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overview
The Heavy Haul Rail Awards will return in 2027 on 18 March 2027 at Crown Perth, following the 2027 Rail Turnouts workshop, to honour ground-breaking achievements in the sector. Join us for this unique networking function which includes pre-dinner drinks and presentations to our Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards winners.
The Heavy Haul Rail Conference will return on 22 – 23 March 2028, continuing its tradition of showcasing, celebrating and advancing the local and international network of heavy haul rail innovation.
In the meantime, we look forward to seeing everyone at the International Heavy Haul Association Conference from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 June at Crown Perth, Australia 2027. Click here for further information.
Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards
The Australian Heavy Haul Rail Awards return in 2027 and aim to identify and recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations shaping the future of Australia’s heavy haul rail industry, with a focus on leadership, commitment to innovation, safety and sustainability for the advancement of the heavy haul rail industry rail. Winners will be announced at the Heavy Haul Rail Awards Dinner on 18 March 2027.
This year, we’re accepting nominations in 6 categories:
- Emerging Leader of the Year
- Rail Impact Excellence Award: Sustainability & Social Responsibility
- Inspirational Woman in Heavy Haul Rail
- Unsung Hero
- Industry Champion
- Lifetime Achievement
KEY DATES
- Nominations open – Tuesday 1 September 2026
- Nominations close – Completed nomination forms will be accepted up to COB Friday, 11 December 2026
- Winners announced at the Heavy Haul Rail Awards Dinner on 18 March 2027
2026 Speakers
Hon Samantha Rowe MLC
Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Premier; Treasurer; Minister for Transport; Sport and Recreation
Wayne Johnson
CEO and Managing Director, ARTC
Kate Holling
General Manager Rail, BHP
Stephanie Unwin
Chief Executive Officer, Arc Infrastructure
Richard Cohen
Global Head of Safety and Technical Standards and Assurance, Rio Tinto
Dr Emma Molobi
Principal Engineer, Transnet, South Africa
Andie Berry
Director of Rail Car Reliability, Detection Technology and Data Analytics, Canadian National
Glenn Shaffer
Group Vice President Technology, Wabtec Corporation
Jodi Moffitt
General Manager of Integrated Remote Operations, Hancock Iron Ore
Stephen Lemon
Executive Director, Rail Systems & Operations Reform, National Transport Commission
Alan Fedda
CEO, ARISO
Vivek Dhar
Director - Mining and Energy Economist, Commonwealth Bank Australia
Megan McCracken
Chair, Freight and Logistics Council WA
Chris Myatt
General Manager Decarbonisation and Freight Engineering, Downer
Peter Doggett
Chief Operating Officer, ONRSR
Candis Rhodes
Planning Manager; Supply Chain Service Asset Management, Rio Tinto
Bruce Brymer
Manager Wagon Reliability and Engineering, Pacific National
Jen Annice
Manager Asset Management Rail & Engineering, Hancock Iron Ore
Roger Buckley
Chief Engineer, Taglio Engineering
Gary Owens
Head of Automated Measurement Solutions, Siemens Mobility
Damien Harding
Principal, Harding Innovation Consulting
Uwe Ossberger
CTO Turnouts, voestalpine Railway Systems
Professor Ravi Ravitharan
Director, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Prof. Colin Cole
Director – Centre for Railway Engineering, CQ University
Heather Parry
Director Infrastructure Projects, ARTC
Kylie Huth
CEO, voestalpine Railway Systems Australia
Andrew Harvey
Program Manager, Aurizon
Sudha Niles
General Manager – Products & Innovation, ARISO
James Petty
Head of Asset Management and Strategy, Aurizon
Jared Chiesa
Manager- Integration, Strategy and Reliability Engineering, Aurizon
Louise Dornan
Manager Rail Network Capacity, BHP
Ashutosh Itkelwar
Managing Director, Optym Rail
Mark Wood
Chief Technology Officer, 4Tel and 4AI Systems
Ashish Chopra
Sales Director - Western Australia, Wabtec Corporation
Kim Tucker Pawlenko
Manager Asset Performance, BHP
Marc Demml
Senior Expert Tamping Machines, Plasser & Theurer
Anne Connors
Managing Director, Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA)
Raphael Georg Kottel
Director – Advanced Rail Technology (Australia/APAC), Progress Rail , a Caterpillar Company
David Khoo
Project Manager - Assets and Technology, DT Infrastructure
Brian Ross
Managing Director, ACR Group & Chair, PWI WA
Heather Neil
Executive Director, TrackSAFE Foundation
Troy Sparkman
Executive General Manager, Freight & Motive Systems, Downer
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 2026, starting with Heavy Haul Rail #BlalanceTheScales in your commitment to advance the ‘Rights. Justice. Action. 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
The networking breakfast will return on Day One, 22 – 23 March 2028, offering a nourishing start as we get together to reflect, review and discuss career pathways, possibilities and opportunities. Free and open to all young rail professionals who are registered to attend the Heavy Haul Rail Conference 2028.
Awards Dinner
Come together to celebrate the contributions of individuals and organisations shaping the future of heavy haul rail industry. Commencing with pre-dinner drinks at 6.30pm, the Heavy Haul Rail Awards dinner takes place on the evening of the 18 March 2027 at the Crown Perth.
Available to sponsor.
Next Generation Conference Scholarships
The Next Generation Conference Scholarships will return in 2028, offering young rail professionals the opportunity to attend the Heavy Haul Rail Conference.
Do you have an idea that could drive innovation or bring greater awareness to heavy haul rail technology and operations?
We invite all rail sector personnel aged 30yrs and under to submit their innovative ideas for the opportunity to win one of 10 scholarships to attend the Heavy Haul Rail Conference in 2028.
Your idea may take inspiration from or could be applied to any discipline or field within the heavy haul rail sector such as operational efficiency, emerging technologies, digital solutions, safety systems, sustainability and decarbonisation, environmental impact reduction, or innovative freight solutions – in 200-300 words describe your idea or concept and how it could enhance heavy haul rail operations, improve industry practices, or promote the benefits of heavy haul rail innovation.
WINNERS WILL RECEIVE:
- Complimentary attendance to the Heavy Haul Rail Conference
- Opportunity to network with industry representatives
- Certificates of acknowledgement
- A featured Professional Profile on the Next Generation Hub within the event app
Rail Turnouts Workshops
The Rail Turnouts Workshop will return on 18 March 2027, running prior to the Australian Heavy Haul Awards on 18 March 2027. The workshop will exchange and transfer 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
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.
The Heavy Haul Rail Conference will return on 22 – 23 March 2028. In the meantime, if you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for the International Heavy Haul Association Conference from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 June at Crown Perth, Australia 2027, please reach out to [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.
Insights
How the rail industry is combating price escalations
Read more >>
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:
“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.”
“One of the best conferences I have attended in terms of content and speakers that show cases the diversity in the rail industry.”
“A very well-executed event that provided valuable opportunities for quality networking and to meet with industry professionals.”
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
18 Mar 2027
Crown Perth
Great Eastern Hwy,
Burswood WA 6100
SPECIAL VENUE ACCOMMODATION RATES | Click the links below to book
Crown Towers Perth
Crown Metropol Perth
Crown Promenade
Book accommodation with HotelMaps
To access the best available rate, book here.
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]