The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) hosted its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday 25 November.
The following outcomes were confirmed at the meeting.
Election of three General Directors – Passenger
An election was held to fill three vacancies for the position of General Director – Passenger. Each directorship is for a period of three years, from 25 November 2025 until the 2028 AGM. The following nominees were elected by ARA members:
- Howard Collins OBE – Coordinator General, Transport for NSW
- Kat Stapleton – Chief Executive Officer, Queensland Rail
- David Franks – Chief Executive Officer, Keolis Downer
Election of one General Director – Freight
Rail First Chief Executive Officer Beata Lipman was elected to the position of General Director – Freight. The directorship is for a period of three years, from 25 November 2025 until the 2028 AGM.
Election of one General Director – Contractor
John Holland Managing Director, Rail & Transport Steve Butcher was elected to the position of General Director – Contractor. The directorship is for a period of three years, from 25 November 2025 until the 2028 AGM.
Endorsement of Board Appointed Director
GHD Principal Rebecca Want was endorsed for a further two-year term as a Board Appointed Director. Ms Want’s new term commences from 25 November 2025 and ends at the 2027 AGM.
Endorsement of Independent Chairperson
ARA Chair Lucio Di Bartolomeo was endorsed for a further one-year term, commencing from 25 November 2025 and ending at the 2026 AGM.
Mr Di Bartolomeo confirmed a quorum of ARA members were present at the meeting in accordance with the ARA Constitution.
He thanked the candidates who nominated for ARA General Director positions, noting the strong interest from senior rail executives to contribute to the future of the rail industry and the ARA.
The ARA also extended its thanks and acknowledged the significant contributions of former ARA Board members Daniel Williams, Mark Carling and Caryn Anderson.
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