Speakers

Jonathan Spear

Dr Jonathan Spear is Infrastructure Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer.  

Previously the organisation’s Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, Jonathan has led Infrastructure Victoria’s work on Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy, research program and provision of independent advice to the Victorian Government. 

Before joining Infrastructure Victoria during its establishment in 2015, Jonathan held senior leadership, policy, strategy and legal roles with the Victorian Government Department of Premier and Cabinet, Department of Justice, Victoria Police and Slater and Gordon Lawyers. 

Jonathan holds a Doctor of Philosophy in History, Executive Master of Public Administration, Master of Laws, Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Arts (Honours). He is also a legal practitioner, a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Williamson Community Leadership Program, and a director of the Melbourne Forum. 

Hannah Clement

Hannah leads the Civic Infrastructure division at Development Victoria, managing a diverse portfolio with a capital delivery budget in excess of $3Billion made up of major projects being delivered in partnership with a wide range of Victorian government agencies and institutions. With over 25 years of experience in planning and delivering complex civic and infrastructure projects, she heads the team responsible for some of the Victorian Government’s most significant city shaping projects. These have included the Melbourne Park Redevelopment, Geelong Arts Centre, and currently include Nyaal Banyul (Geelong Convention and Event Centre) and the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation. Before joining the Victorian Government, Hannah worked in the private sector, delivering complex and challenging major projects across Australia, the Middle East, and South-East Asia. Originally trained as a civil engineer, she spent over a decade in the engineering consultancy sector, specializing in linear infrastructure and major sporting, event, and social infrastructure projects.

The Hon. Danny Pearson

Mr Pearson holds a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Degree from the University of Melbourne and a Master of Business Administration from the Melbourne Business School.Before entering Parliament, Danny worked as a consultant, ministerial advisor and Opposition adviser.

Danny believes in the institution of the Parliament. This, and his passion for the labour movement, prompted to run for Parliament.

The priorities Danny has for his community are to build a better community in Essendon, supporting all residents equally.

Danny’s vision for Victoria’s future is that it is a place where everyone is treated fairly, and justice is paramount.

The area of public policy that he is most passionate about is economic policy.

In June 2020, Mr Pearson joined the Cabinet as Assistant Treasurer, Minister for Government Services and Minister for Regulatory Reform. He added the portfolio of Creative Industries to his responsibilities in October 2020 and held this role until June 2022.  Minister Pearson became the Minister for Housing in June 2022, in December 2022 he became Minister for Government Services and Consumer Affairs and in October 2023 was appointed to his current portfolios.

Katrina Sedgwick OAM

Katrina Sedgwick OAM is the inaugural Director & CEO of Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation (MAP Co) which leads the $1.7 billion transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct, oversees the management and operations of Federation Square, and seeks to bring to life a single continuous arts, civic, and cultural precinct stretching from Fed Square through Southbank. Prior to MAP Co, Katrina was Director & CEO of ACMI, a role she held from 2015 to April 2022, Head of Arts for ABC TV, founding Director/CEO of the biennial Adelaide Film Festival, producer for the Adelaide Festival of Arts (1996, 1998 and 2000) and the artistic director of Come Out ‘99 and Adelaide Fringe 2002. She has held many committee and board roles with a wide range of creative industry and arts organisations. In 2020, Katrina was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for her services to performing arts, screen industries and visual arts administration

Simon Newport

Simon Newport was appointed the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Homes Victoria in July 2023. As CEO of Homes Victoria, Simon leads the agency responsible for delivering new housing, quality asset management and is the steward of Victoria’s social housing and homelessness system. Simon comes to Homes Victoria from the New South Wales Land and Housing Corporation, where as CEO he managed Australia’s largest social housing portfolio. Prior to this, he held various senior leadership positions in the New South Wales’ Aboriginal Housing Office, including Acting Chief Executive. Simon holds graduate and post graduate qualifications in business, building and construction, asset and project management, as well as leadership and corporate governance credentials from Harvard and Wharton Business Schools. With an extensive career in housing, construction, and manufacturing, Simon’s leadership and expertise supports Homes Victoria to deliver more safe, secure, and well-designed homes for more Victorians.

