Speakers

Dave Evans

Dave Evans (B Eng (Civil) Hons) has worked on Snowy Hydro’s Snowy 2.0 project since its inception in April 2017 and was appointed Chief Delivery Officer in May 2023. Prior to joining Snowy Hydro, Dave was the Australia New Zealand Hydro-power and Dams Manager at SMEC. He has extensive experience as a designer and expert reviewer on international hydro-power projects in Australia, Nepal, Papua New Guinea and Kenya. Dave has a particular interest in large, unique projects that make a difference.

Councillor Sameer Pandey

First elected to City of Parramatta Council in 2017, Cr Sameer Pandey served as Lord Mayor from May to September 2023, and is the City’s first Lord Mayor from the Indian subcontinent. A small business owner with a background in IT, Cr Pandey is passionate about ensuring Council delivers what community and local businesses need and positioning the City of Parramatta as a smart city. Cr Pandey also served as Deputy Lord Mayor from January 2022 – May 2023 and represents the Parramatta Ward.

Margy Osmond

Margy Osmond is the Chief Executive Officer of the Tourism & Transport Forum (TTF) and Australia’s most prominent voice advocating for the tourism, transport and aviation sectors. TTF is the peak industry group for the Tourism, Transport and Aviation sectors and advocates for the public policy interests of the leading corporations and institutions in these sectors. Margy has extensive experience in policy development and advocacy, politics, membership organisations, management, media and public relations. Margy is a passionate advocate and supporter of eco and sustainable tourism in Australia.   Margy has served on a wide range of boards across tourism, sport, theatre and major events, including as deputy chair of Sydney World Pride 2023 Board, NSW TAFE Commission Board and the Deputy Chair of Tourism NSW. Margy’s contributions extend further into the realm of sports and commerce, where she chaired noteworthy events like the International World Masters Games held in Sydney in 2009, showcasing her expertise and dedication to fostering growth and collaboration across diverse sectors. She is currently a member of the Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA) board, Co-Chair of the Tourism Working Group of the Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) and sits on the Federal Government’s Biosecurity Futures Passenger Facilitation Group.

Deanne McDonald

Deanne McDonald is an infrastructure and engineering professional with over 25 years of experience across both public and private sectors. Passionate about delivering long-term sustainable outcomes, Deanne focuses on adaptability, flexibility and stakeholder engagement to build strong, connected and prosperous communities. She has a proven track record of solving complex problems and driving market development – turning challenges into opportunities. As the Head of Major Project Delivery, Deanne is at the forefront of Sydney Water’s transformational infrastructure program, driving the investment that will support and shape the city. Throughout her career, Deanne has been responsible for business strategy and planning, asset planning and investment, digital transformation, risk management, capital delivery and operational policy development. She has managed projects across the full asset life cycle – from needs identification, concept development, construction, to operational handover and maintenance. Previously, Deanne has held senior executive roles at Water Corporation WA, DownerTenix, Theiss and optaMAX, a boutique project advisory firm. Deanne holds an MBA and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Annabel Koeck

Annabel has been lead design architect of major UK and Australian projects (each worth over 1 Billion GBP), which stands Annabel in good stead to contribute meaningfully to complex mixed use, infrastructure, and commercial developments. Annabel is keenly aware of the imperative to balance state infrastructure needs as communities densify, commercial development pressures, and community insights. She thrives bringing together competing design pressures to create successful places that bring people joy. Annabel is passionate about architecture for the public good. She is a founding director of Scalerule.org, a community company that increases access to the built environment through education and community build projects (finalist for the RIBA MacEwan ‘architecture for the common good’ award). As a part of this passion she is fascinated by the application of material reuse in commercial and mixed use projects. She is a recognised thought leader on the circular economy, including leading research funded by the EU on the reuse of timber from demolition sites. Professionally Annabel has delivered an innovative off-grid visitor centre in London. She has been a Committee Member for British Council for Offices, on the RIBA Educational Steering Committee, and Director of the Peer 20 Women in Property Network. Annabel currently sits on the PCA NSW Commercial and Cities Committee.

Kristin Moss

Kristin has over two decades of experience in policy development, program management, and strategic consulting. She has worked with a range of government clients and stakeholders to understand the economic and social impacts of infrastructure. As Head of Policy with the Australian Constructors Association she is focused on bridging the gap between government and industry to ensure the construction sector’s voice is heard and that all parts of the sector are working together to secure a sustainable future that benefits all. She is known for her calm, collaborative approach and ability to align stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes.

