overview

Around the world, advances in rail signalling are transforming rail networks to enhance safety, efficiency, reliability and capacity. In Australia, the last 18 months have seen major developments in digital signalling and understanding the role, integration and management of signalling systems is key to maximising the record investment in rail projects underway across Australia.

The 2026 Rail Signalling workshop builds on the momentum of recent advances in technology, policy and planning so mark your calendars to join us in Perth next April for the return of this practical and intensive one-day workshop focusing on the latest case studies and fundamental technical knowledge.

It will address the changes, challenges and opportunities by placing them into a practical context and perspective.

Topics to be addressed include:

• Introduction to history and evolution of signalling solutions
• The benefits and challenges of upgrading signalling systems
• Digital signalling interoperability
• Future trends
  

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  COURSE FACILITATOR:
  Dr Frank Heibel
  A chartered professional electrical engineer with international experience in railway signalling since 1991, Frank is recognised as one of Australia’s leading independent experts on modern high-capacity signalling. Having managed significant projects across Australia introducing modern communications based in-cab signalling, as well as several technical lead roles for modern Automatic Train Control, including ERTMS/ETCS and CBTC, he applies his project, technical and business experience to his mission of disseminate signalling knowledge and insights for signalling and non-signalling people alike.

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  GUEST SPEAKER:
  Stephen Lemon
  Executive Advisor Rail Technologies, National Transport Commission
  Advancing national rail interoperability is a National Cabinet priority which is being addressed through the National Rail Action Plan (NRAP). The National Transport Commission (NTC), through the NRAP is developing a strategic business case for ministers to support the national alignment of digital rail signalling and developing the first mandatory standards to ensure interoperability. NTC’s Stephen Lemon joins us to provide an update on this generational change. As a senior rail industry engineer and people leader with more than 35 years public and private sector experience in Australia and the UK, he brings his specialist experience in technology strategy, interoperability and harmonisation to his project update.

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  GUEST SPEAKER:
  Mazahir Yusuf
  Program Manager, Hitachi Rail
  With specialities in world-class signalling systems and rail automation (plus a shared Guinness World Record for the world’s heaviest robot), Maz was the Principal Project Engineer for AutoHaul® – the world’s first fully automated, heavy haul rail network – where he was privileged to coordinate a diverse team of 60+ developers and engineers across the world. As Program Manager, he continues Hitachi Rail’s long-term relationship with Rio Tinto to further enhance AutoHaul® capabilities and joins us to share updates and insights into the ETCS rollout for Rio Tinto and Roy Hill.

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  2025 Photo Gallery