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overview
Mark your calendars today and join us in Melbourne this July for an intensive one-day workshop focusing on fundamental technical knowledge from a range of experts working across rail turnouts.
Building on the revised ‘back-to-basics’ foundational outlook of the recent Rail Turnouts workshop in Perth, this workshop reflects a renewed focus on the transfer of industry knowledge and technical expertise via shared learnings, the practical applications of specialist case studies and an overview of current trends and emerging technologies.
MODULES & UPDATED TOPICS TO BE ADDRESSED INCLUDE:
- Module 1: Introduction to fundamentals
- Module 2: Design and engineering
- Module 3: Signalling
- Module 4: Manufacturing and assembly
- Module 5: Turnout supply and installation
- Module 6: Maintenance
- Module 7: Practical problem-solving
- Module 8: R&D and training
Why attend this crucial industry workshop?
The industry’s construction boom has highlighted the demand for specialist rail skills. One of the key challenges relating to rail turnouts is the declining knowledge base and this workshop offers the opportunity to build on this knowledge for the future while refreshing skills with an update on the new products, solutions and innovations related to rail turnouts.
This workshop represents the industry’s chance to:
- Consolidate the existing knowledge base
- Pass first-hand the knowledge to those coming into the industry
- Retain industry expertise in a form that ensures it is easily passed on in the future
View images from Rail Turnouts 2025
Rail Turnouts 2025 Highlights Video
2026 Speakers
Allyson Stanmore
Senior Trackwork Designer, Queensland Rail
Robin Stevens
Manager Track and Alignment Design, Queensland Rail
Gary Doherty
Engineering Technician, Vossloh Switch Systems Australia
Cris Fitzhardinge
Senior Standards Development Manager, ARISO
Sudha Niles
General Manager – Products & Innovation, ARISO
Andrew Bussey
National Services Manager, voestalpine Railway Systems
Darrien Welsby
Principal Engineer - Wheel/Rail Interface & Track Engineering, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Dr Elias Kassa
Principal Engineer and Team Leader, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Joe McGinlay
Manager, Rail Systems, Rio Tinto
Laura Sugiarto
Track Engineer, Rio Tinto
Lisa Allsopp
Program Manager, Rail Revitalisation Program, John Holland
Yuichi Yamamoto
Deputy CEO, Salix
Professor Ravi Ravitharan
Director, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Luke Urwin
Track and Civil Maintenance Engineer, ARTC
Stephen Lemon
Executive Director, Rail Systems & Operations Reform, National Transport Commission
Dr Frank Heibel
Director, Doc Frank Rail Services
Catherine Saunders
Manager Rail Academy, BHP
Tony Braxton-Smith
Independent Director, ARISO
Stephen Basilio
Manager Rail Renewals & Projects, BHP
Stefan Van der Walt
Track Renewals Program Manager, Rio Tinto
Michael Maartensz
Standards Development Manager, ARISO
Wataru Kobayashi
Assistant Manager, Yamato Trackwork Systems
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Partners
Exhibition Networking Drinks
Unwind with a relaxing drink at the Exhibition Networking Drinks which will bring together participants from both the Signalling and Rail Turnouts Workshops.
Function available to sponsor
Sponsorship & Exhibition
The Rail Turnouts 2026 conference offers a unique platform for experts in all aspects of the turnout lifecycle to share knowledge and network with key industry stakeholders and suppliers. Please email Sarah Ingram for a copy of the sponsorship prospectus, or call to discuss the branding, thought leadership and exhibition opportunities available.
Sarah Ingram
Sponsorship & Exhibitions Manager
P: 0406 530 043
E: [email protected]
Sponsors Profiles
Vossloh Switch Systems Australia
Established in 2006, Vossloh Switch Systems Australia (VSSA) builds upon nearly 150 years of railway expertise from Thompsons Kelly & Lewis Pty. Ltd. As a leader in the design and manufacture of turnouts and related components, VSSA employs a skilled team of engineers with a combined experience of 150 years, ensuring top-notch solutions for our clients.
Our services range from complex turnout designs, including dual gauge Turnouts and diamonds, to specialised analyses such as Wheel Rail Interfacing and Finite Element Analysis. With two production facilities located in Epsom, Victoria, and Kewdale, Western Australia, we effectively serve the east and west coasts of Australia respectively.
Safety is a core value at VSSA, highlighted by our Victorian facility achieving an impressive 1800 consecutive days without a Lost Time Injury (LTI) in September 2025.
With a global presence across over 30 countries, Vossloh is ideally positioned to support Australia’s transition to High-Speed Rail, delivering innovative rail solutions across various sectors, including Heavy Haul and Metro systems.
voestalpine Railway Systems Australia
voestalpine Railway Systems Australia is part of the global leader in railway infrastructure solutions. With over 35 years of local expertise and workshops in Mackay and Bathurst, we deliver premium, integrated rail technologies across Australia and New Zealand—combining global innovation with local craftsmanship in rails, turnouts, signalling, and monitoring.
Salix
Salix is an Australian-owned and operated business, specialising in innovative rail product solutions. We are committed to delivering exceptional quality and service across Australia, New Zealand, and a growing number of international markets. Our team specialise in the design, manufacture, supply and delivery of Turnouts, Buffer Stops, Points Operations and Crane Rail system solutions.
Our expertise spans all types of railway systems—including light rail, metro, passenger, freight, heavy haul, and specialised crane rail.
With strong local supply alliances and exclusive international partnerships, we offer innovative, reliable solutions tailored to the unique demands of each project.
DT Infrastructure
DT Infrastructure is a trusted provider of engineering and construction solutions, 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, with a focus on engineering innovation, collaborative contracting and leading sustainability practices.
Testimonials
“Good discussions, new connections, good presentations, top organisation!”
“Really good content from all the presenters.”
“Good technical information on the maintenance/construction challenges of Turnouts, good to meet new people in Rail Industry.”
“I was happy to see a huge turnout of participation including from overseas.”
“The information was up to date and very detailed.”
ConnectMe + Streamly
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.
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
28 Jul 2026
Park Hyatt Melbourne
1 Parliament Square, off, Parliament Pl,
Melbourne VIC 3002
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
Tina Karas
General Manager
[email protected]
Marketing & Media Enquiries
Paul O’Connor
[email protected]