Di King said she was disappointed V/Line was attacked for problems which she believed were outside its control.

She said she saw her role on the committee as ensuring “our community gets a clear understanding of what V/Line wants to achieve”.

“I want to get rid of all the flak that’s around V/Line,” Mrs King said.

“People are blaming V/Line for trackwork and it’s not their fault and it just gets a bit frustrating.”

She was happy to hear of concerns, particularly with accessibility issues for the disabled, “as long as they are reasonable”.

Mrs King, who is short-statured due to Turner syndrome, is the chairwoman of the Wodonga Disability Advocacy and Information Service board as well as Disability Advocacy Victoria.

She is one of six citizens chosen to represent communities on V/Line’s customer reference group which has been set up in response to concerns about the North East line which has been plagued by track problems over recent years.

Bill Traill, who will be pushing for a faster rail service, will represent Albury.

Other delegates include geoscientist and Wangaratta Unlimited chairman Grant Jones, Violet Town retiree Wolf Passauer, Seymour journalist and communications specialist Merrill Boyd and Benalla public servant Bernice Vance.

They will meet for the first time next Tuesday with the public invited to a barbecue at 10.30am.

The group will gather monthly under the guidance of an independent chairman John McMillan.

Victorian Transport Minister Terry Mulder said a representative was needed from Euroa.

V/Line chief executive Theo Taifalos said he was keen to receive feedback.

“First-hand experience is the key to telling us where improvements can be made and how V/Line and the Australian Rail Track Corporation, can provide better service,” Mr Taifalos said.

“I’m keen to see improvements that deliver the service the community deserves.

“They will provide a voice for customers.’