Awards/Scholarships

Natalie Bond is awarded the RTSA Railway Professional Award for 2024. Natalie is an experienced Engineering and Project Director with over 20 years in the Manufacturing industry, more specially Rolling Stock Engineering and Delivery. She is Downer’s General Manager Metro Passenger Fleet and successfully led the introduction of the High Capacity Metro Trains (HCMT) into service in Melbourne. She is now leading the same efforts for the Next Generation Trams for Yarra Trams. Natalie started her career in the Automotive industry before transitioning to the Rail industry in the early 2000’s. She has broad experience in engineering management, business process improvement, manufacturing and project delivery across Australia and Internationally. She is passionate about the Rail Industry and the development of young Engineers. Natalie’s nomination was supported with powerfully written statements of support from representatives of Downer, the State of Victoria and MTM.

Stephen Muscat is awarded the RTSA Railway Professional Award for 2024. Stephen Muscat is a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of serving the rail industry. He is the Founder and Director of Rail Confidence and has previously held senior management positions leading multi-disciplinary teams in the public and private sectors.Stephen specialises in the design and testing of rolling stock, with a demonstrated aptitude for forensic analysis of structural failures and manufacturing process compliance management. With a passion for mentorship and knowledge sharing, he has led the expansion of specialised engineering services to the national market. Stephen has authored several compliance standards for the industry and his work across Australia has improved the efficiency, safety and sustainability of rolling stock vehicles. He has also served as NSW Chapter chair of the RTSA, contributing to multiple years of tenure within the chapter.