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overview
The Australian heavy haul rail industry, boasting some of the heaviest and longest trains, continues to lead the world in operations and innovation. Join industry leaders and decision-makers at the 15th annual Heavy Haul Rail conference on 22-23 April 2026 at the Crown Perth for an exclusive deep dive into cutting-edge projects and strategies.
Bringing together a cross-section of major players for quality networking and collaboration, Heavy Haul Rail 2026 will explore challenges, opportunities, and priorities both locally and internationally across the heavy haul industry.
The technical streams return showcasing new ideas and developments in maintenance & asset management, technology & safety to ensure safe, and reliable operations.
Heavy Haul Rail 2026 will be co-located once again with Rail Turnouts and Rail Signalling. Take advantage of our exclusive 15% discount offer to attend both Heavy Haul Rail and either Rail Turnouts or Rail Signalling. Additionally, further discounts are available to those who qualify for the Young Rail Professionals rate. See pricing below for details.
Catch up on all the action from the 2025 event here:
View images from Heavy Haul Rail 2025
2025 Speakers
Anna Dartnell
Group Executive Bulk, Aurizon
Hon. Jessica Stojkovski MLA
Minister for Child Protection; Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence; Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport; Peel
Dr Natalie Pelham
Chief Executive, ONRSR
Richard Cohen
Managing Director Port, Rail & Core Services, Rio Tinto Iron Ore
Kari Gonzales
President & CEO, MxV Rail & Chair, International Heavy Haul Association (IHHA)
Karlene Bylund
Executive General Manager Customer and Strategy, Pilbara Ports
Kylie Huth
CEO, voestalpine Railway Systems Australia
Peter Thomas
Regional Senior Vice President, ANZ & SEA, Wabtec Corporation
Damien White
Chief Executive Officer, RISSB
Michael Hopkins
Chief Executive Officer, National Transport Commission
Damien Harding
Fleet Decarbonisation Strategy, Aurizon
Candis Rhodes
Planning Manager; Supply Chain Service Asset Management, Rio Tinto
Shunturi Govender
Track Maintenance Engineer, BHP
Roger Buckley
Fleet Decarbonisation Manager, Aurizon
Tamara Mahes
General Manager Asset Services- Operations, ARTC, Australian Rail Track Corporation
Vivek Dhar
Director - Mining and Energy Commodities Research, Commonwealth Bank
Megan McCracken
Chair, Freight and Logistics Council WA
Chris Crawford Gray
Rail, Infrastructure & Services Digital Manager, Rio Tinto
Şebnem Kurklu
Chief Information Security Officer, Aurizon
Rajendra Jadhav
Group Vice President – Digital Intelligence, Wabtec Corporation
Prof. Colin Cole
Director - Centre for Railway Engineering, CQ University
Robert Shaw
Operational Technology Lead, Pacific National
Mark Wood
Chief Technology Officer, 4AI Systems and 4Tel
Simon Gilders
Chief Financial Officer, Arc Infrastructure
Sarah Dearman
Rail Leader, Delivering Business Improvements, BHP
Charlotte Moss
Superintendent Delivery Rail Systems – Sustaining Capital Rail, Rio Tinto
Martin Quirchmair
USP Section Leader, R&D - Engineering, Getzner Werkstoffe
Mark Green
Managing Director, Speno Rail Maintenance
Anitra Hobby
Risk and Resilience Principal, Pacific National
James Stephens
Manager Locomotive Fleet Performance and Sustainability, Pacific National
Louise Dornan
Manager Rail Network Capacity, BHP
Jens Lind
Head of Locomotives International, Siemens Mobility
Chloe Keep
HSEQ Advisor/Level 2 NDT technician, Speno Rail Maintenance Australia
Bryan Lai
Rail Systems Interface and Integration Manager, DT Infrastructure
Chris Myatt
General Manager Decarbonisation & Freight Engineering, Downer
Professor Ravi Ravitharan
Director, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Shreevinder Saxena
Team Leader- Rolling Stock, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Donat Ponamariov
CEO & Founder, Viezo
Patrick Hornby
General Counsel and Head of Legal, Governance and Strategic Policy, Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB)
Josh Salkeld
Senior Sales Operations Manager, Wabtec Corporation
Jodi Moffitt
General Manager Port & Rail, Roy Hill
Tom Warner
Executive General Manager, Systems, Systra
Crispian Fitzhardinge
Senior Standards Manager, RISSB
Bruce Wooldridge
Standards Development Manager, RISSB
Bala Dasari
Principal Rail OT Systems, John Holland
Amitabh Bhagwat
Head of Sales & Tendering, Siemens Mobility ANZ
Peter Arul
Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) & Committee Member, Railway Technical Society Australia (WA branch)
2025 Sponsors
2025 Exhibitors
Partners
Pricing
Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards
We were delighted to announce the Inaugural winners of the Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards at the Heavy Haul Rail Conference & AHHR Awards Dinner on March 27.
