Inland Rail delivers local jobs in Cootamundra
Cootamundra locals have secured full-time roles with John Holland on the Inland Rail Illabo to Stockinbingal section, following their successful completion of the Inland Rail Skills Academy’s Rail Readiness course.
January 9, 2026
Delivered in partnership with Yakka Training, the three-day Rail Readiness program equips participants with essential skills for a career in rail and construction.
The course focuses on safety, mental fitness, psychosocial hazards, workplace readiness, and being fit for duty in the rail industry.
Among the newly employed locals is Gwen Norman who has joined the project as a Community Liaison Officer. Gwen took the opportunity to contribute to a major infrastructure initiative in her hometown, having previously worked in education, mining, events and community volunteering.
Todd Bryant has stepped into the role of Logistics Coordinator, after showing strong leadership and mentoring capabilities throughout the course and having previously run his own construction business in the region.
Learn more about Inland Rail Skills Academy opportunities here.
Stephen Jones, Inland Rail Executive Director of Health, Safety, Environment and Sustainability, said:
“Inland Rail is delivering local jobs and unlocking business opportunities in regional New South Wales.
“The rail sector offers rewarding and long-term career opportunities, and we’re committed to ensuring regional communities benefit from this project.
“We’re proud of the employment outcomes achieved so far and the strong local connections we’re building.
“Since the project began, Inland Rail has created more than 1,800 jobs for local residents across New South Wales.”
Gwen Norman, Community Liaison Officer, John Holland, said:
“This is great news for everyone involved, we are participating in an exceptional opportunity.
“To be part of a major national project with John Holland is exciting and enlivening for the community, it is satisfying to see the community embracing and welcoming the whole John Holland team.”
Todd Bryant, Logistics Coordinator, John Holland, said:
“I was ready for a new challenge and wanted to be part of something iconic like the Inland Rail project happening here in my hometown.
“I’d done plenty of training over my 25 years in the building industry, so I expected the Rail Readiness course to be much the same, but it ended up being a real turning point for me. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me a new perspective, which led me to join the team at John Holland and helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
