Abel Son

Infrastructure Advisor

Abel Son is an infrastructure advisor with over 20 years’ experience helping councils, utilities, and government agencies plan for growth. He has worked across housing, water, and transport projects, combining strategic planning, funding frameworks, and economic analysis. Abel is passionate about working with communities and stakeholders to deliver practical, sustainable solutions that make a real difference.

Alyssa Le Cornu

Co-Founder and VP of Sales
Aetheron

Alyssa Le Cornu is the Co-Founder and VP of Sales at Aetheron, an Australian leader in advanced AI development. With a strong background in sales strategy and growth, she has been instrumental in shaping how organisations adopt and scale AI solutions responsibly. Alyssa works closely with industries ranging from financial services to healthcare, helping leaders identify opportunities where AI can deliver measurable impact without compromising people or culture.

Passionate about making AI practical, ethical, and human-centred, Alyssa regularly speaks on the future of work, the role of AI in driving competitive advantage, and how businesses can navigate change with confidence. She brings a unique perspective that blends commercial insight with a deep understanding of emerging technologies.

Ben Clark

Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services
The Barossa Council

Ben Clark serves as the Director of Infrastructure & Environmental Services at The Barossa Council, near Adelaide and serves as Vice President of IPWEA. With a strong background in strategic asset management, he holds a Master of Business Administration focused on portfolio, program, and project management from RMIT. Ben has been recognized with several awards, including the National Asset Management Award at the IPWEA International Conference and the IPWEA Emerging Leader Australasia 2019. He is also the first international participant in the American Public Works Association Emerging Leaders Program. Beyond his professional achievements, Ben is an avid sportsman and enjoys raising his family on a small hobby farm.

David Jenkins

Chief Executive Officer
IPWEA

David Jenkins is the Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) and is recognised internationally as a leading authority on infrastructure and asset management. He has delivered keynote addresses at the Sydney Morning Herald Infrastructure Summit and other premier conferences across the globe, and his insights are regularly featured in the region’s most influential industry forums and media outlets. David’s academic credentials include executive education at Stanford University, an Executive MBA from the University of Auckland, postgraduate studies at the University of Oxford, and an undergraduate degree from the University of London. He is also a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and serves on the boards of the International Federation of Municipal Engineering (IFME) and the Australasian Society of Association Executives.

As host of IPWEA’s Infrastructure Matters podcast one of Australia's leading NFP podcasts, David brings together global thought leaders in water, transport, and sustainable asset management - delivering fresh perspectives and unique insights to a global audience. David played professional rugby and is a national age-group triathlon champion.

Rita Excell

Transformation Specialist | Futurist | International Keynote Speaker on Innovation, Leadership & Organisational Change | 2022 Public Works Leader of the Year | Governance & Local Government Expert | Former Head Of Transport for Amazon Web Services ANZ

Rita Excell is a seasoned Civil Engineer with over three decades of expertise in strategic transport planning, land use integration, and business transformation. Her career has been marked by leading national initiatives in road safety, automated vehicle deployment, sustainability, and governance reform. Rita brings practical insights into the future of mobility, smart cities, and resilient transport systems. She has provided guidance to leaders across major organisations such as Amazon Web Services, Transurban, Fortescue Minerals Group Ltd, RAA of SA, and various Australian State and Federal Governments. Her advice has helped these entities navigate disruption, align stakeholder priorities, and create smarter, safer communities.

Grazio Maiorano

Director
URPS

Grazio Maiorano is a founding Director of URPS, a nationally operating town planning consultancy established in 2003. With offices in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Perth, URPS is known for its integrated approach to urban planning, bringing together expertise in rezoning, infrastructure planning, development assessment, stakeholder engagement, environmental planning, urban economics, and design. With over three decades of experience, Grazio’s work spans multiple jurisdictions, including South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory, giving him an understanding of the diverse regulatory, political, and market contexts that influence planning. Grazio is recognised for his ability to align land use planning with infrastructure, ensuring that rezoning and development proposals are both viable and strategically timed. He is conscious that coordination of infrastructure, particularly transport, utilities, and social infrastructure, is required to unlocking land supply and enabling sustainable urban growth.

He is currently the Deputy Chair of the Property Council of Australia (SA) Industrial and Logistics Committee, where he contributes to policy discussions on infrastructure provision for employment lands. He is also a Fellow of the Planning Institute of Australia, a recognition of his contribution to the planning profession, and a former member of the UDIA SA Land Supply Committee and Infrastructure Committee.

