Q: Brendan Johnson on The Early Days: What’s something from the early days that would surprise people today?
Brendan: I don’t know if it’s a surprise or not, but Steve certainly had more hair! The team was very lean at that time, so it was very much all hands on deck.
Everyone was involved in everything, from technical work through to proposals, admin and whatever else needed to be done to keep things moving. It was a pretty dynamic environment, and it set the tone for the collaborative, get-it-done attitude that’s still part of the business today.
Q: Tash Francavilla on Culture & Values: How would you describe the Rail Confidence flavour?
Tash: Our flavour is a balance of high-energy hustle with a deeply supportive and respectful culture. We’re a dynamic team that works hard to deliver, but we never miss an opportunity to celebrate our successes and have a bit of fun along the way.
Q: Bill Pyke on his Memorable Moment: What’s the standout memory from your time with Rail Confidence?
Bill: I remember being on-site with Steve in my earlier years and being given the vote of confidence to test out some ideas while modifying a track machine to pass a compliance test. I think it definitely shows the way Steve and the company work to give everyone opportunities to learn at all levels. It’s also part of the reason why I think it’s a great place to work.
Q: Stephen Muscat on a Great Challenge: Can you share a moment when the team tackled an interesting challenge together?
Steve: A recurring challenge for our team has been delivering under significant time pressure while navigating stakeholders who are, at times, openly sceptical of our technical position. In several cases, that scepticism is not passive, and it can translate into pressure to dilute conclusions, accelerate decisions ahead of the evidence, or align with a preferred narrative.
Those situations are uncomfortable because they force you to question everything. Your assumptions, your methods, even the fundamentals of your discipline. That second-guessing isn’t a weakness; it’s part of maintaining engineering integrity. We actively lean into that process, stress-testing our own conclusions before anyone else can. There have been instances where that scrutiny has shifted our position, but more often, it has reinforced it.
What distinguishes the team is our willingness to hold the line when the engineering demands it. We are conscious that being wrong is acceptable; being unsubstantiated is not. That mindset is supported by a group of highly capable engineers who are both deeply experienced and intellectually honest people who know their craft, but are prepared to challenge themselves, take accountability, and adapt when required.
Over time, that combination of technical depth, internal challenge, and the discipline to stand by evidence rather than opinion has consistently seen our positions validated. More importantly, it has built credibility with stakeholders, even those who initially challenged us, because the outcomes are grounded in sound engineering rather than expediency.
Q: Jeremy Kelly on his Key Projects: Which project or milestone are you most proud to have been part of?
Jeremy: The projects I’ve been most proud to be part of are those where I’ve been able to work in an investigative capacity. They’ve allowed me to combine the rolling stock knowledge I’ve built over my seven years with Rail Confidence with the engineering fundamentals I developed during my training.
In these projects, I’ve had the opportunity to investigate complex issues such as derailments, disc brake failures, and the suitability of engineering modifications. What stands out most for me is being able to piece together evidence, apply first-principles thinking, and work collaboratively to identify root causes and recommend practical, safety‑focused outcomes.
Q: Shannon Thomas on Team Spirit: What’s your favourite way the team supports each other day-to-day?
Shannon: There’s a real sense of collaboration across the team. Everyone is willing to support each other, share ideas, and work together, which makes it a really positive and uplifting place to work. There is a great balance of professionalism, hard work and fun that makes the day-to-day environment enjoyable.
Q: Andre Volpato on Personal Growth: How has working at Rail Confidence helped you grow, professionally or personally?
Andre: Starting at Rail Confidence as a graduate, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to significant rolling stock and rail infrastructure projects while learning from experienced industry professionals early in my career. Being trusted with hands-on roles across many of these key projects has accelerated the development of my technical skills and strengthened my confidence as a rail professional.
Q: Louis Papalia and Chinmay Sankhe on The Essence: If you had to describe Rail Confidence in three words, what would they be?
Louis: Camaraderie, Commitment, Exemplary
Chinmay: Dedicated, Collaborative, Welcoming
Q: Kevin Prendergast on his First Impressions: What were your initial thoughts when you joined the Rail Confidence team?
Kevin: When I first arrived at Rail Confidence, I was struck by the breadth of subject matter expertise across the team; it was refreshing to see this capability matched by a strong appreciation of our clients’ need for practical engineering judgement and technical integrity. I saw our clients place their confidence in the team’s advice, recognising that our recommendations are informed by extensive practical railway experience.
Q: Greg Thompson on Lasting Qualities: What do you think will always stay the same about the company as it grows?
Greg: We will always maintain our unwavering commitment to practical, effective, and safe practices in the transport industry, as well as our willingness to embrace innovation and challenge resistance to change.
Stuart Brown on The Future: What excites you most about Rail Confidence’s next chapter?
Stuart: What excites me most is the new opportunities that come with a diverse group of people and their capabilities. We’re continuing to collect great minds and people, and we’re now expanding into other areas of rail. I love being part of a team that combines this level of experience and knowledge.
•
What distinguishes the team is our willingness to hold the line when the engineering demands it.
Steve Muscat
Shannon Thomas
Operations Support
