RTSA University Rail Challenge 2025
Meet Your RTSA Mentors
As part of this year’s State Challenge, you have access to a mentor list—a new initiative designed to support you and your team throughout the project.
Mentors are professionals from various fields who have volunteered to provide guidance and advice. They are not assigned to specific teams, but rather available as an “arms-length” resource that you can reach out to directly via email whenever you feel you need input or support.
Mentors are not required to attend Challenge night sessions, but some may choose to do so. You might also have the opportunity to meet with mentors online if needed. It’s possible that multiple teams may contact the same mentor, and in some cases, group sessions could be arranged.
You don’t need to rely on one mentor only—feel free to reach out to any mentor whose background or experience seems relevant to your topic or needs. You might contact them for help with:
- Getting feedback on your initial ideas
- Suggestions for relevant research or potential topic experts
- Guidance on your presentation structure or content
- Review of your draft or final presentation
- Tips on how to present effectively (e.g., dividing up speaking roles, timing, and clarity)
- Please be mindful of mentors’ time and availability—try to contact them early, respond promptly, and let them know if your timelines are tight. They’ve generously offered their support, and their experience can be a great asset to your project.
This is the first year we are trialing this mentor model, so we also welcome your feedback to help improve the process for future participants.
Good luck with your Challenge—we hope you make the most of the support available!
| Name | Organisation | Role | Background | State | |
| Warwick Talbot | Talbot Advisory Services | Director | Has extensive global experience across transport and logistics working predominately in the rail industry throughout Australia and overseas involved in business establishment, policy, strategy, planning, estimating, design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of railway systems. As a highly experienced Executive Warwick has successfully managed multidisciplinary teams and complex projects for organisations such as Sydney Trains, Railcorp and Freight Rail, MTR Hong Kong, Taiwan High Speed Rail, ARTC, Rio Tinto and the Victorian Government. Has a thorough knowledge of rail systems including signalling, train control, communications, passenger information, ticketing, operations, maintenance and supply chain management, together with an in-depth understanding of the eco-systems of rolling stock, traction and track systems in the rail environment. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Jon McNiff | Atkins Realis | Technical Director | Senior management professional with more than 30 years’ experience in complex technical project, program, portfolio and operational leadership roles across a diverse range of industries including construction, mining, energy, technology and transport. Extensive experience in the governance and delivery of major infrastructure, technology, integration, digital transformation and automation programs. Demonstrated experience in the establishment and management of large-scale Program Management Offices including the development and implementation of governance and delivery frameworks and methodologies. | [email protected] | Qld |
| Jonathan Barnes | Mott MacDonald | Technical Director – track | Experienced rail professional with over 25 years in industry. Jonathan is a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the PWI (Australia) and PWI (UK) branches and the current President of the Rail Track Association Australia. Jonathan has a strong background in rail safety, asset management and engineering management, specialising in track and rail engineering. Jonathan has a passion for education and mentoring, having worked as a University lecturer and continuing to support rail industry training and development. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Raquel Rubalcaba | Transport for NSW | Head of public transport projects | Raquel’s engineering career spans more than 30 years in the UK and Australia. During this time, she has owned and managed a consultancy and construction company and played a crucial leadership role in delivering complex infrastructure projects and programs across both the private and public sectors. Currently, Raquel is the Head of Public Transport Projects at Transport for NSW, where she leads the development and delivery of a portfolio of projects valued at approximately $8bn. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Graham Jackson | CPB | Group Manager Safety | Extensive leadership and technical experience in both the public and private sectors having worked internationally in a range of roles within the transport, construction, operations and maintenance fields. Stakeholder management has always been a strong trait at both Ministerial and front-line worker levels. The experience gained in Australia and the UK has ensured excellent capability in delivering various types of projects. A track record in strategy development and execution, project delivery, organisational performance, cultural change. Has led teams of considerable size and diversity and I understand and value the importance of developing people through coaching and mentoring. I currently contribute to the Australian OHS Educational Accreditation Board which enables me to contribute to discussions on future strategic options for Australia. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Diane Riley | A senior management professional and executive leader, Diane is a chartered engineer who successfully combines her commercial, business management and strategic skills to lead, add value and deliver tangible results in the professional services environment. Diane is seasoned in the development and implementation of strategy, significant bid pursuit, strategic project delivery and business development. Her versatility also encompasses leading teams to deliver excellent business outcomes. She thrives on creating and maintaining high quality client relationships built on competency, collaboration and trust and is an active leader and mentor in the Victorian engineering community, committed to diversity and inclusion. | [email protected] | Vic | ||
