2026 ARISO Rail Safety Conference

Industry Skills Australia (ISA) was represented at the 2026 ARISO Rail Safety Conference, with Industry Engagement Manager Carly Grigg attending and contributing to key discussions at a pivotal time for the rail sector.

The conference arrives at a critical juncture for advancing Australia’s strategic approach to rail safety standards, productivity, harmonisation, and interoperability. Bringing together senior rail leaders, regulators, unions, policymakers, operators, and researchers, the event provided a vital platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing across the industry.

Among those in attendance were several prominent leaders from across the rail sector, including valued members of our SWPC. Their presence reinforced the importance of cross-sector collaboration in driving nationally consistent standards and improving workforce outcomes.

A highlight of the conference was Carly Grigg’s participation as a panellist in a session titled “Empowering People and Communities.” Guided by Helen Wilkinson, the panel brought together diverse perspectives from across industry and transport, including Kylie Pearse, John Holland, and Joe Le from Yarra Trams. The discussion focused on how industry, education, and workforce development can better align to deliver meaningful outcomes for both individuals and organisations, underscoring the importance of skills development in supporting a safe and future-ready rail network.

Beyond the formal sessions, the conference also provided opportunities to explore innovation and emerging trends. Carly engaged with Emilijo Mihatov and John Dimitrievich from Black Box took the time to explain how their innovative technology is critical to digital infrastructure and how having the right technology is critical to rail safety and examples such as scheduling in real-time assisting control rooms and operators to make informed decisions.

While the conference agenda was focused on serious industry challenges, there were also lighter moments that reflected the collaborative and engaging environment. Carly embraced the opportunity to try something new, demonstrating her trademark enthusiasm, though she noted that her strengths remain firmly grounded in engaging with the rail industry rather than competitive air hockey.

The event concluded with the ARISO Safety Awards 2026, celebrating excellence across the sector. The ceremony was marked by powerful and emotional moments, as winners shared personal stories of their journeys and the passion that drives their commitment to rail safety. Congratulations were extended to all winners, finalists, and those highly commended for their contributions to advancing safety across the industry.

The 2026 ARISO Rail Safety Conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and strong national standards in shaping the future of Australia’s rail sector, ensuring it remains safe, efficient, and resilient in the years ahead.