Grazio continues to advise on major industrial, retail, and residential rezoning projects, as well as State significant development initiatives in the health, defence, industrial and residential sectors. His work is characterised by a strong commitment to evidence-based planning, stakeholder alignment, and the integration of infrastructure planning into broader urban development strategies.

Greg Salmon

Manager of City Operations
City of Tea Tree Gully

Greg Salmon is the Manager of City Operations at the City of Tea Tree Gully, where he oversees the delivery of essential infrastructure, public works, and community services across one of Adelaide’s fastest-growing regions. With a strong background in local government and operational leadership, Greg is known for his practical approach to asset management, team development, and service excellence. He plays a key role in shaping sustainable, responsive infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of residents and supports long-term community wellbeing.

Heather Barclay

Chief Executive Officer
The Rural City of Murray Bridge

Appointed as the Chief Executive Officer of the Rural City of Murray Bridge in July 2023, Heather is leading one of South Australia’s growth Councils in it’s preparedness for Industry, Business and Residential growth and development. A recently adopted Strategic Plan and Structure Plan, together with recent announcements regarding the biggest single residential growth area in SA since the1950’s sets the trajectory for Murray Bridge to be the largest Regional City in South Australia and a place where people will be able to live well in an affordable way.

Heather is a Member of Local Government Professionals South Australia, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, and the Transport Professional Association. Heather holds an Associate Diploma in Surveying, an Advanced Diploma in Project Management and has considerable background and over 35 years’ experience in Local Government and in Municipal Engineering. Heather has established a strong reputation for being a transformational leader within Local Government; she has proven experience in leading change and also in leading a range of portfolios and programs. She acts with passion and integrity, has an authentic style, and focuses on greater good and quality outcomes, delivery and making a difference for communities.

Jacqui Balston

Director of Sustainability
IPWEA

Dr. Balston has been an Applied Climate Scientist for the past 25 years and has researched the impacts of climate variability and climate change on agriculture, natural resources, ecosystems and the built environment. She currently works as Director of Sustainability for IPWEA and is a member of the South Australian Government Climate Science Advisory Committee. She is also Director of Jacqueline Balston & Associates and provides local, state and federal governments and other organisations with climate change and sustainability advice. Previously she was climate change advisor to the South Australian Local Government Association and the CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Group.

Jared Bower

Project Delivery Team Leader
City of Salisbury

Jared Bower is a Project Delivery Team Leader at the City of Salisbury, where he brings over 16 years of industry experience in construction project management and superintendent services across a diverse range of disciplines. His portfolio includes the successful delivery of complex public infrastructure, commercial buildings, civil works, and essential services projects. Jared is widely respected for his strategic leadership and hands on approach, with consistent track record of managing projects from concept through to completion to the highest standards.

A passionate advocate for professional growth, Jared plays a pivotal role in mentoring emerging project managers, fostering a high performing team with an emphasis on processes and back to basics project management practices. His commitment to developing future leaders has made him an influential figure in shaping the next generation of project management professionals at the City of Salisbury.

Jason Winter

Engineering Services Coordinator | Civil Engineer
Light Regional Council

Jason Winter is a qualified Civil Engineer with a decade of experience delivering infrastructure projects across both local government and private sectors. In his current role as Engineering Services Coordinator at Light Regional Council, he oversees the planning and design of civil infrastructure, including traffic systems, stormwater and wastewater management, and public lighting projects.

His career has spanned both public and private domains, including four years in Queensland’s Central West region before returning to his home state of South Australia. Throughout this time, Jason has developed extensive expertise in project management, contract administration, development planning, stormwater management, road safety, traffic engineering, and regulatory compliance. He is recognised for his pragmatic approach to problem-solving and his ability to foster effective stakeholder collaboration.

During his time in the role Jason has successfully secured and managed more than $15 million in grant-funded infrastructure projects, significantly contributing to regional development and the enhancement of community assets. He is deeply committed to sustainable infrastructure and excels in multidisciplinary environments where he can lead strategic planning initiatives and drive operational excellence.

