AusRAIL

#YellowDinner // The Yellow Dinner, a cherished highlight of the AusRAIL calendar, brought together over 1,000 professionals from across the rail industry for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and inspiration. It was a significant night for the ARA team as we farewelled our much-loved Chair, Danny Broad, and welcomed our new Chair, Lucio Di Bartolomeo, who we look forward to working with over the coming year. ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie gave a heart-warming speech in which she spoke about the pivotal role Danny played in the organisation’s growth and her appreciation of his support and guidance over the years. Guests donned elegant attire with a splash of yellow, embracing the evening's theme, while enjoying a three-course meal in the stunning Event Centre Ballroom at The Star Gold Coast. The AusRAIL 2024 Yellow Dinner provided the most amount of people that have ever been hosted in this room. The night ended with post-event cocktails, a dessert bar, and live music, providing the perfect setting for continued networking. A heartfelt thank you to Alstom for sponsoring the event, and to everyone who attended and made the Yellow Dinner a remarkable success. #AusRAIL2024 #RailIndustry

#KeynotePresentation // We were thrilled to have 7-time world champion surfer, Layne Beachley AO, as our keynote speaker to close the AusRAIL 2024 conference presentations. 🏄♀️ Layne shared inspiring insights, gained from her own experiences, on Bold Leadership, reminding us to: B // Set boundaries, and know when to say no O // Turn obstacles into opportunities L // Embrace laughter as the best medicine D // Build a “Dream Team” – supportive, respectful, and encouraging – instead of allowing “Dream Thieves” to steal our momentum. Thank you, Layne, for an uplifting and powerful message! 🙌 We are looking forward to finishing AusRAIL 2024 on a high note with tonight's Yellow Dinner. #Leadership #BoldLeadership #DreamTeam #AusRAIL #AusRAIL2024

#ExhibitionNetworking // The AusRAIL 2024 Exhibition Networking Drinks brought together delegates, exhibitors, and industry professionals in a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. With over 3,500 visitors expected across the exhibition, the event provided the perfect opportunity to unwind after a busy conference day while exploring more than 150 exhibitor stands. From interactive activations to insightful conversations, the exhibition halls buzzed with energy as attendees mingled, reconnected with colleagues, and expanded their professional networks. Guests enjoyed light refreshments and a chance to dive deeper into the innovative products and services on display, all within a relaxed and social setting. A big thank you to all attendees and exhibitors for attending, and to the 2024 Exhibition Networking Drinks Partner, Mikado Group. #AusRAIL2024 #RailExhibition

#SunriseCoastalRun // This morning, over 60 AusRAIL 2024 delegates gathered at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre for an inspiring start to the day: the AusRAIL Sunrise Coastal Run and Walk. Attendees chose between a guided 5km run or a relaxed 3km walk, creating a welcoming atmosphere for participants of all fitness levels. The event offered a unique blend of exercise, networking, and appreciation of the Gold Coast's natural beauty, setting a positive tone for the day ahead. A big thank you to everyone who joined and made the morning memorable! #AusRAIL2024 

#AusRAIL2024 // It is wonderful to see so many people back here for Day 2 of our biggest AusRAIL yet, which is being held on the Gold Coast for the first time. Champion world surfer Layne Beachley AO will deliver a keynote address and we will also hear from leading experts in the rail industry from Australia and overseas, including:  ⭐ Laurence BROSETA, Chief Executive Officer International, Keolis, who will share lessons learnt from the 2024 Paris Olympics;   ⭐ Kat Stapleton, CEO, Queensland Rail, who will give a presentation on building a world-class network for Brisbane 2032;   ⭐ Graeme Newton, CEO, Cross River Rail Authority with a project update;  ⭐ Carolyn Walsh, Chair and Commissioner, National Transport Commission, who will give an update on the National Rail Action Plan; and   ⭐ Wayne Johnson (GAICD), Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, ARTC.  A big thank you to our partners for helping us make the biggest event on the rail calendar a huge success! Learn who they are here 👉 https://lnkd.in/gJebHFd6 We are looking forward to seeing everyone tonight at the sold-out Yellow Dinner, kindly sponsored by Alstom, with more than 1,000 people attending.  #Day2 #AusRAIL #RailIndustry

#PlenarySessions // Today’s AusRAIL 2024 presentations highlighted the investment boom underway in rail, including here in QLD where $14 billion is being spent on rail over the next four years, creating an extra 28,000 jobs. In her Opening Address, ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie outlined our significant program of work underway to support the growth and productivity of the rail industry, specifically in the areas of increasing rail freight, supporting workforce development, harmonisation of rail standards, improving resilience and enhancing gender diversity and inclusiveness. The ARA has had an absolutely fantastic year, with sell-out events across the country attended by some 9,000 people collectively. We have launched five major research projects covering harmonisation of rail standards, decarbonising rollingstock, progressing gender equality and the economic benefits of rail for New Zealand. We also heard from our new Chair, Lucio Di Bartolomeo, who officially began in the role today after former Chair Danny Broad stepped down yesterday. We are extremely grateful to Danny for his incredible dedication and commitment to the ARA for almost a decade, and we look forward to working with Lucio over the coming year. Some of the presentation highlights from Day 1 of AusRAIL 2024 included: ⭐ Sally Stannard, Director General, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads: Spoke about the pivotal investment underway in rail, the SEQ Rail Connect project, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail connecting Brisbane and the Gold Coast and the Direct Sunshine Coast Rail Line. ⭐ Phil Mumford, Chief Executive Officer, GoldlinQ: Update on Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3. Did you know the Gold Coast light rail is the only one in the world which has dedicated surfboard racks? ⭐ Daniel Williams, CEO, Metro Trains Sydney: Key tactics to address blind spots in project delivery and the implementation success of Sydney’s M1 - Australia’s first fully automated metro. ⭐ Dr Natalie Pelham, CEO, ONRSR: Update on the NTC-led review of the Rail Safety National Law and its 25 recommendations. ⭐ Jacqui Walters, National Rail Manufacturing Advocate: Four objectives of the $14.2 million National Rail Manufacturing Plan to grow domestic manufacturing capabilities in rail rollingstock. ⭐ ARA GM Natalie Currey chaired a great panel session on productivity, safety and future skills with Steve Butcher, Executive General Manager, Rail & Transport, John Holland Group; Treaven Martinus, Chief Executive Officer, Martinus ⭐ Harriet Christopherson, Operations Manager, McConnell Dowell and ⭐ Jon Daley, Executive General Manager - Infrastructure, SYSTRA. #AusRAIL2024 #AusRAIL #RailConference #RailIndustry