Amanda Stanaway

Amanda is an accomplished international strategist and designer who transforms cities, precincts, and organizations through an innovative 'inside-out' approach. Her work seamlessly integrates strategy, design, and change management to create lasting impact across public and commercial sectors. By drawing on her multidisciplinary expertise, she develops solutions that strengthen organizations internally while enhancing their external presence and influence. This unique methodology has consistently delivered measurable results, whether revitalizing urban districts, reimagining corporate spaces, or fostering positive organizational change. Her deep understanding of both human-centered design and strategic planning enables her to create solutions that resonate at every level - from internal operations to citywide initiatives.

Catherine Blaine

Catherine Blaine is the Acting Group Executive Assets, Infrastructure and Development and Chief Risk Officer at the Port Authority of New South Wales. She leads the planning and delivery of major port infrastructure across NSW, overseeing complex capital works and asset programs in live operating environments. Catherine is actively involved in national and international port forums, including through Ports Australia, where she regularly contributes to industry working groups on major infrastructure and sustainability initiatives. She also plays a leadership role with the Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses (PIANC), serving on the Board of PIANC Australia & New Zealand, contributing to the development of global bestpractice guidance for sustainable and resilient maritime infrastructure.

Joe Mushoul

Joseph Mushoul is a seasoned construction and infrastructure leader with more than 24 years’ experience delivering major civil, rail and transport projects across Australia. Renowned for his proactive leadership style, Joseph excels in guiding high performing teams through complex project environments from strategy and planning through to construction, commissioning and handover. He has led significant projects under Alliance, PPP and NEC4 models and is recognised for building strong, collaborative relationships with stakeholders, partners and industry leaders. Over two decades, Joseph has worked with major Tier 1 contractors and client-side organisations including McConnell Dowell, Thiess, Veolia, Transport for NSW, MTR, John Holland and Webuild, contributing to the successful delivery of major rail, renewable energy, water and transport infrastructure. Joseph holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering, a Diploma in Project Management a MBA and is a chartered engineering executive. He has spent the past 20 years in senior delivery roles with accountability for projects exceeding $1 billion

Dr. Nicholas Fearnley

Dr Nicholas Fearnley is Head of Global Construction Forecasting at Oxford Economics. Nicholas oversees the teams that produce the various global construction services, and also the Australian mining and maintenance outlooks. He works over the full construction spectrum, and has experience forecasting cost escalation and material demand. Nicholas has a PhD in economics from the University of Sydney, and regularly presents and provides commentary for the construction industry.

John Engeler

John joined Shelter NSW as CEO in early 2020, having been involved in the formation, development and operation of Social, Affordable & Specialist housing for most of his professional life. He has a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning, and has undertaken post-graduate legal studies. Having spent a number of years in the private, public and community sectors, he especially enjoys the opportunity to contribute to innovative housing responses, delivering solutions to those for whom the market falls short.

Stuart Ayres

Stuart Ayres is Chief Executive Officer of Urban Development Institute of Australia NSW, representing our members as the leading voice for the development industry in NSW. He has had a distinguished career as a senior Cabinet Minister and Member of NSW. He was a member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly from 19 June 2010 to 25 March 2023, representing the electorate of Penrith as a member of the Liberal Party. Stuart held various Ministerial portfolios, including Western Sydney, WestConnex, Police and Emergency Services, Tourism and Sport, and Enterprise, Investment and Trade. As a prominent member and advocate of Australia’s fastest-growing region in Western Sydney, Stuart has a great understanding of both the economic opportunities and inherent challenges involved in the delivery of major projects that will create jobs and additional housing supply for NSW.

Amireh Amirmazaheri

Amireh is a visionary leader in project, program, and portfolio management with 20+ years of experience across Asia-Pacific and the Middle East. As CEO of PMO Solutions and Chair of GPMF 2025, she drives strategic transformation through human-centred, tech-enabled solutions. She also serves as APAC Hub Lead and Advisory Board Member at PMO Global Alliance, recognised for bridging strategy and execution. Her approach blends systems thinking, digital innovation, and creative leadership to align purpose, people, and performance.