Jeremy Graham

Jeremy Graham is the Computational Design Director for HDR’s Data Driven Design (D3) global digital design group. The D3 group is dedicated to advancing architecture through cutting-edge design and technology, including the development of computational tools that leverage big data and artificial intelligence to enhance and automate the design process across various sectors such as health, education, and major projects. As both a registered architect and software architect, Jeremy leads the creation of tools and processes that utilise generative AI and machine learning to support stakeholder engagement and open new research and development pathways within the built environment. He has extensive experience developing computational processes for major projects, including Optus Stadium, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, and Al Janoub Stadium.

Gilbert Rochecouste

Gilbert is recognised locally and internationally as a leading voice in placemaking and for creating vibrant, resilient, and loved places. For 30 years, he has worked with over 2,500 cities, towns, main streets and communities. A sought-after speaker and master facilitator, he excels at unlocking potential, engagement and mobilisation of stakeholders. Former General Manger of Chadstone Shopping Centre he also developed the Queen Victoria Night Markets and oversaw its operations for the first 12 months. He pioneered applying shopping centre management principles to main streets founding Village Well, Australia’s first placemaking consultancy. Passionate about people, place and the planet, Gilbert’s works spans international communities including Australia, the Middle East and Mauritius. His extensive expertise includes market concept development, branding, operations, retail leasing and management. Gilbert’s focus is on regenerative placemaking and he has become one of the world’s most recognised placemakers.

Tania de Jong AM

Acclaimed Australian soprano, global speaker, award-winning social entrepreneur, creative alchemist, spiritual journeywoman. Founder Creative Universe, Creativity Australia, Umbrella Foundation, Dimension5, Music Theatre Australia, Pot-Pourri, The Song Room and Founder and Executive Producer of Creative Innovation Global and co-founder of Mind Medicine Australia Tania de Jong AM (pronounced Yong) is one of Australia’s most successful female entrepreneurs and innovators having developed 6 businesses and 4 charities. Tania works across the public, private, creative and social sectors. She founded Creativity Australia, Creative Universe, MTA Entertainment & Events and The Song Room. She co-founded Mind Medicine Australia, Australia’s leading not-for-profit organisation working on the use of psychedelic-assisted therapies to treat a range of mental illnesses and expand the treatment options available to medical practitioners and their patients. Tania presents keynote speeches and leadership programs and performs internationally as a soloist and with her group Pot-Pourri. She has released twelve albums. Tania’s TED Talk How Singing Together Changes The Brain has sparked international interest. She is Founder and Executive Producer of Creative Innovation Global winning national and international awards. Creative Universe and Creative Innovation Global were ranked among the top 20 event organizers globally as part of the Eventex All-Stars Index. Tania’s latest charity is Umbrella Foundation which is committed to telling stories that matter through the innovative use of music, theatre and other artforms, raising consciousness and inspiring generosity, diversity, inclusion, harmony and compassion. Umbrella Foundation presented the acclaimed world premiere seasons of Driftwood-The Musical. Tania’s awards include Ernst and Young Australian Social Entrepreneur of the Year. She was inducted into the AGSE Entrepreneurs Hall of Fame at Swinburne University and named Brainlink Woman of Achievement. Tania was named in the 100 Women of Influence and the 100 Australian Most Influential Entrepreneurs and named as one of the 100 most influential people in psychedelics globally in 2021. In 2019 she was honoured with the Award for Meritorious Service to the Community in the Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence. She was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in June 2008 for service to the Arts as a performer and entrepreneur and through the establishment and development of music and arts enrichment programs for schools and communities. Tania has garnered an international reputation as a performer, speaker, entrepreneur and a passionate leader for social change. Her mission is to change the world, one voice at a time!

Megan Bourke-O'Neil

Meg Bourke-O'Neil is an accomplished community, corporate and public sector leader – with more than 20 years’ experience in infrastructure and transport across the spectrum of strategy, policy, delivery and operations. Most recently, Meg served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA) at the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority, where she led the State’s multibillion-dollar health infrastructure program. She has also held deputy secretary positions at Victoria’s Department of Transport and with the New South Wales Government and is a former Deputy Chair of the Australia and New Zealand Public Transport Association, board member of Suburban Rail Loop Authority, and Chair of Commercial Passenger Vehicles Victoria, overseeing the taxi and ridesharing industry. Earlier in her career, Meg worked in human services, child protection and social housing in Victoria’s not-for-profit sector.

