01.05.2025
Swietelsky Rail Australia Named Finalist in Two Categories at 2025 RISSB Rail Safety Awards
Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) is proud to announce that we have been named finalists in two categories at the prestigious 2025 RISSB Rail Safety Awards, recognising our unwavering commitment to safety, innovation, and the wellbeing of our people.
Our nominations highlight two recent initiatives that demonstrate how we are contributing to building a safer, stronger rail industry:
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Frontline Worker Initiative – Airborne Hazard ProtectionJoel Brown, one of our outstanding Operator/Maintainers, has been recognised for his leadership in driving major safety improvements across our ballast cleaning operations. After identifying the limitations of existing respiratory protection, Joel led the introduction of a modern, more inclusive solution — complete with remodified and updated radio system. His initiative has significantly improved dust protection, operational communication, and overall frontline worker safety at SRA.
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Safety Leadership Program – Employee Wellbeing FrameworkOur broader organisational commitment to safety was also recognised through our Employee Wellbeing Framework, launched in 2024. This industry-leading program redefines workplace support and pushes past "best practice" by combining enhanced employee benefits, flexible work policies, proactive wellbeing checks (through our CHECK 5 system), and expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services. By supporting our people to be their best selves at home and at work, we are strengthening culture, reducing turnover, and improving outcomes across the board.
Both nominations reflect SRA's holistic approach to rail safety - recognising that true safety leadership encompasses physical protection, mental health, emotional resilience, and strong team support systems.
SRA Managing Director Anne Modderno congratulated the teams, saying, "Safety at SRA is first and foremost about the wellbeing of our people, and supporting them to be their best selves at work, but even more importantly at home. Being named a finalist for not just one, but two awards reflects the commitment and innovation our people bring every day. Whether it's on the frontline or through organisational culture change, our team continues to set new standards for what safety leadership looks like."
The winners of the RISSB Rail Safety Awards will be announced at the 2025 RISSB Rail Safety Conference dinner on 13 May 2025. Congratulations to all the named finalists for 2025! Regardless of the outcome, we are proud of the achievements that have already strengthened the wellbeing and safety of our team, our partners, and the wider industry.
Follow Swietelsky Rail Australia on LinkedIn to stay updated on the awards and to learn more about how we're driving positive change across the rail sector.
