Tag Archive for: TMAA

Trafficwerx NT recently travelled to Adelaide to attend the TMAA START26 Conference, Trade Show, Excellence Awards, and Gala Dinner.

Across two full days, the event brought together industry leaders from across Australia. The focus was clear. Advancing best practice in traffic management and improving road safety outcomes nationwide.

For the Traffic Management NT industry, events like START26 are essential. They create space to share knowledge, strengthen connections, and drive safer outcomes across all road networks.

A New Era for Traffic Management

The TMAA Conference continues to evolve each year.

In 2026, the introduction of START26 — Safer Traffic and Roadworks Technology — marked a shift towards innovation in traffic control and road safety.

The conference opened with an afternoon of speakers on Thursday. These sessions focused on new technology, safer systems, and the future of traffic management across Australia.

Later that evening, the team came together along with other conference attendees for the Welcome Drinks.

This was the first opportunity to connect with industry professionals from every state and territory. Conversations focused on shared challenges, industry growth, and the future of Traffic Management.

Industry Connection and National Conversations

Trafficwerx NT, TMAA and SARAH Group, National Road Safety Week representatives stand together for a photo.

The Welcome Drinks set the tone for the days ahead.

Chris Boyer (Trafficwerx NT & TMAA), Jen Fellows (Trafficwerx NT), Matthew Bereni (TMAA), and Peter Frazer (SARAH Group & National Road Safety Week) came together to reflect on the past year.

Discussions centred around road safety initiatives and industry progress.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on strengthening engagement across all states and regions.

Celebrating Industry Excellence

START26 also introduced a refreshed structure.

The conference realigned its naming and awards to match the year they are presented, creating a clearer and more forward-focused approach.

For Trafficwerx NT, the event was also a moment of reflection. In 2025, the company was recognised on the national stage. Awards included 2024 Project of the Year for the Variety NT Australia Day Ute Run and 2024 Traffic Management Company of the Year (Tier 1–2).

Recognising Our People on the National Stage

At Trafficwerx NT, our people are at the centre of everything we do.

This year, we were proud to see our team once again recognised nationally.

Nikita Bennett represented the Northern Territory as a finalist for Traffic Controller of the Year. She also took to the live national stage as part of the finalist panel, sharing insights into traffic control, safety, and working conditions in the NT.

Moments like this ensure the voice of Northern Territory traffic management and regional operations are heard across Australia.

Chris Pettit – Highly Commended

One of the first awards of the evening recognised a key member of the Trafficwerx NT team.

Chris Pettit, our dedicated supervisor, was awarded Highly Commended in the 2026 Traffic Management Operations Team Member of the Year category.

Chris is a vital part of our team. His commitment to safety, leadership, and mentoring continues to raise the standard across Traffic Management NT worksites.

Having previously won Traffic Controller of the Year in 2018, this recognition reflects his ongoing dedication to road safety in the Northern Territory.

Although Chris was unable to attend, we thank David for accepting the award on his behalf.

Tyra Webb-Cooper – Indigenous Traffic Controller of the Year

Tyra is on stage at the TMAA Excellence Awards accepting Indigenous Traffic Controller of the Year Award 2026

A standout moment of the evening followed soon after.

Tyra Webb-Cooper took to the national stage as the 2026 Indigenous Traffic Controller of the Year Award winner.

This award highlights the importance of Indigenous representation and leadership within the Traffic Management industry.

Trafficwerx NT is incredibly proud to see the Northern Territory recognised once again. Samantha Eveleigh, also from Trafficwerx NT, was the inaugural recipient of this award.

Tyra delivered a powerful and heartfelt speech. Despite her nerves, she spoke with confidence, passion, and authenticity.

She represented the strength of Indigenous employment and opportunity within Traffic Management.

Chris Boyer – Honourable Membership Recognition

Chris Boyer is pictured on stage the TMAA Excellence Awards with other Honourable Members of TMAA for his work and dedication over the years.

Without a second to spare, Tyra had barely returned to her seat before another unforgettable moment followed.

To our surprise, our very own Chris Boyer was called to the stage to receive an Honourable Membership with TMAA, recognising his dedication and contribution to the association since its founding.

It was a proud and emotional moment for the entire Trafficwerx NT team.

Chris’s commitment to the Traffic Management industry, both in the Northern Territory and nationally, has helped shape safer practices, stronger standards, and better outcomes for road users.

A Night of Celebration

Team Trafficwerx NT are pictured together with their awafrds from the TMAA Excellence Awards 2026

The awards evening quickly turned into a celebration.

Not just for Trafficwerx NT, but for the entire industry.

Teams from across Australia came together to recognise achievement, share stories, and celebrate progress in road safety.

It was a reminder that while we may work in different regions, we are all working towards the same goal.

Looking Ahead for Traffic Management

Nikita Bennett stands on stage at the START26 Conference alongside other Traffic Controller of the Year finalists.

As we reflect on our time at START26, one thing is clear.

The future of traffic management relies on collaboration, innovation, and strong leadership.

