury VLocity service...
Stewie the Guinea Pig belongs to Senior Graphic Designer Les Lovell. He’s super-friendly, enjoys the back garden and his favourite food is Basil leaves... When he hears the fridge door opening he jumps around and squeaks with excitement!
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