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overview
Mark your calendars today and join us in April 2026 for this 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, the Rail Turnouts workshop returns in 2026 with 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.
The workshop is tailored to those looking for a detailed guide, or fresh perspectives on the rail turnouts challenges of track construction, signalling of turnouts, maintenance and management. Experts within the industry will explore innovative solutions to the real challenges faced and work towards industry solutions.
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
Submit a case study, challenge or opportunity
Bringing together industry leaders, specialist engineers, RIMs and suppliers, the Rail Turnouts Workshop is the perfect environment to share learnings, collaborate and address real world problems with peers.
Alternatively, submit your case study, challenge or opportunity directly to Tina Karas at [email protected]
Deadline for submissions: Friday, 24 October 2025
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
2025 Speakers
Joe McGinlay
Manager Engineering, Rail Systems, Rio Tinto
Victoria Kent
Specialist in Leadership Development, Rio Tinto Leadership Academy, Rio Tinto
Dr Elias Kassa
Principal Engineer and Team Leader, Monash Institute of Railway Technology
Daniel Cuddy
Engineering Manager, voestalpine Railway Systems Australia
Darcy Carroll
Deputy Engineering Manager, Vossloh Cogifer Australia
Lisa Allsopp
Program Manager, Rail Revitalisation Program, John Holland
Crispian Fitzhardinge
Senior Standards Manager, RISSB
Ivan Vidovic
Managing Director, CTO, voestalpine Signaling UK
Glenn Lorenz
Engineering Manager, Vossloh Australia
Jodie Matheson
Standards Development Manager, RISSB
Sid Prajapati
Senior Project Engineer, John Holland
Luke Pleasance
Track and Civil Engineering Manager, ARTC
Sean McAllister
Project Lead - Major Projects, Arc Infrastructure
Kate James
Project Manager, DT Infrastructure
Agostino Carfi
Reliability Engineer, ARTC
Michael Clarke
Senior Mechanical Track Design Engineer, Queensland Rail
Robin Stevens
Manager Track and Alignment Design, Queensland Rail
Pierre-Henri Bougeant
Head of Digitalisation, Vossloh
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
Pricing
- Super early bird rate expires 29 August 2025
- Early bird rate expires 30 January 2026
*Young Rail Professionals rate eligibility – Reduced registration fees are available to young rail professionals, aged 35 years old and under on 21 April 2026 to attend.
Note: You will be required to provide ID on the day of the event.
Sponsors Profiles
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.
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.
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]
Heavy Haul Rail Conference
We are holding our 14th Annual Heavy Haul Rail Conference alongside Rail Turnouts Workshop. To be held on the 22-23 April 2026, the event will showcase the best in local and international project expertise and will give attendees an understanding of the strategic directions of the major industry players together with an update on developments in equipment, technology and maintenance to ensure efficient, safe and reliable operations.
SPECIAL DISCOUNT WHEN REGISTERING FOR BOTH THE HEAVY HAUL RAIL CONFERENCE AND RAIL TURNOUTS WORKSHOP
Visit the website for more details
Heavy Haul Rail Dinner
23 April 2026 | Crown Perth | 7:00pm – 10:30pm
Featuring the return of the successful Australian Heavy Haul Rail (AHHR) Awards, 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 23rd April at the Crown Perth and also includes our guest speaker plus the presentation to our Next Generation Conference Scholarships. Attendees must register to attend the conference as well.
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
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]