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Each year, over 100 organisations unite during Rail Safety Week to remind the community to stay alert around the rail network.

This year’s theme, ‘Expect the Unexpected. Watch out for Trains’, aims to promote awareness in regional road users of the importance of staying vigilant at all times around level crossings.

To support the TrackSAFE Foundation in this important mission, Arc Infrastructure partners with the Constable Care Foundation (CCF) to offer primary schools the chance to win a free excursion to the Constable Care Safety School in Maylands. These excursions provide children with hands-on experience in a realistic urban environment, helping them learn vital safety skills across road, rail, pedestrian, bike, and public transport scenarios.

The competition is open until the end of this week (closes 17 August), with winners announced on 27 August 2025.

Arc Infrastructure Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Unwin, emphasised the importance of this initiative, and strongly supports the ongoing work of the TrackSAFE Foundation in awareness raising.

“Rail Safety Week is a powerful reminder that safety is not just about infrastructure - it’s about people. At Arc, we’re committed to protecting lives and supporting the wellbeing of the communities that intersect the freight rail network,” Stephanie said.

Through education, awareness and partnerships like the one we’ve had for many years with the Constable Care Foundation, we’re helping to build a safer future for everyone who interacts with the rail network.

“I strongly encourage primary schools to register their interest in our competition, for the chance to win a Safety School excursion.”

Collisions and near misses at railway crossings continue to pose serious risks, impacting not only rail services but also the wellbeing of train drivers, rail workers, and the wider community.
Nationally between 2016–2024, across all railways in Australia and New Zealand, there were over 8000 near hits and 44 fatalities at railway crossings.

Rail Safety Week aims to reduce these incidents through education and community engagement.

During Rail Safety Week, Arc reminds the community of the key points around interacting with the rail freight network:

• Multiple freight trains can come at any time and from either direction; always cross tracks at a designated pedestrian level crossing.

• Whether you’re a motorist, truck driver, cyclist or pedestrian, always STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK before crossing at a level crossing. Check it is safe to cross.

• Always ensure there is enough space for your vehicle on the other side of a level crossing before making the decision to cross.

• Trains can’t swerve and take a long time to stop. Even at low speeds it can take a freight train several hundred metres to come to a complete stop. Don’t try to beat a train; ensure there is enough time for you to safely cross tracks.

Visit the TrackSAFE Foundation website to learn more about Rail Safety Week.

To enter the Arc x CCF Rail Safety Week competition, visit the CCF website.

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