Kanchana Perera

Kanchana is the General Manager of Energy and Renewables at the APP Group, a leader in Property and Infrastructure. Kanchana has over 15 years of experience with a background in commercial management, strategic advisory and development management in renewable energy with extensive experience spanning across technical, operations, sales, stakeholder engagement, and mergers and acquisitions, including advisory services and due diligence. She has successfully closed and developed deals for large-scale renewable energy projects for asset values between AUD$100M to AUD$1.5B within the energy and renewables sector in Australia and the Asia Pacific regions. Kanchana has deep experience in large scale wind farms, solar, pumped hydro, battery energy storage systems, microgrids, hydrogen assets and firming via traditional generation and emerging technologies as well as grid infrastructure required to support the evolving energy mix. Kanchana has worked with organisations to navigate the energy transition and increased complexity in contracting models with an understanding for the need for strategic thinking and project optimisation in order to attract investment, reach financial close, successfully deliver and operate these large infrastructure projects and extract the best value from their investments.

Emily von Moger

Emily is an experienced project leader who excels in the coordination of complex and significant public projects. Holding qualifications in both in architecture and construction management, she is adept at navigating projects with multiple stakeholder groups and sensitive heritage requirements, such as Reimagining Arts Centre Melbourne. Emily prioritises collaboration across client and stakeholder groups, ensuring the project runs smoothly at each and every stage. Emily has also spearheaded NH Architecture’s Reconciliation Action Plan which is now at the second, ‘Innovate’ stage.

Stephen Burton

Stephen is the founder of POMO, a multi-awarded Artistic Placemaking Design and Delivery practice. He is also the host of The Placemakers - a new podcast on Spotify. Stephen's practice threads layers of local meaning, storytelling into a wide range of public realm projects. He designs and delivers creative, bespoke outcomes - often in collaboration with artists and makers, that personalise places and help to create places that are meaningful and are widely championed by the communities in which they exist. 

Michael Kilgariff

Michael Kilgariff is the Chief Executive Officer of Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia - the peak body for the heavy construction materials industry in Australia. CCAA members produce the majority of Australia's cement, concrete, and aggregates, which are crucial to Australia's building and construction sectors. These materials support the development of our nation's transport, energy, water, housing, defence, and social infrastructure. The industry generates approximately $15 Billion in annual revenues and employs approximately 30,000 Australians directly and a further 80,000 indirectly. Michael Kilgariff has a strong background in stakeholder engagement and collaboration. He has always sought to build strong working relationships between industry and government, with the aim of supporting and achieving public policy outcomes that are beneficial to industry. Michael has a keen understanding of the major economic, social and government policy drivers, combined with a broad understanding of the key issues impacting on industry. In recognition of his work in this area, Michael won the Transport and Logistics Executive of the Year in the CEO Magazine 2014 Executive of the Year Awards. Michael holds a degree in Economics from the Australian National University and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors’ diploma and advanced diploma courses. He also completed the Cambridge University Judge Business School Advanced Leadership Programme in November 2017.

Emily Kilvington

Emily is a highly experienced design leader, bringing strategic and collaborative thinking to the projects she leads. She has a track record of delivering highly complex and culturally significant projects and masterplans such as Melbourne Park and Arts Centre Melbourne which have large stakeholder groups and significant community interest. Emily has a generous and open style of communication, enabling her to foster energy and engagement within a project team, stakeholders and the broader community.

Theresa Ashford

Theresa Ashford is currently the Transgrid Project Director for Humelink East, approx 240km of new 500kV transmission line through regional NSW. Theresa is a Chartered Engineer with over 30 years major project construction experience. She has worked internationally for Tier 1 Contractors in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia on over 10 major construction projects in tunnelling , rail, water, roads and bridges. She has been fortunate to have worked on projects such as the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in London, the Chek Lap Kok Airport Express Railway in Hong Kong and various major water, tunnelling, rail and road/bridge projects in Sydney. Theresa’s passion is delivering projects safely, so that every worker gets home safe and well. And ultimately leaving a project legacy that will serve many generations to come.

