Join our Young Rail Professionals Networking Group
The ARA and the Young Rail Leaders Committee (YRLC) would like to better engage with Young Rail Professionals (YRP), by sharing updates, YRP event details, and seeking your feedback on key industry issues. Please provide us your contact details and indicate your preferred method of staying connected through the online form.
You can also join our Young Rail Professionals Network LinkedIn group for updates.
Young Rail Leaders Committee
(Formerly Young Leaders Advisory Board (Y-LAB))
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:
- Build Networks – Develop and strengthen a network of engaged young rail professionals in Australia and New Zealand
- Give a voice – Represent young professionals on key industry issues, champion their interests, provide insights to the ARA and contribute to ARA committees.
- 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.
Subscribe to the ARA weekly newsletter to stay updated.
The YRLC strategy was developed in 2025 and can be viewed here. An annual workplan is developed to support the implementation of the strategy.
View the YRLC Strategy.
Keep up to date with YRP events and activities by registering via the online form.
Join the ARA’s Young Rail Professional LinkedIn group.
Join the YRP WhatsApp group.
Be part of our Future Leaders Program
Our Future Leaders Program aims to create and retain great leaders across the rail industry in Australia and New Zealand. By taking part, you will have the chance to develop your leadership skills and expand your network.
More information on the ARA 2026 Future Leaders Program is available here.
Expressions of Interest have now closed.
Access discounts to our events
If you work in the rail industry and are aged 35 years and under, discounts are available to attend our major conferences. Look out for the Young Rail Professionals pricing when you book your place.
YRP scholarships are also available.
