Edition 63 May 2024 

INSIDE THIS EDITION

+ CEO message
+ 2024 RISSB Rail Safety Awards winner spotlight
+ Another successful Derailment Investigation Course
+ $1 billion to enhance the resilience and reliability of national rail network
+ Member Spotlight

CEO MESSAGE

Last week’s Commonwealth budget included a number of significant funding announcements that reinforced rail’s ongoing contribution to Australia’s economy and communities. Importantly, network upgrades to improve the resilience of the Australian Rail Track Corporation's (ARTC's) network which has been affected by an increasing number of extreme weather events in recent years. 

Also, funding to install heavier rail between Tarcoola and Kalgoorlie will ultimately deliver higher levels of productivity and reliability. ARTC’s regional network will also see upgrades between Maroona and Portland, and Commonwealth funding was announced for a number State passenger projects, including $1.4b for extending Perth’s Metronet project and $1.15b for the Sunshine Coast rail line in Queensland.

Investment in infrastructure is vitally important to ensure ongoing productivity and reliability improvements for our rail network, particularly considering rail’s role in the nation’s decarbonisation efforts. In order to maximise the benefits of this investment, we need to increase our efforts to remove long-standing interoperability and harmonisation barriers.

The National Transport Commission's (NTC's) leadership on critical issues such digital train control compatibility, streamlining rollingstock approvals and industry skills development is fundamental, and so too are the many other opportunities being progressed within industry. These opportunities include safeworking rule harmonisation, improvements to the Product Type Approval processes, and the continuous improvements to the industry’s Standards, Rules, Codes of Practice and Guidelines.  Industry’s collective work on these interface initiatives are fundamental to maximising the value of the significant network investments that are being made.

Damien White
RISSB CEO

2024 RISSB Rail Safety Awards winner spotlight

Emerging Leader Award

This week RISSB is profiling the Emerging Leader Award winner as part of the 2024 Rail Safety Awards winners spotlight series.

Downer’s Jason Zhou was named the winner of the Emerging Leader Award at the 2024 RISSB Rail Safety Awards Dinner in Melbourne last month for his technical innovation in rail maintenance and mentoring and advocacy for young professionals in the rail industry.

Jason is a Technology Strategy Engineer within Downer’s Rail and Transit Systems. He began his career in rail when he joined Metro Trains Melbourne as an intern engineer. After graduating with First Class Honours from Monash University, Jason continued his career in the rail industry joining Downer as a Graduate Engineer.

Jason has exemplified dedication, innovation and leadership within the rail industry over the last four years. Currently, Jason is leading the development and integration of the world's first floor and surface autonomous train cleaning robot.

Jason is also committed to serving as a mentor and advocate for young professionals in the industry, showcasing the possibilities and impact of rail technology at conferences and providing invaluable guidance to aspiring engineers. Congratulations Jason, RISSB wishes you all the best as your career progresses.

"It’s an honour to be selected as the RISSB Emerging Leader for 2024 among so many amazing candidates. I’m thrilled that RISSB and the rail industry are recognising and embracing new technological innovations, such as robotics, to enhance rail safety, maintenance, and operations. I hope to continue driving and leading these transformations, positioning both the rail sector and Downer RTS at the forefront of Maintenance 4.0 practices." - Jason Zhou

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT ON
Alium Works

Alium Works offer contextualised training that is practical, relevant and industry specific, that delivers better outcomes to a diverse range of capable people. Alium Works was founded by those within the industry who have strived to find a better way! Alium Works believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to find a great role with the right company, no matter their background or gender. Alium Works use innovative strategies, contextualised learning and training as well as and leverage technology to improve efficiencies, reduce risk, and attract, train and retain the right talent. 

Alium Works has been a participating member of RISSB since 2023. 

Congratulations to Alium Works Director, Ann Tomlinson who was recently awarded the Industry Safety Professional of the Year at the 2024 RISSB Rail Safety Awards. For more information click here.