Inland Rail graduate spotlight: David Cresswell
In 2021, Inland Rail partnered with Engineers Australia to build our Graduate Development Program, enabling the best young minds to contribute to Australia’s largest rail infrastructure project. Four years later, a top recruit has graduated as a Project Engineer and is now working on site, supporting the Northern NSW team.
Inland Rail Project Engineer David Cresswell.
Meet David ‘DC’ Cresswell:
Name and position: David Cresswell – Project Engineer with the Northern NSW team. I am currently supervising soil erosion testing at multiple sites along the alignment.
Where and what did you study? Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Diploma in Engineering Practice at the University of Technology, Sydney.
What got you interested in Engineering as a career path? I was decent at maths and science in school… and when some infrastructure projects kicked off near my home town, you could say I was inspired!
Why did you choose to apply for Inland Rail’s Grad program? I completed some rail maintenance work with a small sized contracting company through internships at uni, so I had some experience and interest in the rail industry. Inland Rail stood out to me. Such a large-scale project, spanning three states would give me the opportunity to work on all stages of project delivery.
What’s been your Grad Journey? I spent 16 months on Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 section before relocating to Brisbane in November 2022 to work on the North Star to NSW/Qld Border section. Fresh out of uni, it was a life changing experience. I was fly in / fly out at the height of the pandemic and lived in the workers’ camp in Moree. It was a steep learning curve, professionally and personally. Acclimatising to the corporate world from working on site was another change, but again full of opportunities. I added value to new areas, which saw me being offered a Project Engineer position in early 2024.
Congratulations on your new role. What are you most looking forward to now? The project is so complex, and I’ve learnt something new every day working at Inland Rail. As the team move towards Preliminary Design for Northern NSW, that is another new experience and set of skills I will gain.
What is the best thing about working at Inland Rail? Apart from the intricacy and constant learning opportunities, the ability to travel around and see new parts of the country. I grew up semi-regional on the NSW mid north coast, so I enjoy visiting small towns. Each one comes with its own unique qualities and often a surprise!
What surprises have you seen? Gilgandra was charming! Interesting old cars on show at the entry to properties (including an old mini lifted onto the chassis of a Hilux), and the beautiful Warrumbungle mountain range on the horizon.
What motivates you day to day? Having a supportive team of great people around.
What do you do in your spare time? In the city I love indoor bouldering. When I can get out, I enjoy surfing, camping and hiking.
And finally, what’s your favourite beef cut? It would have to be a T-bone, from the Royal Hotel in Gil.
