Strength in Connection - ANZRI

 

At QRI Lifestyle, we are proud of our history and the value we provide to our members. Just as importantly, we recognise the strength that comes from working together. Recently, QRI took part in a Rail Institutes Strategy Meeting with other Institutes across Australia and New Zealand. Including Transport Life & Leisure (TL&L),  Tasmanian Railways Institute (TGI), Victorian Railways Institute (VRI), Western Australian Railways Institute (WARI) and New Zealand Railways Staff Welfare Trust.  This was an important step in strengthening our organisations and finding new ways to deliver greater value to members.

Railway Institutes have a long and proud legacy, with many serving members for more than 100 years. But the world has changed. With privatisation, shifting workforce structures and stronger competition, traditional membership models are no longer as effective as they once were. This has led all Institutes to ask an important question: how do we remain relevant, sustainable and valuable for the future?

One of the biggest outcomes from the meeting was the recognition that although each Institute operates independently, many of the challenges we face are the same. That creates a valuable opportunity. By sharing ideas, reducing duplication and working together, we can build stronger and more effective solutions for our members.

A major focus of discussion was how to position ourselves as modern, member-focused organisations. This means offering more flexible membership options and delivering value beyond standard discounts. Today’s members want more than savings. They want lifestyle benefits, a sense of belonging and access to unique opportunities that enrich everyday life.

Holiday accommodation was identified as one of the most valuable member benefits across all Institutes. Quality units and houses in great locations remain a major reason members join and stay connected. Through collaboration, we are improving awareness and accessibility of these holiday units so members can enjoy more choice and more destinations across Australia and New Zealand.

To support this, a Holiday Unit Magazine mock-up was developed and shared at the meeting. It provides a clear overview of all institute accommodation, locations and features, and it is an exciting step towards a more connected and accessible network. This is still in draft mode, be sure to look out for this savings tool.

As a QRI Lifestyle member, you also have exclusive access to holiday units and accommodation from other railway institutes across Australia and New Zealand. They welcome your enquiry, so reach out today!

Transport Life & Leisure (TL&L) Visit www.tll.org.au.

Tasmanian Railways Institute (TGI) Visit www.tasrailinst.com.au.

Victorian Railways Institute (VRI) Visit www.vri.org.au.

Western Australian Railways Institute (WARI) Visit www.wari.asn.au.

New Zealand Railways Staff Welfare Trust Visit www.nzrwelfare.co.nz.

This collaboration does not take away what makes each Institute unique. Instead, it strengthens each one while building a more connected national network. For members, that means more opportunities, more benefits and a stronger sense of community.

We look forward to bringing these ideas to life and continuing to build a stronger future together.

QRI Lifestyle thanks all Institutes who travelled to Brisbane or joined online for the Strategic Meeting in April 2026.