Julian Gonzalez

Julian is a seasoned engineering leader with over 30 years’ experience delivering large-scale technology and automation projects across mining and rail. He has played key roles in designing, building and optimising systems in some of the world’s most complex operational environments, including Rio Tinto’s AutoHaul and major mine sites. Now Principal of Rail Engineering and […]
Garry Taylor

Garry started his career as an apprentice mechanical/electrical fitter in the Traction and Rolling Stock workshops of British Railways. A 25-year career in the UK rail industry, in both the public and private sectors, saw him manage rolling stock fleets for passenger and freight operators, studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering. Garry joined the Public Transport […]
Philippa Rogers

Philippa knows better than most that the past holds powerful clues to the future. A professional historian with a deep connection to Western Australia’s rail story, Philippa has spent over four decades turning historical insight into public impact. She’s authored and contributed to numerous publications – including “Memories of the Trans-Australian Railway”, “Troops, Trains and […]
Leland Le Bretton

Leland is a seasoned engineering and asset management leader with over two decades of experience across heavy industry, rail and resources in Australia and New Zealand. As General Manager for Asset Management, Rail, Port and Utilities at Rio Tinto, he plays a critical role in lifting performance, safety and sustainability across one of the country’s […]
Joe Le

With a career spanning rail, defence, aviation and automotive across Australia, Joe brings deep expertise in safety and risk management – and a reputation for delivering practical systems that work at scale. Currently Chief Health, Safety & Sustainability Officer at Yarra Trams, Joe plays a central role in keeping Melbourne’s iconic tram network moving safely […]
Dr Zoran Najdovski

Driving innovation at the intersection of robotics, automation and infrastructure, Associate Professor Zoran Najdovski is redefining what’s possible in the rail industry. At Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Zoran led the team behind the world’s first autonomous rollingstock cleaning robots – a game-changing development set to transform how fleets are […]
Dr Bruce Gunn

Bruce has spent more than two decades leading innovation across manufacturing, transportation, and advanced rail systems. As Senior Research Fellow at Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), Bruce specialises in complex systems modelling, artificial intelligence, logistics optimisation and future-focused rail strategies. Bruce’s expertise spans industry and academia, with project leadership experience […]
Sudha Niles

Sudha is RISSB’s General Manager – Products & Innovation, where he provides strategic leadership across RISSB’s product portfolio, safety and risk systems, and management system accreditation activities. Sudha is responsible for shaping and guiding the development of nationally harmonised products and tools that support safer, more efficient rail operations across Australia. With over 20 years of […]
Michael Hopkins

Michael brings significant expertise in transport reform to his role as both the National Transport Commission (NTC) CEO and as an NTC Commissioner. Michael is focused on delivery of the NTC’s reform program through the provision of robust and independent evidence-based advice to Australia’s transport ministers. As self-described transport nerd and data geek, he is […]
Steve Sammartino

Rapid Fire Innovation – the fast, low-cost way to ‘Get Stuff Done’, idea generation, building MVPs, create the ultimate pitch Futurist Steve Sammartino is a tour de force in the field of technology. His energy and humour on stage have made him sought-after speaker around the globe. An expert in AI’s profound implications for business […]