#WomenInRailBreakfast // What an inspiring morning at the AusRAIL 2024 Women in Rail Breakfast! This special event brought together professionals of all genders to celebrate diversity, foster connections, and spark important conversations in the rail industry. Caroline Wilkie, CEO of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA), spoke on the research and initiatives to advance gender diversity. She shared key findings from the ARA’s research, noting that women now grown to 28% of the rail workforce, but that barriers persist, such as negative bias, limited flexible work options, and inadequate site facilities. The Progressing Gender Equality in Rail report revealed concerning statistics on gender bias and workplace challenges, prompting initiatives like the Industry Code of Conduct on Respectful Behaviours. Efforts such as the Champions of Change Rail Group and plans for an Industry Code of Conduct to foster inclusion and respect are helping to advance gender diversity and equality. Highlights from the event: 🎉 The launch of the Women in Rail Mentoring Program, a vital initiative to empower and support women in rail. Applications are now open. Learn more 👉 https://lnkd.in/ghsc5cRN 🏆 The announcement of 10 scholarship winners, recognizing exceptional talent and leadership among Women in Rail and Young Rail Professionals. Discover the winners 👉 https://lnkd.in/g2wqfJrU 🤝 A fresh, engaging format with icebreakers that encouraged meaningful networking and new connections. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the success of this memorable event. And thank you to the Women in Rail Breakfast Partner, McConnell Dowell. #WomenInRail #AusRAIL2024 #DiversityAndInclusion #Mentoring #RailIndustry #Networking

#SunsetSoiree // AusRAIL 2024 kicked off with an unforgettable evening at the Sunset Soirée! Held at The Star Gold Coast's Garden Kitchen and Bar, the Sunset Soirée was a vibrant celebration of connections, fun, and the stunning Gold Coast vibe. As the sun dipped below the horizon, industry colleagues came together to network and unwind, enjoying delicious food from a variety of stations, refreshing drinks, and the energetic beats of a DJ. The optional Hawaiian shirts added a playful touch to an already lively atmosphere! A huge thank you to Track Protection Australia, our Sunset Soirée Partner, for making this unique event possible. Your support helped set the perfect tone for an amazing week ahead. Here’s to more memorable moments at AusRAIL 2024! 🥂 #AusRAIL2024 #SunsetSoirée #Networking #GoldCoastVibes #RailIndustry #TrackProtectionAustralia

#AusRAIL2024 // AusRAIL 2024 is back and better than ever! For the first time, we are on the Gold Coast for the biggest exhibition yet with more than 3,000 visitors across the rail industry. Here’s why this year’s exhibition is going to be amazing: ⭐ Over 150 exhibitors and more than 100 speakers, including both local and international experts and government leaders, sharing their insights. Plus, our keynote speaker, world champion surfer Layne Beachley AO, wraps up the conference tomorrow. ⭐ Our most extensive program to date packed with important rail topics like addressing workforce gaps, sustainability, championing gender equality, increasing mode share, and enhancing customer experiences. ⭐ 14 concurrent sessions covering public transport innovations, signalling, productivity, safety, and future skills.  ⭐ Last night’s Sunset Soiree at The Star was an unforgettable kick-off, and this morning’s Women in Rail breakfast saw the launch of the Women in Rail Mentoring Program and the announcement of 10 scholarship winners for AusRAIL’s Women in Rail and Young Rail Professionals. Today, AusRAIL 2024 will hear from: Sally Stannard Director General, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads Tim Parker Chief Executive Officer, High Speed Rail Authority Phil Mumford Chief Executive Officer, GoldlinQ Daniel Williams Chief Executive Officer, Metro Trains Sydney Dr Natalie Pelham Chief Executive Officer, ONRSR Jacqui Walters National Rail Manufacturing Advocate, Department of Industry, Science and Resources Thank you to our very generous partners who make events like AusRAIL 2024 possible.  #AusRAIL #RailIndustry #Networking

#AusRAIL2024App // There’s just a few more hours before AusRAIL 2024 officially kicks off at the Gold Coast. If you’re attending this year’s conference, make sure you download and use the AusRAIL app to make the most of your experience. All exhibition delegates and visitors have been emailed information about the app, including a password to access the AusRAIL 2024 app. The app provides details on the conference program, exhibition floorplan, exhibitor information, speakers, social functions, and more. Search for “AusRAIL 2024” in your app store or head to 👉 https://lnkd.in/gU3pgG5j. #AusRAIL #AusRAIL2024 #RailConference