Rail Safety Week was a significant focus for Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA), marked by a number of activities at Connect Rail and the prestigious Australasian Rail Industry Awards.
H2: Connect Rail: Innovating Pathways, Projects, and People in Rail
During ConnectRail, SRA made a significant impact with a keynote session co-delivered by Managing Director, Anne Modderno, and Ann Tomlinson, Founder of Alium Works.
The session, titled Pathways, Projects, and People in Rail, delved into the pressing need for innovation in attracting, retaining, and developing talent within the rail industry, especially as the industry faces an unprecedented $155 billion pipeline of projects.
Modderno highlighted the need for a fresh approach to ensure the industry remains agile and adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements and raised critical questions.
“What tangible action are we taking as an industry to find the 70,000 new people we need to deliver this massive program – how do we successfully integrate new technology and innovation into our workforce?” Modderno said, challenging the audience to think differently about workforce development, and urging a shift in perspective on how talent is sourced and nurtured.
One of the key points Anne made was the importance of identifying complementary skills from other industries that can transition smoothly into rail. She emphasised the need to expand the talent pool by attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds and creating more opportunities within the industry. This approach was also shared by other rail leaders in the room.
“Businesses to be more flexible, family-friendly, and supportive of employees as whole individuals, not just as workers within the traditional 9-to-5 framework,” Modderno said.
She linked this to SRA’s commitment to family-friendly practices, reflecting on how, a decade ago, concepts like paid parental leave for both parents were considered groundbreaking – ideas that are now seen as standard, best practice in leading companies.
Modderno then posed a thought-provoking challenge to the room, “What ideas do we consider ‘crazy’ today that will be seen as the norm in the next five to ten years?”
The session encouraged attendees to challenge the status quo and explore new ways to strengthen the workforce, ensuring that the rail industry is well-equipped to meet future demands.
H2: Project Success: Narrabri Ballast Cleaning
In addition to their attendance at Connect Rail, during Rail Safety Week, SRA’s specialist ballast cleaning team successfully concluded a significant project near Narrabri in the Hunter region.
The project saw the cleaning of 5,580 metres of track ballast and the installation of over 9,600 tonnes of new ballast. Additionally, more than 19,400 metres of track were tamped and stabilised, with over six kilometres of spoil management and track drainage works completed.
These projects were undertaken in as part of ongoing program of work for Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
H2: Australasian Rail Industry Awards: Recognising SRA’s dedication to safety
The Australasian Rail Industry Awards (ARI Awards), held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney on Wednesday 7 August highlighted SRA’s commitment to promoting safety in the workplace.
SRA was honoured to be named a finalist in two categories: Safety Excellence and Diversity & Inclusion, a significant achievement that recognises the hard work and dedication of the entire SRA team.
Although they didn’t take home the win, the nominations themselves were a testament to their innovative practices and leadership in the rail industry.
From the meticulous planning stages to execution and beyond, SRA consistently prioritises the wellbeing of their team members and the communities they serve. The nominations reflected SRA’s dedication to creating a culture of safety, where every detail is carefully considered to prevent accidents and ensure smooth, reliable rail operations.
Equally significant was SRA’s recognition in the Diversity & Inclusion category, a nomination that aligns closely with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy. SRA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognising that diversity is not just a moral imperative but a key driver of innovation and success.
“I am so proud of our team for being named as a finalist in two categories. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, the calibre of talent in the room was outstanding,” Modderno said.
As outlined in their ESG principles, SRA believes in creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.
This commitment to diversity extends beyond the workplace, influencing how SRA engages with the broader community and ensuring that their projects contribute positively to social equity. This dedication has been recognised with SRA being announced as finalists at the 2024 Business Hunter Awards for Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion. The Business Hunter Awards will be held on Friday 13 September at the Newcastle Exhibition Centre.
Learn more about SRA on their website.
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