RTS named finalist for 2025 Australasian Rail Industry Awards

04/08/2025

Downer Rail & Transit Systems, Australia’s leading rail business, is proud to be named finalist against three categories at the 2025 Australasian Rail Industry Awards, recognising our leadership in innovation, sustainability, and engineering excellence.

As a finalist in the following categories, these nominations reflect the ingenuity and impact of our team across some of the most critical areas shaping the future of rail:

• Rail Innovation of the Year Award
• Sustainability Excellence Award
• Signalling and Systems Engineering Excellence Award 

 

Rail Innovation of the Year Award – World’s first fully autonomous cleaning robot for rollingstock 

Downer has developed the world's first fully autonomous rollingstock cleaning robots, revolutionising train maintenance.

In partnership with Deakin University's Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI), we have developed two robots: one for floor cleaning and another for surface cleaning. 

These robots work alongside cleaning staff to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, addressing the increasing demand for cleanliness in passenger rail services. 

Equipped with advanced sensors, the robots can detect vandalism, hazards, and rubbish, contributing to a safer and cleaner environment. Their intelligent design allows them to navigate complex train interiors, with the floor cleaning robot capable of operating under cantilevered seats and the surface cleaning robot's manipulator having six degrees of freedom to manoeuvre around poles and handrails. 

This innovation not only enhances cleaning operations but also supports workforce development by providing new skills in robotics and automation, aligning with Industry 4.0 practices.

Learn more about the cleaning robots here: Downer develops the world’s first fully autonomous rollingstock cleaning robots, revolutionising the rail industry

And our engineers that developed this innovative are a part of our Engineering Consulting Services team. Learn more about our consulting offerings at www.downergroup.com.ecs 

 

Sustainability Excellence Award – Electronic Test & Repair Centre 

Downer has taken a bold, proactive approach to embedding sustainability into the fabric of rail maintenance—delivering environmental, economic, and social outcomes without waiting for regulatory change.

In 2024, we tackled outdated maintenance practices that led to electronic waste, emissions, and offshore dependency. Our team responded with a data-driven, condition-based maintenance strategy and the creation of an Australian first—the Electronics Test and Repair Centre (ETRC) at Cardiff.

The ETRC was officially opened by NSW Premier, Chris Minns and enables mass in-house testing, repair, and refurbishment of complex rail electronics that would otherwise be discarded—cutting emissions, reducing costs, and recovering critical components. 

With the ETRC being utilised for our overhauls of the Waratah and SGT fleets, we are able to save more than 9,000 printed circuit boards—equivalent to 6.9 tonnes of e-waste—from landfill.

The initiative supports circular economy outcomes, creates skilled jobs, and builds local capability—showing that sustainability, when embedded in operations, can be both innovative and deeply valuable.

Our ETRC was recently spotlighted in the new series, Train Rescue Down Under. The ETRC is featured in episode 9, with our Downer projects spotlighted in episodes 7 – 10. Watch on the 7Plus app. 

 

Signalling and Systems Engineering Excellence Award – Lisa Wetuschat, HCS Implementation Director

Lisa, our Director of High Capacity Signalling Integration, is recognised for her transformative leadership and engineering excellence in delivering some of Australia’s most complex and high-impact signalling projects.

From designing the implementation of the emergency group call function for Melbourne’s Digital Train Radio System—now essential to over 2,000 daily services across Melbourne’s network—to leading HCMT-CBTC fleet integration for the Metro Tunnel, Lisa has redefined what rail systems engineering can achieve. 

Her collaborative approach, technical expertise, and ability to unify cross-functional teams have delivered safer, more consistent operations and a dramatically improved passenger experience.

Lisa is also a core member of our Engineering Consulting Services team, and a dedicated mentor, championing young engineers and sharing her insights through industry forums across the country.

Good luck to all of the nominees at the Awards Ceremony in September 2025.