Danny Broad thanks retiring TrackSAFE Chair, Bob Herbert AM and welcomes the opportunity to continue to steer the TrackSAFE Foundation into it’s next decade.
I’m delighted to accept the opportunity to Chair the TrackSAFE Foundation. I’ve seen firsthand TrackSAFE’s ability to “punch well above its weight” in advocating for a safer rail network as a director since 2015. TrackSAFE has achieved a lot since the charity was established by the ARA and UGL in 2012. The small team remains focused on our strategic priorities of reducing fatalities and injuries on the rail network in Australia and improving the wellbeing of the rail workforce.
Working with our corporate supporters and current partners, Lifeline Australia and RUOK, is fundamental to how we deliver on our goals for the rail industry and our communities. I would like to acknowledge our 34 corporate supporters representing all sectors of the rail industry, including our newest supporters joining us this financial year, ARC Infrastructure, Knorr-Bremse Australia, Reliance Rail and Speno Rail Maintenance. It is because of your belief in TrackSAFE’s work and your financial contributions that we can work on behalf of the whole rail industry and wider community to find solutions for issues of importance to us all.
I would also like to acknowledge the steadfast commitment of Bob Herbert AM who has recently retired from his role as Chair. Bob’s tireless efforts over the past decade have ensured TrackSAFE has remained on course and I’m looking forward to continuing this journey into this next decade.
During my time in rail industry over the past 24 years, the importance of wellbeing of the rail workforce has grown dramatically. As an industry we have embraced opportunities to learn more about mental health and trauma and put in place programs and processes to reduce the stigma in talking about mental health and supporting employees. Our collective focus on reducing fatalities and injuries on the rail network is seeing some good results.
I welcome Caroline Wilkie, Chief Executive Officer of the ARA, as a Board Director of the TrackSAFE Foundation, ensuring a continuing strong connection and complementary actions between the ARA and TrackSAFE.
I’m looking forward working with my team, our partners and our growing community of supporters to continue TrackSAFE’s important work into the years ahead.