EPN Highlights

AITPM 2023/2024 Year in Focus

NSW/ACT EPN

The NSW EPN had a strong start with a joint event in April in collaboration with the City of Parramatta and the NSW State Committee, hosting a cycling tour around new active infrastructure.

Following that, we hosted a knowledge-sharing seminar with global and local experts in e-mobility, policy, and innovation.

Our annual trivia event saw teams battling it out and we also introduced a new Shark Tank-style case competition, challenging groups to devise sustainable solutions to future global transport challenges.

We rounded off 2023 with social networking centred around the fascinating topic of ‘Affordable Vibrant Living’ and celebrated the end of the year with drinks.

Early in 2024, we again collaborated with the NSW State Committee, hosting an International Women's Day event featuring diverse and knowledgeable panellists.

We are excited to continue bringing fun and engaging events for the rest of the year.

VIC/TAS EPN

The VIC/TAS EPN had a fruitful financial year with four events, assisting the National Conference in Melbourne and one continuous program.

The events were a mix of networking, knowledge sharing and socialising to build a community among the emerging professionals and students interested in joining the transport industry.

The VIC/TAS EPN committee contributed to different aspects of the National Conference, from reviewing abstracts and program-setting to contacting speakers and organising events. In September, we hosted a Meet & Greet morning tea at the Modelling Workshop opening day and a thought-provoking debate between Industry Experts and Young Professionals on ‘Private cars will always be king in Australia’.

The Buddy Program continued as an annual tradition in Victoria and connects more than 10 pairs of emerging professionals and graduating students.

We started with a collaboration event with PIA Young Planners in June, ‘Wins and F*%k Ups Night’, bringing together planning and transport with speakers from public and private sectors who shared common experiences and learnings in the built environment.

This was followed by a technical webinar, inviting emerging professionals to talk about the unique applications of transport modelling and a variety of ‘out-of-the-box’ transport modelling.

In October, we ran a collaboration with ITS Australia NextGens and Young ITE, Transport Australia Society (TAs) and Young Transport Professionals (YTP) and hosted a Melbourne EP Trivia Night. In November the 2023 Buddy Program wrapped up with closing drinks.

In 2024, Monash University and the committee co-hosted the ‘Careers in the Transport Industry’ featuring three outstanding speakers from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys and stories in transport with graduating students.

QLD EPN

This year the Queensland EPN committee averaged one event per month, a new record for the committee.

The formal election process saw a new group of members become involved in the committee, bringing fresh ideas and an eagerness to deliver quality and consistent events.

We continued the mentoring program, with 10 mentor/mentee pairings in the 2023 program, and in March we officially joined the Urban Unwind collaboration between Planning Institute of Australia (PIA), Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) and Australian Institute of Architects (AIA), providing a monthly opportunity to catch up with emerging professionals in the urban space.

We look forward to keeping the momentum growing into next year with a full program, including continuation of the mentoring program, Urban Unwind and bimonthly trivia, as well as Brisbane 2032 career insights, a great debate and end of year celebration in planning.

WA EPN

In the past year, the WA EPN has curated a range of engaging events, providing platforms for emerging professionals and enthusiasts in transport, city shaping and planning to connect and develop personally and professionally.

The year commenced with the 'YPN Bowls Night' in May 2023, where attendees enjoyed an evening of friendly competition and networking on the greens.

The ‘Young Professionals Showoff Night’ in August showcased the ingenuity and talent of professionals in an environment of knowledge exchange and inspiration.

As the year progressed, the ‘EPN Sundowner’ in November provided an opportunity to unwind, reflect, and reconnect at the Perth Cultural Centre against the background of a stunning sunset.

The EPN welcomed the new year with 'Lawn Bowls with the EPN', blending recreation with networking to strengthen and reconnect the community of emerging and seasoned professionals. These events have not only facilitated professional growth but also cultivated a sense of camaraderie and belonging.

Looking ahead, the WA EPN will be injecting vitality at the upcoming National Conference in Perth, representing diverse perspectives from future industry leaders.

The EPN continues to facilitate collaborations with allied industries such as the Young Planners of the Planning Institute of Australia and the Engineers Australia Transport Australia Society and remains dedicated to nurturing a vibrant and inclusive workforce, celebrating emerging professionals' excellence in city shaping, transport planning and management.