Swietelsky Rail Australia announced as finalist in multiple Industry Awards, reflecting a culture of care, leadership, and innovation

Continuing their streak, Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) stands among the finalists in two more award announcements, a recognition that goes beyond accolades to affirm the company's unwavering commitment to leading with integrity, championing sustainability, and putting people first.

This milestone reflects SRA's deep-rooted belief that true success is measured not just in projects delivered but in the well-being of its people, the strength of its community connections, and the positive impact made across the rail sector. As SRA continues to redefine industry standards through bold innovation and a values-driven culture, this recognition celebrates a business determined to build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Swietelsky Rail Australia named finalist in "Wellbeing in Rail" at Australasian Rail Industry Awards

Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) has been announced as a finalist in the Wellbeing in Rail category at the 2024 Australasian Rail Industry (ARI) Awards, a recognition that celebrates organisations going above and beyond to care for the people who keep rail moving.

For SRA, they say this recognition is more than an award nomination. It is a testament to a culture built on genuine care, proactive support, and the belief that safety goes far beyond physical protection.

In late 2023, SRA set out to completely redevelop and formalise its Employee Wellbeing Framework, a holistic program that addresses mental, physical, emotional, and psychosocial health. The goal was simple but ambitious: to empower every employee to be their best self at home, so they can be their best self at work.

The framework brings together meaningful, everyday initiatives, including five additional wellbeing leave days ("Balance Breaks"), inclusive and flexible paid parental leave for all family types, bonus long service leave, volunteer leave, flexible working arrangements, the proactive CHECK5 wellbeing program, and an extended Employee Assistance Program that supports not just staff, but their families too.

However, it is not the policies alone that make the difference, it is how they are experienced by the people who work here. For Nathan Latu, a leader and multi-skilled member of SRA's Ballast Cleaning team since 2014, the enhanced long service leave policy has been a welcome addition. With a decade of service, he now enjoys an extra week of leave each year, on top of his standard entitlements.

"Having the additional week of long service leave gives me the opportunity to spend the leave how I want, whether it's a holiday or personal time with my family," Nathan said. "It also means I have additional time to recharge and come back to work as my best self. Swietelsky has been such a great help for me and my family. The support during my time here is above and beyond my expectations. I am forever grateful."

SRA Managing Director, Anne Connors, says the recognition is proof that investing in people delivers results.

"Wellbeing in rail is often spoken about, but not always embedded in the way we work," Anne said. At SRA, it is built into our culture. This nomination is a reflection of our team's commitment to looking after one another, and that is something I am incredibly proud of."

Since its launch, all employees have said the framework has had a positive impact on the workplace, and uptake rates for the initiatives has been high. More than more than 90 per cent have used wellbeing leave, over 14 per cent have already accessed the paid volunteer leave, and nearly three-quarters are consistently engaging with CHECK5 every two months.

"We have always said that work should support life, not the other way around," Anne continued. "This recognition inspires us to keep pushing beyond industry best practice, to create a rail industry where people do not just survive, they thrive."

Swietelsky Rail Australia Finalists across four categories at the 2025 Business Hunter Awards

Moving on to the prestigious Business Hunter Awards, a celebration of the region's most inspiring organisations and individuals, Swietelsky Rail Australia (SRA) has been named a finalist in four categories.

SRA's finalist position for Employer of Choice (21 employees and above) reflects their genuine commitment to building a culture where values are lived every day. Their Employee Wellbeing Framework has become the backbone of workplace life. Inclusive policies such as paid parental leave for all family types, grandparental and kinship care leave, and superannuation paid during parental leave ensure that every employee feels they belong and that the organisation "has their back."

The Excellence in Sustainability nomination recognises the measurable impact of SRA's sustainability practices, which are delivering operational efficiencies, reducing environmental impact, and setting new benchmarks for responsible operations in rail.

Over the past year alone, their Hunter Valley Ballast Cleaning Program recycled and reused more than 20,000 tonnes of spoil material, upgraded 40 kilometres of access roads and 50 kilometres of drainage, and maintained a record of zero significant environmental non-compliances for the third year running. Their adoption of biodegradable oils, a 78 per cent reduction in chemical emissions, and 100 per cent recycling of operational materials like oils, filters, batteries, and scrap metal has embedded sustainability into daily operations, not as a side project, but as a core way of working.

In addition, Managing Director Anne Connors, is a finalist in the Business Leader (21 employees and above) category, recognised for her strategic vision, authentic leadership, and ability to steer SRA through growth and transformation while staying true to its values. HR Manager Tahnee Sumner, is a finalist for Young Business Leader, acknowledged for her innovative approach to HR and her role in creating a workplace where every individual feels supported, included, and able to thrive. For SRA, these finalist achievements are more than awards. They are proof that the company's values - Family, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence - are not just words on a wall but are visible in the way policies are designed, decisions are made, and projects are delivered. From long-serving employees accessing enhanced long service leave to new parents benefiting from flexible paid leave, to rail infrastructure being upgraded using recycled materials, the lived experience across SRA shows the tangible impact of their approach.

"Being recognised for these awards is a humbling experience and a testament to the collective effort of the team at SRA," Tahnee said. "We are committed to continuing our journey towards creating a workplace where safety, sustainability, and wellbeing are at the forefront."

Being named a finalist across multiple categories is a milestone, but for SRA, it is also motivation. As they continue to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose, their focus remains on creating long-term value for their people, their clients, and the communities they serve.