Supported by IRSE
This award recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the success of railway operations through the development, integration, and application of innovative technologies. It celebrates leadership, technical expertise, and advancements in areas such as signalling, automation, asset protection, communications, and cybersecurity, highlighting their impact on efficiency, safety, and industry progress.

Supported by RTAA
The Emerging Rail Specialist Award recognises and encourages the contribution of emerging rail specialists in the early stages of their career within the rail industry. The award is for individuals with less than 10 years’ relevant experience, to include not only those young in age, but also those who have had career breaks or changes.

Supported by RTSA
Rail is full of young, enthusiastic and innovative individuals who contribute a great deal to not only their company but the wider rail industry. This Award aims to encourage these young individuals to pursue a career in rail whilst acknowledging their efforts. The Award winner will receive registration, flights and accommodation to attend the RTSA Conference on Railway Excellence (CORE 2025). Open to individuals with less than 10 year’s working experience. 

Supported by PWI NSW
This award is for excellence and innovation and is granted to an eligible young rail specialist in the rail infrastructure industry (who is not necessarily an engineer) to recognise and encourage their contribution to their field, or generally in areas that are relevant to the objectives of the Permanent Way Institution (PWI). Open to individuals under the age of 35. 

Supported by the ARA and Sponsored by Frauscher
The rail industry is only as good as the people who work in it. The Career Achievement Award recognises the passion and commitment of an individual who has spent many years in rail and who, through their efforts, has made a difference for a company or the greater industry.

This award recognises excellence in the freight rail sector, celebrating organisations that have demonstrated outstanding performance in areas such as business growth, innovation, customer engagement, and safety. It highlights initiatives that drive new freight business to rail, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to the industry’s long-term success.

Supported by the ARA
This award recognises excellence in the passenger rail sector, celebrating projects or initiatives that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and industry growth. It highlights achievements that improve efficiency, enhance customer and stakeholder outcomes, and foster collaboration within the rail industry.

Supported by RTSA and sponsored by Andrew Engineering
This award recognises excellence in rail construction, celebrating projects that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and efficiency. It highlights initiatives that contribute to a sustainable rail infrastructure network while delivering positive outcomes for customers and community stakeholders. 

The Supplier Excellence Award recognises outstanding contributions to the rail supply chain, celebrating projects or initiatives that demonstrate leadership, innovation, and industry growth. It highlights achievements that enhance efficiency, improve productivity, and deliver positive outcomes for customers and stakeholders. 

Supported by ARISO
Safety in rail is paramount and the industry prides itself on its strong safety record. Companies across Australia and New Zealand are implementing world class safety strategies and developing new technologies to ensure rail operations are safe and reliable. The Safety Excellence Award aims to recognise this important work highlighted by a program, team or individual, and promote rail’s efforts to remain as efficient, effective and safe as possible. 

Sponsored by John Holland
Customer service in rail is paramount, whether it be moving a customer’s goods via rail freight; transporting people within a busy passenger network; or providing a consulting service or advice. The Customer Service Excellence Award acknowledges the great service provided by a company in the rail industry. 

Sponsored by RioTinto
The Employee Engagement category reflects the spirit of cooperation and respect between an organisation and its employees. It encourages organisations to work constructively with employees to achieve industry growth.

Supported by the ARA and Sponsored by Project i-TRACE, powered by GS1
Innovation is the cornerstone of any industry. Remaining competitive in the rail industry requires working smarter, working to get more out of existing resources, innovating and putting those innovations to work. The Rail Innovation of the Year Award recognises leadership through the practical application of innovative solutions for new and existing market needs resulting in a commercial, environmental and/or social benefit.

Sponsored by Acciona 

Projects and business practices that demonstrate creative and practical solutions in the area of sustainability are helping to modernise the rail sector. The Sustainability Excellence Award aims to recognise and promote progress towards sustainability excellence and innovation in the rail industry. 

Sponsored by BHP
The Diversity and Inclusion Excellence Award recognises organisations that have successfully implemented initiatives to address diversity challenges within their business. It celebrates measurable improvements in diversity, equity, and inclusion, highlighting the positive impact on both the organisation and the broader rail industry. 

Supported by TrackSAFE Foundation
The 2026 TrackSAFE Award recognises the diverse range of activities organisations have implemented to promote rail safety messages to the community. These may include rail safety advertising campaigns, education and teaching resources and/or other community focused initiatives designed to improve safety on and around rail.

TrackSAFE encourages nominations from rail organisations, governments (local, state and federal), police and community groups.