Tony Joseph

With over 25 years of proven expertise, Tony has consistently delivered international, award-winning successful projects across construction, infrastructure, oil & gas and rail. He currently serves as the Group Head of Digital Engineering, Project Systems, and BIM at Gamuda. In the Construction sector (AEC), Tony specialises and certified in BIM, CAD and Project Systems, including Autodesk, Bentley and Trimble range of solutions. This includes design, development and implementation of mobile and web enterprise applications. In the GIS domain, Tony specialises and certified in Geomatics, Mapping, Survey, Drone and Remote Sensing solutions from ESRI, Bentley and QGIS. This covers GIS portal and mobile development. In the Oil & Gas domain (E&P), Tony specialises and certified in 3D subsurface geoscience computing and 3D plant engineering software with expertise in Schlumberger, Integraph, Aveva and Halliburton range of solutions. Programming language proficiencies includes .NET, Java, JavaScript, Linux, R, PHP, C++, full-stack web development, and Python. Enterprise database experience covers Oracle, Microsoft, PostgreSQL and MySQL

Sam Mendoza

Sam is a well-established infrastructure and transport expert with proven success advising clients in business cases, cost and commercial management, risk, procurement, project advisory and delivery.

He has extensive experience in all infrastructure sectors with a particular focus on light rail and metro, marine, aviation and zero emission infrastructure.

Throughout his career, Sam has played a key role in planning and delivering some of the most city-shaping projects including Parramatta Light Rail, TfNSW Zero Emission Buses, Coffs Harbour Bypass, Circular Quay Renewal, Western Sydney Airport and others.

Lisa Jennings

Lisa Jennings is a Woods Bagot Principal and registered architect with more than twenty years’ experience across residential, hospitality, mixed-use and workplace sectors. A firm advocate for the retention and reuse of our existing assets for sustainability and community character, Lisa's portfolio contains a diversity of revival and adaptation projects, including the Younghusband Woolstore Redevelopment in Kensington, C. F. Row in Fitzroy, and 104 Exhibition Street in Melbourne CBD. Lisa’s expertise spans all project phases, from business case to construction, delivered with demonstrated leadership and design excellence.

Karen Wong

A British trained architect with extensive international experience, Karen is expert in all sectors, phases of work and processes. Adept in the management of complex architectural projects, masterplans and team structures, Karen’s key strength is her strategic approach to the front end design stages. Working collaboratively with clients, stakeholders and consultants, Karen’s exceptional communication skills and pragmatic approach to problem solving allows seamless development from briefing to outstanding design outcomes whilst navigating complex approval processes.

Nick Bourns

Nick Bourns RAIA is a Director at NH Architecture, a Victorian Chapter Councillor and Chair of the Large Practice Forum. His design leadership is driven by a desire to embed a meaningful response to place and Country in his projects and informed by wholehearted engagement with the community, stakeholders and user groups.

Emma Crichton

Emma Crichton is the CEO, APAC at AutogenAI, the world's most fascinating and rapidly expanding organisations in the field of generative artificial intelligence. Emma leads and implements AutogenAI's growth strategy in the APAC market, drawing upon her extensive 25-year global leadership experience spanning the Community, Employment, Arts, and Technology sectors. Emma's background transitioning from social work to business development and technology leadership, highlights her innovative spirit and ability to embrace innovative solutions. She exemplifies the Australian approach to technology, displaying a passion for leveraging advanced tools like generative AI to enhance professional workflows.

Clare Shiell

Clare Shiell is the Executive Director of Portfolio Delivery at Plenary - leading independent long-term investor, developer and manager of public infrastructure, specialising in public-private partnerships and precinct development. Clare provides strategic oversight for a portfolio of projects including the $1.5 billion New Footscray Hospital Project, being delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the Victorian government and Western Health. Clare brings over 24 years of experience in public and private sector infrastructure delivery, including executive positions at the Department of Justice, Department of Health, and private sector infrastructure organisations. Her expertise lies in managing risks, challenges, and ensuring successful project outcomes. She has a proven track record in delivering large-scale PPP projects, including some of Victoria’s most significant healthcare and justice infrastructure initiatives.

Zac Kerr

Zac advises on projects and infrastructure transactions globally, particularly in Australia, New Zealand and Asia. He has a particular knowledge of the transport, energy, renewables, water and social infrastructure / public–private partnership (PPP) sectors, including greenfield contracting, financing and secondary markets.

Zac has advised on the majority of the PPPs undertaken in Australia and New Zealand (together with a number of offshore PPPs), together with major rail and urban renewal projects, and every privately owned toll road in Australia (together with a number of international road projects). He has advised on dozens of electricity generation, distribution, transmission and storage projects. He is also experienced in advising clients lending to or buying and selling stakes in these assets.

Zac has a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Finance) & Bachelor of Laws (Hons) from Monash University, and a Master of Business Administration from Melbourne Business School and Darden Business School at the University of Virginia.