The winners for the Inaugural Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards 2025
Emerging Leader of the Year
This category received the most nominations which is a great reflection that the future of the Heavy Haul Rail industry is in great hands!
WINNER: Blake Gibson, UGL Limited
Excellence in Sustainability
This award recognises those delivering outstanding sustainability outcomes in the heavy haul industry.
WINNER: Rio Tinto Rail Material Repurposing Program
Industry Champion
This award acknowledges and celebrates someone who has made a key contribution to the heavy haul rail industry that deserves acknowledgement from their peers.
WINNER: Joe McGinlay, Rio Tinto
Industry Legend
This award honours the pioneers of the Australian Heavy Haul Rail Industry – those visionary individuals whose contributions have shaped the Heavy Haul Rail sector. It recognises a lifetime of exceptional achievement, innovation, and leadership that has propelled the industry forward and made an extraordinary impact having not just participated in the industry but have fundamentally transformed it. Their legacy serves as a beacon, guiding the future of Australian heavy haul rail and setting the gold standard for excellence.
WINNER: Ben Lombardo
Acceleration Allies
Informa Rail ‘Acceleration Allies’: #MarchForward at every event
Launched in 2024, ‘Acceleration Allies’ is a program across all Informa Rail events that calls on organisations to commit to gender equality. In 2025, starting with Heavy Haul Rail #MarchForward in your commitment to advance the ‘Rights. Equality. Empowerment.’ of ALL and everyone in your organisation.
Organisations achieving 30% or more female representation—across speakers, delegates, sponsors, and attendees—will be acknowledged as ‘Acceleration Allies’.
- Why It Matters: Public recognition as a leader in gender diversity positions your organization at the forefront of industry innovation and inclusivity.
What’s in It for You?
- Exclusive Recognition: Featured acknowledgments as an as ‘Acceleration Ally’.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded industry leaders who prioritise equality and empowerment.
- Positive Brand Visibility: Show stakeholders, clients, and partners your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
How to Get Involved: Simple Steps to Make an Impact
- Step 1: Assess your current representation and identify female colleagues to attend, speak, or participate.
- Step 2: Register your organisation and track your progress towards the 30% goal.
- Step 3: Celebrate your achievement and enjoy the recognition of being an Acceleration Ally at Heavy Haul Rail.
#MarchForward
- Elevate the women in your organisation. Champion gender equality, diversity and change.
- Secure your place as an Acceleration Ally today!
Networking Breakfast
Young Rail Professionals Networking Breakfast
2025 Sponsor
Free and open to all young rail professionals who are registered to attend the Heavy Haul Rail conference. Further details will be released in due course.
Heavy Haul Rail Dinner
23 April 2026 | Crown Perth | 7:00pm – 10:30pm
2025 Sponsor
Come together to celebrate and reflect on the learnings and industry achievements showcased at this exciting event. Commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, the Heavy Haul Rail Conference dinner takes place on the evening of the 23 April 2026 at the Crown Perth. Join us for this unique networking function which includes pre-dinner drinks and presentations to our Next Generation Conference Scholarships & Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards.
Attendees must register to attend the conference as well. A special guest speaker will be announced closer to the event date.
Rail Turnouts + Rail Signalling
Alongside Heavy Haul Rail comes the return of two popular specialist workshops. Both will be held on 21 April 2026, a day prior to Heavy Haul Rail 2026.
Rail Turnouts 2026
An intensive, focused introduction to the fundamental technical knowledge, the Rail Turnouts Workshop will exchange and transfer knowledge from a range of experts working across rail turnouts.
View full information here
Rail Signalling Perth 2026
The Rail Signalling workshop will help to you understand the role, integration and management of signalling systems across Australia.
View full information here.
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITION OPPORTUNITIES
Heavy Haul Rail is Australia’s largest conference developed specifically for the Heavy Haul Rail industry. Attracting key stakeholders and senior decision makers from across the heavy haul, freight and resources sectors, the event offers suppliers, operators, manufacturers and innovators unparalleled networking, knowledge sharing and business development opportunities.
Don’t miss the opportunity to profile your company, share your expertise and showcase your solutions at Heavy Haul Rail 2026!
Please email [email protected] for a copy of the sponsorship prospectus including delegate profile information, or call +61 406 530 043 to discuss the branding, thought leadership and exhibition opportunities available.
2025 Sponsors Profiles
Wabtec
Revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Whether it’s freight rail, transit, mining, industrial or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people – together – are accelerating the future of transportation.
