Great Southern Rail Unveils New Uniforms

Great Southern Rail has launched a new uniform, a collaboration between designer Juli Grbac and iconic Australian outfitter R.M. Williams.

The new uniform – the first in eight years - will be worn by staff aboard The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland trains and at all Great Southern Rail terminals from this month.

“This is a new look for Great Southern Rail and reflects a new approach to our journeys,” Great Southern Rail chief operating officer Ian Ladd says.

“We wanted a look that represented our expedition-style journeys and that our people would be excited and proud to wear.

“Our people have one of the most diverse workplaces in Australia. On any given day, they may be greeting guests in Sydney, serving dinner under the stars on the Nullarbor or joining our guests on excursions taking in Katherine, Coober Pedy, Broken Hill or the Barossa Valley wine region.

“After two years of design and consultation, Juli Grbac has created a uniform that is stylish, durable and functional for all Australian climates and destinations.”

The uniform, which largely comprises customised pieces from the R.M. Williams range, features the Great Southern Rail brand colours of red and navy blue, together with taupe to reflect the Australian landscape.

Onboard crew will wear a base uniform of navy trousers or skirt with a striped R.M. Williams shirt. Variations of the uniform include an Akubra hat and taupe blazer for boarding and a puffer vest, jumper and steel-cap boots for Off Train Excursions. Separate uniforms have been designed for Great Southern Rail's culinary team and its service team, which is based across four Australia states and territories.

“As a proud Australian, I was very excited to work with Great Southern Rail on this project,” Juli says.

“Bringing together R.M. Williams and GSR really was a match made in heaven. Both brands share a strong heritage and a dedication to high quality. They appeal to many Australians both in the city and country.”

The design process included extensive consultation with all departments, as well as a company-wide tailoring program and the delivery of an internal grooming guide.

Facts and figures

More than 10,000 garments produced
36 separate pieces customised for males and female staff
Delivered to more than 300 staff members in five locations across Australia (Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, Darwin and Alice Springs)

GREAT SOUTHERN RAIL

Great Southern Rail is the owner/operator of Australia's great rail journeys – The Ghan, Indian Pacific and The Overland. Since 1929, The Ghan has taken travellers into the heart of the Australian Outback, travelling between Adelaide, Alice Springs and Darwin. The Indian Pacific crosses coast-to-coast between Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The Overland travels between Melbourne and Adelaide.
www.greatsouthernrail.com.au

JULI GRBAC

Brisbane-born designer Juli Grbac first rose to prominence as the winner of the inaugural winner of Project Runway Australia. Since 2008, her designs have been showcased around the globe and she has partnered with major brands including Virgin Australia.

R.M. WILLIAMS

R.M. Williams is an iconic Australian bush apparel and leather goods company founded by bootmaker Reginald Murray Williams in 1932. Today, R.M. Williams exports to 15 countries, has more than 50 Australian retail stores and is available at more than 900 stockists around the globe.
www.rmwilliams.com.au