Paul Curry

A skilled architect and valued member of the COX leadership team, Paul has a depth of experience spanning diverse sectors including residential, hotel, health, sport, community, education, retail, commercial and justice. This breadth of knowledge allows him to embed a richness of design knowledge into every project and sees him uniquely adept in leading large cross-disciplinary teams. 

Paul is an enthusiastic design advocate who champions the use of innovative methodologies and translates complex strategic, technical and pragmatic brief requirements into cohesive built forms. He consistently delivers high-quality architecture, offering well-designed spaces for people while celebrating each project’s broader context. 

As a director of COX, Paul has led numerous significant, award-winning projects including Melbourne Square and the Christchurch Justice and Emergency Services Precinct.

Charles Rattray

Charles Rattray is the Chief Executive Officer of Southerly Ten, a specialist offshore wind developer for Australia and New Zealand, from the team behind Australia’s most advanced offshore wind project Star of the South. Charles leads the overall operations and strategic direction of Southerly Ten across Australia and New Zealand on behalf of one the world’s largest greenfield renewable energy developers, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, and its funds. Charles is a respected leader in the energy and finance sectors with experience across generation development, new technology and transmission – overseeing energy projects through all stages of the project lifecycle.

Adam Williams

In his role as Project Director for Lendlease Development, Adam is passionate about positively influencing and re-imagining cities, creating urban legacy and great places.

An accomplished development professional with over 20 years’ experience, Adam has successfully led major urban renewal projects through the concept, bid, urban planning, design and delivery phases in Australia and internationally, specifically the London Olympics legacy project. He has a keen interest in exploring the relationship between urban form and urban society. 

Adam was a core member of Melbourne Connect, Australia’s first purpose-built innovation precinct delivered in partnership with the University of Melbourne.

Having also worked as a senior policy advisor in Victoria and Barcelona, Adam brings a unique perspective to his work that significantly improve project deliverables while driving meaningful social and sustainable outcomes.

Rogier Roelvink

Rogier Roelvink is the Asia-Pacific Customer & Industry Value Engagement Director at Oracle Construction and Engineering. In this role he supports clients throughout the region in digital transformation in planning, building, and operating the built environment. Rogier has extensive management advisory experience and a passion for informed decision-making. He has experience delivering benefits to many clients from a diversified background working across a broad range of projects, clients, and sectors. He continuous to advise and support organisations in project operations through digitalisation.

Ashley Hastings

An empathy-driven design technology leader with over a decade of experience in the AEC industry, Ashley specialises in driving digital innovation and operational efficiency. With a foundation in architecture and a passion for technical problem-solving, she brings a unique perspective to complex projects. By understanding the needs and challenges of diverse teams, Ashley fosters collaboration, optimises workflows, and implements cutting-edge digital technologies. Her experience spans both the United States and Australia, providing a global perspective on industry trends and best practices. Currently based in Melbourne, she is focused on leveraging technology to address the unique opportunities faced with challenging design and construction.

Karyn Welsh

Karyn Welsh has been the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Australia (CILTA) for the past six years. CILTA is part of a 43 nation network established in 1919 in the UK and 1935 in Australia. Karyn spent 22 years with Australia Post. Karyn’s background with Post started with Delivery and then spanned across Retail, major accounts and corporate strategy, while becoming heavily involved in the multi-corporate e-commerce platform CorProcure established on an aggregate buying model with 14 founding shareholder organisations being part of Australia's top 50 organisations at the time. Karyn has authored several international papers and led one of Australia’s first e-freight market places. Karyn undertook the first national PBS operator survey in 2014 and project managed several significant policy related projects. She is a director of the Industrial Logistics Institute and was instrumental in CILTA becoming involved in CLOCS-A. Karyn holds an MBA and a Graduate Diploma in E-Commerce.

Dr Karina Davis

Dr. Karina Davis has worked for equity and social change across her career in education and employment.

First in her family to finish high school, Karina had first-hand experience of disadvantage, and this inspired her to pursue a career in social change, spending more than a decade developing innovative educational and training programs to promote inclusivity.

Karina has held the positions of Executive Director, Education at Monash College; Executive Director, Programs and Educational Leadership at Melbourne Polytechnic; and a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of Melbourne.  Across her career, Karina has focused on transformational change to help create environments where all can achieve and succeed.

Karina is currently the CEO of Jobsbank, an independent for purpose organisation based in Naarm (Melbourne), helping employers reach their diversity, inclusion, and social procurement goals.