Swietelsky Rail Australia’s Tahnee Sumner takes the win at 2025 Hunter Safety Awards

For the second year in a row, Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) have walked away with a win at the Hunter Safety Awards, this year celebrating their HR Manager, Tahnee Sumner who won the Young WHS Leader of the Year award on Friday 21 March.

The Hunter Safety Awards recognises local businesses and individuals in the Hunter region who have integrated work, health and safety as part of their core business. It is the only award in the Hunter region dedicated to safety.

Tahnee's award win is recognition of her outstanding contribution to embedding safety and wellbeing into every facet of SRA. Since joining the company in 2017, she has used her role to lead proactive initiatives that prioritise the health and wellbeing of SRA's diverse workforce.

Through her efforts and working alongside the leadership team, SRA has become a leader in integrating Work Health and Safety (WHS) principles, going above and beyond the standard practices to foster a supportive and safe working environment.

One of her most significant achievements is her role in the CHECK5 Wellbeing Program, an initiative that takes a holistic approach to employee safety by addressing mental, physical, financial, relationship, and work wellbeing.

Tahnee's strategic leadership in this program, which received accolades at the 2024 Hunter Safety Awards, exemplifies her commitment to the people at the heart of SRA's operations.

"The CHECK5 Wellbeing Program isn't just about ticking boxes," Tahnee said.

"It's about making sure every single team member feels heard and supported, long before they hit a breaking point. We believe in early intervention, and the results speak for themselves. Over 87 per cent of the staff who've reached out for help have followed through with positive change, and that's what matters most to me."

"Safety is so much more than policies and procedures, it's about the people."

With over 37 per cent of staff engaging with the program, it has proven successful in tackling issues before they become major concerns, from psychological safety to lifestyle changes.

Her impact doesn't stop with the wellbeing program. Tahnee has also spearheaded the introduction of paid volunteer leave, providing SRA team members the opportunity to contribute to causes close to their hearts while improving their own mental health.

"As an organisation, we see the value in giving back to the community, and it's been wonderful to see our team take advantage of this leave," said Tahnee.

Tahnee's efforts to integrate WHS into SRA's everyday operations are rooted in her deep belief that safety is not just a priority, it's a culture that must be lived and breathed across all levels of the organisation.

Her role in redesigning remuneration structures to better support overtime work and improve employee wellbeing further reinforces this commitment, ensuring that SRA's policies and practices align with the evolving needs of the workforce.

Upon accepting the award, Tahnee shared insight around being a young female leader in a male-dominated industry.

"My experiences working in rail have shown me leadership isn't about gender; it's about commitment, expertise and a relentless determination to make workplaces safer and healthier for everyone," Tahnee said.

SRA's Managing Director, Anne Modderno, expressed immense pride in Tahnee's accomplishments.

"Tahnee's dedication to our team's health, safety, and wellbeing has been nothing short of exceptional. This award is a reflection of her hard work and commitment to creating a workplace where our people feel supported and valued. She's truly an asset to SRA, and we're lucky to have her lead the way."

In addition to her professional successes, Tahnee's personal commitment to safety extends beyond the workplace. She is also known for her volunteer work with local charities, showcasing her passion for helping others in every aspect of her life.

The win at the 2025 Hunter Safety Awards marks the beginning of what promises to be a continued journey of leadership and innovation for Tahnee and SRA.

SRA's dedication to health, safety, and wellbeing remains strong, and with Tahnee's leadership, the company is poised to continue setting the standard for workplace safety in the rail industry.