| Greg Williams | Greg Williams is a risk and asset management professional with 40 years experience in the engineering and maintenance of physical assets. He has a track record of achievement and leadership of engineering and asset management functions, having worked in a variety of senior positions across the defence, utilities, telecommunications and rail industries. An aerospace engineer by qualification, a Fellow of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) and Certified Fellow in Asset Management (CFAM), you can find Greg on LinkedIn at (15) Greg Williams | LinkedIn. | [email protected] | Vic | ||
| Fiona Kenvyn | Metro Trains Melbourne | Manager, Human Factors | Rail human factors professional with an interest in all aspects of human performance and user-centred design. I have 20 years experience in applied human factors within the rail industry, with particular focus on the integration of human factors into design and change, human factors engineering for major rail projects, and the application of systems thinking to rail safety, operations and the broader passenger rail network. | [email protected] | Vic |
| Helen Wilkinson | PT and I | CEO | Helen brings three decades of expertise in the Defence, Rail, and Transport sectors, holding executive roles in both public and private organizations. She is committed to fostering collaboration, aligning teams with shared goals, and driving innovation through strategic leadership. With extensive experience in governance, assurance, and stakeholder engagement, she has successfully guided the Rail and Transport industry through complex organizational and technological transitions. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Bryan Lai | DT Infratructure | Rail Systems Interface & Integration Manager | Bryan Lai is currently work as a Rail Systems Interface & Integration Manager and also a Chartered Engineer for the DT Infrastructure. He has been working in the rail industry for the past 16 years and throughout his tenure, he was fortunate to have been able to contribute and deploy numerous key digital technological systems on both heavy and light rail applications around Australia | [email protected] | Vic |
| Trent Dennis | Think Systems | Director | Trent is a qualified aeronautical engineer, systems assurance manager and system safety practitioner. He has extensive experience in safety critical transport industries, including rail and aviation (fixed wing aircraft and helicopters). He has a passion for system safety; particularly the design and implementation of new systems into an operational environment. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Jason Williams | Aurecon | Principal Track and Civil | major rail projects across Australia. He has been involved in the project planning and detailed design of major heavy and light rail projects. Having been involved in numerous projects from the concept phase through to construction, Jason has a keen understanding of interpreting clients’ needs and expectations. His key strength lies in his ability to drive his team towards the project goals whilst minimising any hurdles. He does this by utilising his proven and well-tested team leadership. Jason has a passion for supporting the next generation of rail engineers, he lectures on Railway Engineering at Swinburne University and is part of an engineering expert working group for modernisation of the Victoria University Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) course. | [email protected] | Vic |
| Steve Bickley | Abbott Risk Consulting | Director | Steve leads the rail consulting business for Abbott Risk Consulting, an independent organisation providing safety and risk management services to high-risk industries in Australia and around the world. Steve started his career in the aftermath that followed several major UK train accidents, doing risk assessments to influence decisions on the viability of new safety controls. Working in safety ever since, Steve has held a lead safety role for a major passenger rail operator, been an Executive for the National Rail Safety Regulator and consulted and provided safety training to more than 100 clients in Australasia, Asia, North America and Europe. | [email protected] | SA |
| Mark Jordon | Atkins Realis | Head of Asset Management | Mark is the Head of Asset Management for AtkinsRealis across Australia and New Zealand. He is a Certified Fellow of Asset Management and Engineers Australia with over 30 years’ experience in a wide range of International Advisory, Infrastructure Engineering and Management roles. He has worked in Road, Rail, Water, Energy and Social Infrastructure sectors. Currently he’s in the delivery space for a rail project. | [email protected] | Qld |
| Stephen Vig | Aurecon | Technical Director | Stephen is an engineer with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, and has over 30 years experience in the industry. Stephen has spent the majority of his career working on large scale integrated railway control, electrical supply and communications systems. This includes rail operations, integrated control systems, traction power, overhead line, railway signalling, station systems, fibre optic transmission systems, local and main and structured cables. Stephen’s experience includes Project Management, Design Management, Test & Commissioning, Verification and Validation management activities across the entire life cycle of projects. | [email protected] | Qld |
| Shani Davies | Metro Trains Melbourne | Program Manager | Loves dynamic environments, quickly delivering value to customers and end users. Focus on identifying key challenges and applying systematic methodologies to resolve them while fostering team growth and development. With a solutions-oriented mindset, dedicated to delivering high-quality outcomes by understanding client priorities and consistently meeting expectations for quality, budget, and deadlines. Has a proven track record of implementing process improvements and driving meaningful change at all organizational levels, resulting in tangible benefits for both end users and shareholders. My international experience spans operations, maintenance, electrical engineering, control systems, and systems engineering. Completion of the MBA has further sharpened my leadership, commercial and strategic expertise through theoretical study and real world projects in the food, clothing, and medical industries. | [email protected] | Vic |
