Chris Cairns Foundation merges with TrackSafe Australia to form TrackSafe Foundation New Zealand
October 15, 2013
TrackSafe will take its rail safety message across the ditch to New Zealand after establishing a partnership with the country’s Chris Cairns Foundation.
The merger between the two groups has led to the formation of TrackSafe Foundation New Zealand (TrackSafe NZ), which was officially launched today.
TrackSafe Australia Chairman Bob Herbert says he is pleased to see a formal collaboration between the two organisations.
“Too many people lose their lives in preventable incidents in both New Zealand and Australia,” he says.
“I am delighted to be here in New Zealand to support this initiative and show that we are united in addressing the issue of rail safety and working together for a better future for Australians and New Zealanders.”
TrackSafe NZ Chairman Jim Quinn says he is excited about working with his Australian counterparts to pool ideas, share resources and contribute to mutually beneficial rail safety campaigns.
“We can’t afford to be complacent and let this issue fall off the agenda,” he says.
“One level crossing collision between a fully loaded passenger train and a heavy vehicle could be potentially catastrophic and every near collision, incident and fatality can also cause severe and lasting trauma for affected rail employees.”
Both organisations signed a memorandum of understanding to formalise the partnership.
Chris Cairns, a former NZ international cricket champion, will remain an ambassador to the two TrackSafe organisations and will continue to actively support and promote charitable initiatives aimed at improving safe behaviour around the rail corridor in both countries.
TrackSafe was established in Australia in 2012 with the intent of reducing incidents on the rail network resulting from suicide and reckless behaviour.