Craig McMahon

Craig McMahon is Business Development Director at Ansarada, where he works with government agencies, delivery authorities, and advisory firms to support how major infrastructure projects are procured and delivered. With over 12 years’ experience in technology, Craig specialises in procurement and tender management for complex, high-value projects across transport, social infrastructure, and renewable energy. Through his work with Ansarada, he has partnered with teams on large and complex projects across ANZ, with a focus on improving transparency, governance, and efficiency in procurement processes.

Latoya Griffin

Latoya is an Associate Director with Investructure in Sydney, where she is currently working on Sydney Metro. Latoya’s career spans the full infrastructure lifecycle, from early transaction and contract development phases through to leading project management during construction, commissioning and operations. Her experience includes managing tier one contractors within complex, multi-contractor environments, overseeing major civil and structural works, and navigating interface, access and regulatory constraints.

Daniel Gilbert

Daniel is the Project Director for Ark Energy’s flagship hybrid solar generation and storage project in NSW, the Richmond Valley Solar & BESS. An engineer specialising in photovoltaics and renewable energy, Daniel has worked in the renewable energy sector for 15 years and played a critical role in advancing Ark Energy’s solar and storage portfolio which includes projects in NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. His expertise spans development, technical design, delivery, asset management and operations of utility-scale solar and hybrid battery generation and integration.

Paul Willis

Neisha D’Souza

Neisha D’Souza is the Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Olympic Park Authority (SOPA), bringing deep expertise across government property advisory and delivery and strategic policy to the leadership of one of Australia’s most significant precincts. Neisha has built a distinguished career across the NSW Government, including more than four years as Executive Director, Strategic Advisory Services at Property & Development NSW, and almost a decade at the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) during which time, she worked closely with SOPA and led a range of state‑significant policy initiatives and programs. At Property & Development NSW, Neisha played a central role in the delivery of surplus government‑owned land for housing through establishment of the Government’s Land Audit. She also spearheaded the establishment of the Government Property Framework, streamlining the assessment and transfer of government land to support housing supply and service delivery outcomes. Neisha’s extensive leadership experience aligns strongly with SOPA’s long‑term vision. She is recognised as a highly effective and knowledgeable leader, with a strong track record in strategic initiatives, complex stakeholder environments and public‑sector delivery.

Dr Peter Tulip

Dr Peter Tulip is Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies where his research focusses on housing, monetary policy and financial regulation. He has published in several international academic journals and is a frequent commentator in the media. He is the co-author of the main economic model used for forecasting the housing market in Treasury and the RBA. He previously worked at the RBA, the OCED and the US Federal Reserve.

Matt Kean

Matt was appointed as Chair of the Authority on 5 August 2024 for a term of 5 years. He was previously the Member for Hornsby in the NSW Parliament from 2011 until 2 August 2024. Matt was most recently the NSW Shadow Minister for Health. He was Deputy Leader of the NSW Liberal party from August 2022 until March 2023. Throughout his 13-year political career, Matt also held ministries of Innovation and Better Regulation, Treasury, Energy and Environment. As Treasurer and Energy Minister of NSW, Matt championed climate action that is in the best interests of households and businesses. In 2020, he delivered the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap: A 20- year plan for NSW’s energy infrastructure. The roadmap spurs private investment in renewable energy while reducing emissions and power bills for the people of NSW. Matt commenced in the role of Director, Regulatory Affairs and Strategic Partnerships at Wollemi Capital on 15 August 2024. Matt studied a Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney and is a Chartered Accountant by profession.

Ian Hudson

Christian Pallaria

Christian Pallaria is a technology entrepreneur and founder of WisyPlan, an AI-driven project intelligence platform focused on improving decision-making in construction project management. He also the former Digital Engineering Lead at AECOM, contributing to digital delivery strategies on complex infrastructure projects. Christian is PMP-certified and holds an International Executive MBA from Politecnico di Milano.

David Pollington

David Pollington has been the Managing Director of ACEN Australia since July 2023 having been the Chief Operating Officer (formerly UPC\AC Renewables Australia) since its establishment in 2016. He has been involved in the renewable energy sector for more than 30 years leading projects from inception through to operations. David has held key roles in the industry, most notably, the Technical Director of Renewables at SKM/Jacobs, and General Manager of Construction for Roaring 40s, a joint development and asset management company between Hydro Tasmania and China Light and Power based out of Hong Kong, where he was responsible for construction activities in China, India, and Australia. David holds a Bachelor of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from the University of Tasmania and is a Fellow of the Institution of Engineers. He is based in Hobart.

