Metro Trains Melbourne’s Chief Operating Officer, Catherine Baxter, has won the Women in Industry Award for Excellence in Transport.

Catherine received the honour at a special awards ceremony in Melbourne which included finalists from across the mining, engineering, transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors.

The Excellence in Transport award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to improve and positively impact the Australian transport industry.

“I’m enormously grateful to win this award. It’s especially important to me because these awards are decided by my peers. It’s judged for women in industry, by women in industry,” Catherine said.

Catherine has been working in the rail industry for more than three decades.

When she first joined Queensland Rail in the 1980s, it was a male dominated industry. Despite this, she pushed forward, making a name for herself quickly, and leading the charge to bring more women on-board.

“It’s essential that women not only join the rail industry, but rise through the ranks. I take this role very seriously and if I can inspire other women to join the rewarding world of rail, then I know I’m doing my part to set us up for a bright future.”

Now, having brought her talents to Melbourne, she oversees the safe running of Metro’s network, and the delivery of nationally recognised rail safety training.

“I’m very proud that every day Metro continues to better reflect the values of the community we serve. That means ensuring women are working at all levels, in all types of roles. I can assure you that we’re not just ticking boxes.

“Bringing more women into Metro improves both our business and the city of Melbourne. Hiring new people from diverse parts of the Victorian community, who previously didn’t have a seat at the table, means more women have an opportunity to develop a career in our industry than ever before.”