SEPTEMBER 2025
 

Xanthia Dubler

Senior Transport Planner
Zwart Transport Planning | QLD

"If you’re thinking about getting involved—do it! . The Transport Professionals Association is full of welcoming, passionate professionals and being part of it has made such a difference to my confidence and career.”

What is your current involvement with Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)?

I’m one of the Transport Professionals Association (TPA) 2026 National Transport Conference convenors.

How has your involvement as a member/volunteer grown with Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)?

My story kicked off when I was fortunate enough to receive the Young Professional Award for Queensland in 2021. At the time, I barely knew anyone in the industry, but stepping into the young professional representative role on the QLD Branch was a game-changer—it gave me confidence, opened doors, and meant I never had to walk into a room full of strangers again.

Part of the award involved organising EPN events (before a formal committee even existed!). I teamed up with the previous winner, Tierney, and we worked to create what is now the Queensland EPN Committee. After a year as a general member, I took on the chair role and have loved seeing how far we have come—more events, more energy, and more opportunities for emerging professionals to connect and grow. Through the committee I’ve loved putting on great events, including coordinating the urban Unwind initiative with PIA, AIA and AILA each month.

I’ve now stepped back from the EPN committee and have taken on the role as co-convenor for next year’s National Transport Conference and look forward to working with a brilliant team to deliver the conference. I’ve been lucky enough to attend every TPA National Conference since first winning the YP award in 2021 and look forward to bringing it to my home town.

Plus on the side I run the Queensland branch Instagram page (@tpa_qld) where I love featuring what our branch is up to and providing a platform so people can keep up to date on events and share photos.

What motivates you to volunteer or involve yourself with Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)?

For me, volunteering is about helping others feel welcome and connected in the industry. I know how daunting it can be when you’re just starting out, and I love being part of creating events and platforms that make that experience easier—and a lot more fun! Plus, it’s rewarding to know I’m helping grow the kind of community I once needed myself. Being a volunteer has also made me so much more comfortable and confident to go to any TPA event.

How has your involvement with Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM) benefited you personally and professionally?

 I’ve developed valuable skills in event planning, people management, project coordination and presentation—skills that have directly strengthened my day-to-day work in consulting. Working in a small business, Transport Professionals Association has given me the chance to build confidence in managing sub-consultants and collaborating with larger teams across the industry.

But more than anything, TPA has connected me with an incredible network of peers, mentors, and friends. It’s made walking into any event feel easy and welcoming. I’ve had the chance to meet and learn from so many inspiring people—especially a number of women in the industry who I truly admire. It’s been such a rewarding experience to be part of a community where collaboration, support, and shared passion are always front and centre.

What has been a memorable experience from your time with Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)? And why was it so memorable?

My first in-person Transport Professionals Association National Conference in Sydney has been a standout memory. It brought together the Emerging Professional Award winners from 2021 and 2022, and the energy was infectious. From dinner outings to the conference dinner itself—it felt like being part of a tight-knit group of friends. At the conference dinner we all rocked the Matrix supplied bucket hats and had a great time without the pressure of having to be overly formal or reserved.

What made the experience even more special was how welcomed and celebrated I felt as an EPN. I was immediately welcomed as part of a group, with special events organised to help us connect and make the most of the conference. It really set the tone for how inclusive and empowering TPA can be —especially for emerging professionals just finding their feet in the industry.

Have you gained any skills whilst being involved with Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)? How have these skills influenced your career or shaped the way you view the industry? What are your plans for the future?

Taking on leadership roles within the EPN has helped me grow more confident, especially in managing people and projects. These experiences have shaped how I approach challenges at work and helped me see the bigger picture in across the industry.

I’m looking forward to delivering a fantastic National Conference in Brisbane next year. No doubt it will be an incredibly rewarding whirlwind experience.

What value has your employer gained from your engagement with Transport Professionals Association (formerly  AITPM)?

The practical skills I’ve picked up from running events and being involved in the committees have translated straight into my project work. Attending and organising events and most recently presenting at the NTC in Adelaide has also been an exciting opportunity to grow the Zwart Transport Planning brand, particularly outside of Queensland. Being a small business it can be challenging to build the brand awareness of large consultancies, but the networking from TPA always provided opportunities to connect and build awareness of the work that we do.

What would you say to transport professionals considering getting involved with the Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)?  Do you have any words of wisdom for Emerging Professionals starting out in the industry?

If you’re thinking about getting involved—do it! Volunteering gives you a role, a reason to show up, and a way to meet people without the pressure of “networking.” Volunteer to take photos at events and this could give you an excuse to talk to people and make introductions easily. Or volunteer to hand out food, it leads to the same outcome!

TPA is full of welcoming, passionate professionals and being part of it has made such a difference to my confidence and career.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your Transport Professionals Association (formerly AITPM)  journey? Or your journey within the transport industry?

Transport Professional Association (TPA)  has been an incredible space to grow, learn, and meet amazing people—from fellow emerging professionals to industry veterans. It’s inclusive, welcoming, and genuinely fun to be a part of. I’ve found that being in a small company it’s even more special to be able to tap into such a vibrant and supportive network. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter with TPA brings—especially with Brisbane hosting the National Conference in 2026.