Victoria’s rail manufacturing gets a boost with new advocate

The Victorian Government announced the appointment of Tamara Culembourg as the new Victorian Rail Advocate, marking a significant step in supporting the state’s local train, tram, and bus manufacturing industry.

In her new role, Culembourg will focus on promoting Victoria’s rail manufacturing supply chain and workforce, as well as developing initiatives to grow industry capacity and boost job opportunities, the government said in a media release.  

With nearly two decades of experience in rail manufacturing and transport operations, both locally and internationally, she brings a wealth of expertise to the position.

As the chair of the Government’s Rail Industry Development Advisory Committee (RIDAC), Culembourg will be instrumental in fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, transport operators, and the government. 

This collaboration aims to drive innovation and secure contracts for Victorian rail suppliers, ultimately strengthening the skilled workforce and increasing local content in rolling stock orders.

The Labor Government has invested over $8 billion in Victorian-built rolling stock and infrastructure since 2015, a move that has supported more than 10,000 jobs across the industry. 

This investment underscores the state’s commitment to bolstering its rail manufacturing sector.

Minister for Public and Active Transport Gabrielle Williams expressed her confidence in the new appointee, stating, “We’re pleased to announce Tamara Culembourg as the new Victorian Rail Advocate. She will do a fantastic job promoting and supporting our local rail manufacturing industry.” 

Williams also acknowledged the contributions of the outgoing Rail Advocate, Jill Walsh, particularly her role in co-founding the Women on Track program.

Culembourg herself highlighted the state’s rich history in rail manufacturing, noting, “Victoria has a proud rail manufacturing history supporting thousands of jobs and leads the nation in locally built trains and trams.” 

She expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, saying, “I’m excited and honoured to be appointed Victoria’s next Rail Advocate and look forward to supporting innovation and helping manufacturers and suppliers secure new opportunities in this high-value, highly skilled industry.”