Shirin Adorbehi

Shirin works exclusively on public domain, planning, and urban design projects at COX. As a landscape architect, she brings a deep understanding of urban environments, placemaking principles, and the integration of landscape and built form. Her expertise extends to developing and presenting innovative design solutions that respond thoughtfully to both functional and aesthetic considerations. Currently, Shirin serves as an Urban Designer and Landscape Designer on a diverse portfolio of projects across Australia and internationally. She has played a key role in shaping project outcomes, contributing to the development of design concepts, contextual analyses, and detailed design information throughout multiple project stages. Her collaborative approach ensures that each project reflects both the broader urban context and the unique character of the local environment.

Davina Rooney

A property professional with a passion for sustainability, Davina has led the Green Building Council of Australia since 2019. As a qualified engineer, Davina worked on large-scale construction projects in Sydney and London, and spent nearly a year building an award-winning school in the Himalayas. She devoted a decade to driving sustainability at one of Australia’s largest diversified property companies, Stockland, which culminated in Stockland’s recognition as the world’s most sustainable property company. Now leading a member organisation with 550-plus members with a combined value of $46 billion, Davina brings together practical knowledge, on-the-ground experience and a systematic approach to champion leadership in sustainable design and construction. Davina works with government and industry to advocate for supportive policy and transform complex supply chains. Building on a strong legacy of leadership, Davina is elevating the GBCA’s reach and impact into new markets. Davina is on the Board of Evolve Housing and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, as well as Chairing the Sustainable Procurement Roundtable for the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre. The property industry has recognised Davina’s leadership with multiple awards.

Jeff McAlister

Jeff is a senior executive with experience across government at the national, state, and local levels. He started his career with the New Zealand Government, where he grew trade and investment linkages with key overseas markets. This included helping NZ businesses establish offshore operations and supply chains. Since then, he has spent much of his career leading economic and industry development programs in Australia and New Zealand, with a particular focus on helping businesses secure trade and investment deals, both domestically, and across Asia and the Americas. He has also led commercial transactions for catalytic new developments and partnered with the private sector on major new infrastructure delivery. Before joining the Bradfield Development Authority in mid-2025, Jeff was acting CEO of Invest Gold Coast, an investment and economic development agency which he helped establish during his time as the Chief Investment Officer for the City of Gold Coast. Prior to this, Jeff was a Deputy Director General in the Queensland Government where he reversed the decline of the state visitor economy through significant new investment in infrastructure and worked with industry to mature local supply chains in the Northern Territory. Jeff helps the community through his support for multiculturalism as a Director of the National Authority for the Accreditation of Translators and Interpreters, pro bono work with refugees as a Migration Adviser, and mentoring university students.

Sam Mendoza

Sam Mendoza is the National Infrastructure Lead and a Director at WT, a leading international project advisory firm. Sam has extensive experience in all infrastructure sectors with a particular focus on transport (rail and metro), energy and renewables. Leading a team of cost advisors, Sam has over 15 years’ experience advising major projects including feasibility studies and business cases, cost, commercial and risk management, procurement and delivery. Throughout his career, Sam has a played a key role in planning and delivering some of the most city-shaping projects, such as Parramatta Light Rail, Central West Orana REZ, Sydney Metro West, Zero Emission Buses and Western Sydney Airport.

David Beaton

Michael Akkawi

Conquest, a private equity real estate firm with over 21 years of operation, was founded by Michael Akkawi, who currently serves as its Chief Executive Officer. Under his leadership, the firm has leveraged its synergistic operations to manage assets exceeding $6 billion. Originally established in Australia, Conquest has expanded its footprint globally, with operations in London and plans for further international growth. Michael brings extensive expertise in real estate, development, construction, and investment management, enabling Conquest to deliver substantial returns for stakeholders while maximising the potential of investments across diverse asset classes. His vision drives the firm’s national and international expansion, ensuring operational excellence across its integrated services in real estate, private equity, and fund management. Beyond his business achievements, Michael is a dedicated philanthropist committed to creating a lasting impact. Conquest’s success continues to inspire, benefiting investors, supported companies, and the communities it serves. Today, the firm is more expectant about its potential than ever before, poised for continued growth, influence and excellence in all of its ventures.

Simon Hussey