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
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
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
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
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
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.
