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Rail Advocate to advance Victorian rail manufacturing

The Victorian Government has appointed a new Victorian Rail Advocate to support the local train, tram and bus manufacturing industry.

Tamara Culembourg will take up the role, which is responsible for promoting Victoria’s local rail manufacturing supply chain and workforce, developing initiatives to grow industry capacity and boost jobs. 

The transport and rail manufacturing specialist brings almost two decades worth of local and international experience to the role, holding key positions in rail manufacturing and transport operations.

“Victoria has a proud rail manufacturing history supporting thousands of jobs and leads the nation in locally built trains and trams,” Culembourg said.

“I’m excited and honoured to be appointed Victoria’s next Rail Advocate and look forward to supporting innovation and helping manufacturers and suppliers secure new opportunities in this high value, highly skilled industry.”

The Victorian Rail Advocate chairs the Government’s Rail Industry Development Advisory Committee (RIDAC) and promotes collaboration between industry, transport operators, and government.

Supporting Victorian rail suppliers to innovate and win contracts is part of our plan to continue strengthening our skilled workforce and achieving higher local content on our rolling stock orders.

Minister for public and active transport Gabrielle Williams spoke about the announcement.

“We’re pleased to announce Tamara Culembourg as the new Victorian Rail Advocate – she will do a fantastic job promoting and support our local rail manufacturing industry,” she said.

“We thank our outgoing Rail Advocate Jill Walsh for her achievements – including co-founding the Women on Track program – and I look forward to working with Tamara over the next three years.”

The Victorian Government has invested over $8 billion in Victorian-built rolling stock and infrastructure since 2015, supporting more than 10,000 jobs across the industry.