2023 CCF Rail Sector Breakfast

The Civil Contractors Federation Victoria is hosting a rail sector breakfast event, which is aimed at bringing together civil contractors and industry stakeholders in the rail sector and is designed to provide insights and updates on the latest developments, trends, and opportunities in the rail sector, particularly in Victoria.

The breakfast will feature keynote speeches, presentations and discussions from prominent speakers and experts in the rail industry. These speakers will share their experiences and knowledge on a range of topics, including the latest infrastructure projects, technological advancements, safety practices, and regulatory changes.

The Victorian Government has dedicated a whopping $97 billion towards the development, management, and upkeep of transportation infrastructure, which encompasses the construction of new trains, trams, tunnels, and roads. This sizable amount of investment is being directed towards delivering on a range of key projects such as the Metro Tunnel, the Level Crossing Removal Program, the Suburban Rail Loop, the West Gate Tunnel, the North East Link, and the Melbourne Airport Rail, as was initially promised.

The Big Build program supports jobs and has given access to many career opportunities for apprentices and trainees within civil construction. This has given Victorians the confidence that if they learn a trade, there will be a job for them on one of the major projects operating.

Guest Speakers:

Nicole Stoddart – Rail Projects Victoria – Chief Executive Officer

Nicole Stoddart has extensive experience working in the government, consulting and contractor sectors, spanning across multiple tier one contractors and a number of years as Managing Director Construction Services, AECOM. She has worked on major projects in the Philippines, Thailand and United Kingdom, where she oversaw the redevelopment of London’s iconic St. Pancras Station. Over the last four years before joining Rail Projects Victoria, Nicole headed up the design and development of Suburban Rail Loop. She is also a Chartered Engineer and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Frankie Carroll – Suburban Rail Loop Authority – Chief Executive Officer

Frankie Carroll joined Suburban Rail Loop Authority in January 2021 as Chief Executive Officer. As the former Director-General of Queensland’s Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning, Frankie was responsible for the delivery of planning reforms and infrastructure across Queensland.

Frankie is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Charter Accountant of Australia and New Zealand, a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants and a Member of the Association of Institute of Taxation in Ireland.

Caroline Wilkie – Australasian Railway Association (ARA) – Chief Executive Officer

Caroline Wilkie commenced as the Chief Executive Officer of the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) in February 2020.

Caroline served as the CEO of the Australian Airports Association (AAA) for over nine years. She brings extensive policy and advocacy experience to the ARA, with a track record of working with Government and industry to deliver nation-building infrastructure investment and critical transport networks connecting urban and regional communities.

Caroline will continue to develop the ARA’s strong focus on safety, regulation, skills development and the implementation of new technologies within the rail industry as well as defining a new future agenda on behalf of ARA members and the rail industry.

Lisa Kinross – CCF Victoria – Chief Executive Officer

Lisa is a highly qualified, experienced executive and transformational leader with over 20 years’ experience in management, human resources and education/training. Recently Lisa has been a leader and advocate for innovation and driving future skills development across the Water Industry nationally. She is a strategic advisor to industry, invited to sit on a number of industry committees and is highly networked.

Lisa will be providing attendees with an update on the initiatives currently underway by CCF Victoria around training, representation, advocacy, and other major upcoming events for Contractors and Associates to be aware of.