Trafficwerx NT will continue to invest in people, training, and safer systems. We remain committed to improving road safety outcomes and supporting communities across the Northern Territory.

Because better traffic management leads to safer roads for everyone.

In the festive atmosphere of the Top End, Trafficwerx NT joined esteemed guests and industry partners for a memorable Christmas event hosted by the Traffic Management Association of Australia (TMAA). Beyond celebrating the holiday season, it served as a platform to recognise outstanding contributions in the Traffic Management industry.

Generosity from Chris significantly contributed to the event’s success. The evening commenced with Chairman’s Welcome Drinks, sponsored by the TMAA NT Chairperson. Subsequently, the ambiance elevated with drinks and canapés sponsored by NT 4×4 Hire, setting the stage for camaraderie and celebration.

TMAA’s Distinguished Attendees:

The event saw the presence of key industry players, including attendees from Trafficwerx NT, Core, Workzone, DIPL, ETAS, TMAA CEO Matthew Bereni, and Tom Harris from the Civil Contractors Federation (CCF).

TCOY Nomination Announcement: 

A notable highlight was Matthew’s announcement of the Trafficwerx NT nominee, Marco, for the TMAA TCOY (Traffic Controller of the Year) Award. With four years of industry experience, Marco’s achievements, including the Sitzler award and successful project management, were applauded. Marco expressed gratitude for the nomination and the prestigious award, looking forward to continuing contributions in the coming year.

The evening extended beyond awards to social networking, fostering connections beyond the professional realm. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, strengthening industry ties against the festive backdrop.

As we conclude this festive evening, Trafficwerx NT is delighted to announce Marco as the Northern Territory finalist for the TMAA TCOY Award at the national level. Marco will compete in March on the Gold Coast, showcasing NT’s excellence in the Traffic Management industry.

A Night of Networking: 

The evening extended beyond awards to social networking, fostering connections beyond the professional realm. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations, strengthening industry ties against the festive backdrop.

As we conclude this festive evening, Trafficwerx NT is delighted to announce Marco as the Northern Territory finalist for the TMAA TCOY Award at the national level. Marco will compete in March on the Gold Coast, showcasing NT’s excellence in the Traffic Management industry.

The TMAA NT Christmas event successfully blended holiday cheer with industry recognition. Marco’s achievement adds pride to the festivities, and Trafficwerx NT looks forward to supporting him on the national stage. As the year ends, we celebrate not only the season but also the talent and dedication that make Trafficwerx NT a driving force in Traffic Control. Cheers to a successful event and the promising year ahead!

We are incredibly proud to share the inspiring journey of Samantha Eveleigh, a true trailblazer in the Traffic Management industry. At the recent TMAA Annual Awards, Sam achieved a remarkable feat by securing two out of the three accolades. Crowned Indigenous Traffic Controller of the Year 2022 and National Traffic Controller of the Year 2022, her accomplishments caught the attention of National Indigenous TV, who approached her for an interview to shed light on her achievements and the impactful work she does in communities.

6 Years at TWX

Sam has been an invaluable member of the Trafficwerx NT team for the past six years. Throughout her tenure, she has excelled in her role as a Traffic Controller, catching the attention of Chris Boyer, the Director of Trafficwerx NT. Recognizing her potential, Chris encouraged Sam to pursue her WZ1 tickets, granting her the opportunity to become a Traffic Management Designer. Initially uncertain about her ability to complete the rigorous five-day course, which included challenging assessments, Sam pushed past her doubts and successfully obtained her certification. She can now implement changes on-site to ensure the utmost safety for all road users, workers, and pedestrians.

Expressing her deep passion for working in Traffic Control, Sam emphasizes how the ever-changing outdoor environment perfectly suits her career aspirations. She also cherishes the opportunity to work remotely and in various communities. Sam fondly recounts how young people approach her with curiosity about her job, which she utilizes as a platform to promote safe road practices in communities that may not otherwise receive such vital information. She highlights the vast potential within the Traffic Management field, emphasizing how it can serve as an entry-level job leading to roles in design and even civil construction.

Indigenous Employment 

Sam, an Aboriginal woman based in Darwin, proudly traces her ancestry to Galiiwin’ku, the home of the Yolngu people. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in the industry, she hopes that her prestigious awards will inspire more Indigenous people to pursue their own certifications and embark on successful careers in Traffic Management. Importantly, Sam emphasizes the existence of employment services that can assist with startup costs, including course fees and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Road Safety

Road safety has always been Sam’s top priority. She is renowned for going above and beyond to ensure that the right people are promptly informed if a potential incident arises. Even outside of work hours, she diligently checks her own setups, mitigating risks and preventing incidents. It is this unwavering dedication, coupled with her comprehensive knowledge of Traffic Management and strong relationships with major civil construction companies, that has earned her these prestigious awards. Sam remains committed to using her voice to advocate for improved working conditions and increased opportunities for Indigenous individuals entering the workforce.

We invite you to watch Sam’s inspiring interview by clicking here.