| Ronan McInerney | Metro Trains Melbourne | Process Improvement Lead and HMI Specialist | With 8+ years’ experience in rail across a variety of projects, Ronan recently finished working on the Metro Tunnel Project, where he designed the software that will operate the new underground stations and tunnels. With an extensive background in human factors, technology and user centered design, Ronan has a deep understanding of how to design complex systems that optimise safety and efficiency in the rail sector, bridging the gap between technical engineering requirements and operator needs. | [email protected] | Vic |
| Andy Petrie | ARCH Artifex | Director System and Safety Assurance | Andy had over 25 years’ experience working ion the rial industry in the UK and Australia. He has worked at all ages of the asset lifecycle in development and project development through to operations and maintenance. He has worked on mega projects including rolling stock and advanced signalling technologies. His experience includes London Underground, London Overground, Docklands Light Railway, and Network Rail in the UK. In Australia Andy has worked with Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains, Transport for NSW, Inland Rail, the Melbourne Metro Tunnel Project, and the High Speed Rail Authority. He is a Chartered Safety Professional, a Chartered Engineer, and is registered on the National Engineers Register. Andy publishes technical articles on LinkedIn and often speaks at industry conferences and EA events | [email protected] | NSW |
| Himani Masumder | Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria) | Principal Mechanical Engineer | Dynamic Engineer experienced in mechanical design and integration, Manufacturing, Prototyping and project, quality & risk management in Automotive, Transportation, Rolling stock and Marine industry. | [email protected] | Vic |
| Lauren Fraser | GHD | Senior Systems Engineer | Lauren is a Systems Engineer in the Rail Team at GHD, working on projects including Parramatta Light Rail 2, Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail and Canberra Light Rail. Lauren has had previous roles at the Suburban Rail Loop Authority, Aurecon and in process safety and risk consulting, giving her experience in both government and consulting side of major projects. As a member of the Young Leaders Advisory Board for ARA, Lauren is a strong advocate for young rail professionals and women in engineering and is passionate about delivering projects resourcefully, being involved in innovative engineering solutions and providing exceptional client experiences. | [email protected] | ACT |
| Rob Wilkinson | Atkins Realis | Director Rail | Robert Wilkinson is a Senior Executive with over 35 years’ experience in the rail industry. Robert currently holds the role of Portfolio Director, Rail in Australia and New Zealand for AtkinsRéalis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organisation with a focus on Transportation, Energy and Defence projects. Robert is a fourth-generation railway person, starting his career as an electrical engineering apprentice with British Rail, and later becoming a Fellow with Engineers Australia. He has since worked on a variety of major rail projects in both the passenger and freight markets in the United Kingdom and Australia for private sector companies and Governments. During his career Robert has held a number of leadership positions, most notably as Lead Advisor to the Queensland Government for the procurement of the $7.8bn Queensland Train Manufacturing Project, General Manager for Pacific National and Technical Director for the Next Generation Rollingstock project in Queensland, as well as leading teams of rail professionals for engineering consultancies. While Robert still enjoys being involved in and leading interesting Rail projects, he also enjoys building successful teams and mentoring others so that they can accomplish their career goals. He very much sees mentoring as a two-way street, as he considers that it is never too late to learn from others, especially in such a technology driven industry. | [email protected] | Qld |
| Chloe Scully | Transdev | Head or Strategic Assets and Innovation | Chloe Scully is the Head of Strategic Asset Management for Transdev Australia and New Zealand. She works with each of Transdev’s businesses including heavy rail, light rail, ferry and bus to bring about synergies, efficiencies and improvements to how Transdev implements asset management. Chloe has managed and delivered on a variety of project including rail bridge remediations, virtual reality proof of concept designs, zero emission buses depot electrifications. Chloe has also led business improvement initiatives and business development opportunities where she delivered critical solutions documents. | [email protected] | NSW |
| Duncan Smith | Modetechs Australia | Director | A transport specialist leading operations and maintenance functions in the public transport, infrastructure development and rail operations sectors. Recognised as a technical and general subject matter expert who delivers: Recent successful projects include: | [email protected] | Vic |
| Jodie Talone | Metro Trains Melbourne | GM Safety and Health | An experienced WHS/OHS practitioner who breaks down complex problems into achievable goals and influences those resistant to embrace change. Has led large teams in regulation, reporting, risk management, investigation and audit. Develops strategic direction of organisations and forge positive relationships with stakeholders. Formerly with Pacific National, Transport Safety Victoria and Office of the Rail Safety National Regulator currently GM Safety and Health (Metro Trains Melbourne). | [email protected] | Vic |
| Shahil Patel | PT and I | Senior Consultant – Engineering and Project Delivery | Shahil brings experience from working on Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, with a record of delivery across all phases of the project lifecycle. As a natural problem solver with strong analytical skills, he implements strategic systematic thinking and a pragmatic approach on project challenges to reach enduring solutions | [email protected] | NSW |