The Australasian rail industry young leaders will develop and shape the future of rail. The ARA seeks to support the rail industry to build a sustainable, forward thinking and engaged workforce.

The ARA’s Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB) was established in 2019 to harness the ideas of young talent in the rail industry and provide advice and input to the ARA Board.

In April 2025, Y-LAB evolved into the Young Rail Leaders Committee (YRLC) to better reflect its expanded role and responsibilities.

The YRLC represents young rail professionals across Australia and New Zealand, with three specific areas of focus:

1. Build Networks – Develop and strengthen a network of engaged young rail professionals in Australia and New Zealand
2. Give a voice – Represent young professionals on key industry issues, champion their interests, provide insights to the ARA and contribute to ARA committees.
3. Raise awareness – support the ARA in enhancing industry perceptions and attracting young talent.

The YRLC is comprised of 10 appointed young leaders from ARA member companies. The YRLC is gender-balanced, comprising of members who represent all sectors of the rail industry and a spread of jurisdictions. Appointments are for three years, with four members appointed each year.

Read the YRLC Terms of Reference.

View the Committee’s membership.

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YRLC APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

The ARA is calling for applications from young rail professionals who wish to apply for the four positions available on the YRLC for the term 1 July 2025- 30 June 2028. The ARA is seeking passionate advocates of the rail industry, who seek to develop and strengthen the young rail professionals network across Australia and New Zealand and provide them a stronger voice.

Applications close Friday 9 May.

Your application must include:

A written statement of 200-250 words addressing the question “Why have you applied for YRLC?”

• A simple video (maximum of two-minutes) addressing the question: “What skills or passion would you bring to the role and what ideas or activities would you like to champion?”

(NOTE: the video can be completed on a mobile phone. Videos will be reviewed on the content and presentation skills of the applicant, not whether it is professionally edited).

• CV (maximum two pages)
• Completion of this form by the nominee and nominee’s employer.

Nominee Criteria

To be eligible to join the YRLC, you must:

• be 35 years or under at 31 December 2025*
• be currently employed by an ARA member company (not currently represented on the YRLC)**
• commit to an appointment of three years (1 July 2025 – 30 June 2028).

* Flexibility on age may be provided on a case-by-case basis.

** To ensure diversity, YRLC member organisations currently represented will not be able to secure a second representative on YRLC.

Selection Criteria

• Nominations will be considered according to the following criteria:
• Demonstrated experience, involvement in and commitment to the rail industry
• Quality and clarity of written submission
• Presentation capability, clarity and content of verbal submission via video
• Proposed ideas for the Committee to pursue in achieving its purpose
• Diversity of geographic location, skills sets and disciplines.
• Volunteering experience or demonstrated initiative to promote or support the rail industry beyond job role requirements.

Submission

Submit your completed application and accompanying materials via email to Natalie Currey at [email protected] by 5pm AEST on Friday 9 May 2025.

View the YRLC application form.

Questions?

Contact Natalie Currey on 0499 993 021 or [email protected]