Following a competitive application process, the ARA has appointed four new Youth Advisory Board (Y-LAB) members for 2024-2026.
We are pleased to announce the following successful candidates:
- Michelle Doolan, Engineering Manager, JHG
- Akshay Doosa, Electrical Engineer, Systra
- Louis Wong, Network Assurance Lead, TfNSW
- Mark Rolles, Track & Civil Engineer, ARTC
And reserve members:
- Stephanie Raad, Senior Project Engineer, McConnell Dowell
- Nabih Abweh, Project Track Engineer, GM Rail
The new members will join ongoing Y-LAB members Ben Cribb, One Rail; Charlotte Robinson, Alstom; Kelly Douglas, MTM and Lauren Fraser, GHD.
The ARA’s Y-LAB provides a voice for and is a champion of the industry’s younger rail professionals and leads initiatives as part of its 2024 Strategy.
ARA Board Advisory members Steve Butcher, Julian Sharp and Rebecca Want, who reviewed the applications against the selection criteria, would like to thank applicants for their outstanding submissions. The standard was very high and everyone is to be commended.
The following aspects were highlighted from the successful applications:
- A demonstration of contribution to industry through participation, volunteering and advocacy work – this came through in very specific examples of contribution;
- A passion for the rail industry – this came through in the written responses and videos;
- A diverse group of applicants including an expansive geography, representing different sectors within the rail industry and professional backgrounds.
If you were unsuccessful this year, there is plenty of time to build up your contribution to industry. You can get involved in the ARA, PWI, RTSA, RTAA, EA and other organisations. Contributions can include representing the rail industry at Careers Fairs, or visiting your local schools; joining a Committee within one of the associations or mentoring. We will be calling for nominations again in the second half of 2025.