DT Infrastructure
DT Infrastructure is a trusted provider of engineering and construction solutions that unlock opportunities for our clients, communities and people. Specialising in Defence, transport and infrastructure, DTI offers a unique synergy of local expertise in complex projects and the global perspective of multinational parent company, Gamuda Berhad. Through engineering innovation, collaborative contracting and leading sustainability practices DTI is unlocking opportunities for a better tomorrow.
Siemens
As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience and guarantee availability. We have been in Australia & New Zealand for more than 150 years, employs over 600 people from 41 different nationalities with offices in all major capital cities and manufacturing sites in Melbourne and Perth. Siemens aims to be the first major industrial company to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2030 and a partner in Australia’s first carbon neutral rail infrastructure project.
Downer
Downer is the leading provider of integrated infrastructure services across Australia and New Zealand. Downer’s Rail & Transit Systems business has over 155 years’ rail experience delivering innovative transport solutions and is the leading provider in Australia with expertise in delivering whole-of-life asset management support to customers. Today, we leverage our capabilities to offer rollingstock, infrastructure, rail systems, operation and maintenance, system integration, engineering innovations and digital and data solutions. Find out more at www.downergroup.com/rail
Voestalpine Railway Systems
Voestalpine Railway Systems is the global leader for railway infrastructure system solutions, offering outstanding products, logistics and services for rails, turnouts, signalling and monitoring applications. Creating maximum customer benefit is the driving force behind all activities of the group.
UGL
UGL is CIMIC Group’s specialist end-to-end engineering and services provider. With projects, operations and offices throughout the country, our footprint means we are involved in communities across Australia, providing expertise for our customers and employment and career opportunities for all Australians.
Insights
Increasing rail’s share of inter-capital freight – ideas from Anna Dartnell
Read more >>
How Speno Rail cultivates its safety culture
Read more >>
A sustainable heavy haul sector – what to expect in the years ahead
Read more >>
Breaking new ground in heavy haul operations – an interview with Kevin Piefer
Read more >>
Testimonials
Hear what our recent attendees had to say:
“One of the best conferences I have attended in terms of content and speakers that showcases the diversity in the rail industry”
“An impressive event with a large attendance and a breadth and depth of discussion that was always interesting and engaging. The speakers were all of a notably high calibre, and the agenda was well structured and balanced across the days. A really worthwhile event, including great opportunities for networking. I’m already looking forward to the next one.”
“I had a great time at heavy haul rail. I met a lot of new (very interesting and clever) people and learned a lot from industry professionals and subject matter experts. I feel as though I have an even more detailed understanding of our industry and the market trends and customer needs that are emerging.”
“A very well-executed event that provided valuable opportunities for quality networking and to meet with industry professionals.”
“If you want to understand Heavy Haul you have to attend Heavy Haul Rail”.
“I found Heavy Haul 2025 a valuable mix of insights and perspectives on sustainability and innovation critical to the success of the Australian rail industry.”
“A well-run event that brings customers and suppliers together in an informative and entertaining way. All suppliers of heavy haul railways should ensure they have a presence at this annual event.”
“Great speakers with a lot of insight that was applicable to my industry, and the people that I work with. A lot of interesting people to meet and connect with. A great venue and well-structured event.”
ConnectMe
ConnectMe • Networking enhanced
All of our events utilise a bespoke dynamic smartphone app, ConnectMe – which guarantees attendees a premium event experience. Logins are sent prior to the conference commencement allowing you to check who’s attending, schedule in meetings and catch ups, participate in live Q+A and interactive polls, and much more. ConnectMe ensures you never miss a beat prior, during and post event.
Sustainability
Our Commitment to Sustainability
In Australia, we are committed to running our events in an environmentally and socially responsible way. Across Informa Connect we are focusing on the short and long-term sustainability impacts we have on customers and colleagues alongside the communities we work in.
We recognise that it’s not just about the way we produce our events and products but recognising that we have a role to play in providing a space to work in partnership together with our markets to inspire the sustainable development of the industries we serve.
To read more on our latest sustainability reports and Faster Forward initiatives – click here.
Event Code of Conduct
We want everyone who comes to our events to have a great experience. This code explains our expectations and rules, which includes general good practice behaviour, and how to report anything witnessed or experienced that goes against them. Read our Event Code of Conduct here.
when & where
contact
Still have a question?
General Information & Registration
Customer Service
+61 2 9080 4307
[email protected]
Sponsorship & Exhibition Opportunities
Sarah Ingram
+61 406 530 043
[email protected]
Speaking Enquiries
Kate Twentyman
Senior Conference Director
[email protected]
Marketing & Media Enquiries
Anthony Anemogiannis
[email protected]