Jonathan Jones

Head of Education
IPWEA

As Head of Education at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA), Jonathan Jones is an experienced leader with nearly two decades of experience driving transformative educational initiatives across diverse sectors, including finance, not-for-profit, and higher education. His strategic vision and expertise have been instrumental in advancing learning outcomes within organizations such as Commonwealth Bank, the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM@UNSW Sydney), and Sydney School of Entrepreneurship. Jonathan's career began in corporate recruitment, where he gained valuable insights into talent acquisition and workforce development. This foundation informs his approach to education, enabling him to design and implement innovative programs that align with organizational goals and foster continuous improvement.

John Devine

GM, City Infrastructure
City of Salisbury

John, is an IPWEA fellow, member of IPWEA’s National Asset Management Committee, and past SA Board Member. Currently John is General Manager, City Infrastructure at the City of Salisbury. He is an energetic, hands on, leader, demonstrating strong strategic decision making, and a passion for innovation and improvement. John’s senior line and consulting experience cover both private and public sectors.

Kathryn Johnson

Manager Infrastructure Assets & Maintenance
City of Port Adelaide Enfield

Kathryn Johnson is currently the Manager Infrastructure Assets and Maintenance at the City of Port Adelaide Enfield Council, having recently made the move from Port Pirie Regional Council where she was the Director Infrastructure for over 10 years. Kathryn is the Chair of the SA Branch of IPWEA and a previous winner of the IPWEA SA Professional of the Year Public Works Leader in 2018. Kathryn as a Fellow member, advocates strongly for the benefits of being a member of IPWEA focussing on public works delivery and asset management.

Kyle Wedberg

United States Government Finance Officers Association

Kyle has a professional career that has focused on government, education, and public service. He began his career as a City Year AmeriCorps volunteer in Boston, MA and later joined the staff and led new site development and the startup of City Year Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Johannesburg, and Los Angeles. He has served as a Senior Budget Analyst in the Office of Budget and Management for the City of Chicago; Deputy Chief Financial Officer of the School District of Philadelphia; Chief Administrative Officer of the Louisiana Recovery School District; and President and Chief Executive Officer of NOCCA-a performing and visual arts high school and agency of the State of Louisiana- where he was recognized as the outstanding national art school leader.

Kyle is past chair of the New Orleans City Planning Commission and Volunteer Louisiana; chair of the National Art Schools Network; was an Aspen/Pahara fellow, a Norman C. Francis Leadership Fellow, and a Coro Fellow. In his spare time he enjoys being with his wife and son above all else, but also experiencing the arts, sights, sounds, food, and culture of New Orleans and any place he is fortunate enough to visit. Kyle walks this world having seen and experienced the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Cubs as World Champions. Kyle has a BA from St. Olaf College, an MPA from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and a Ph.D. in Public Policy from the Southern University and A&M College Nelson Mandela School of Government.

Kieren Chappell

General Manager , Economic Development | Acting General Manager Business & Finance
Light Regional Council

Kieren is General Manager Economic Development, and currently Acting General Manager Business & Finance, at Light Regional Council. He also serves as a Board Member of Regional Development Australia – Barossa Gawler Light Adelaide Plains, and as an independent member on Adelaide Plains Council’s Infrastructure & Environment Committee. With a professional background as a Civil Engineer and Certified Economic Developer, Kieren’s career spans the private sector across Australia before returning to local government in mid-north South Australia.

Over more than 15 years, he has built expertise in development engineering, asset management, and economic development, leading transformative public–private partnerships in regional water security to drive sustainable growth and resilience. When not securing water, he’s having fun on it with his wife and three children, enjoying kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding as outlets for both adventure and relaxation.

Luke Boin

Senior Engineer and the Asset Management & Spatial Team Leader
Tonkin

Luke Boin is a Senior Engineer and the Asset Management & Spatial Team Leader at Tonkin, and Vice Chair of Young IPWEA SA. He is passionate about working with councils across South Australia, both regional and metropolitan, to strengthen asset management. Luke helps build practical asset systems, prepare asset valuations, and develop renewal and maintenance programs that underpin affordable long-term plans. He has delivered end-to-end asset management, from field condition assessments in remote locations through to analysis, valuation, and clear, practical advice on effective work practices.

Marc Sibbald

Director
IPWEA Fleet

Marc has been the Director IPWEA Fleet since 2022 and is accountable for the strategic development of the fleet program which means working with the members and Fleet Council to develop education programs, resources, and networking opportunities to increase the capability and capacity of the fleet community. Marc started in fleet as a motor mechanic and used his technical training to explore many different parts of the automotive industry. Roles have included sales and marketing at Ampol, operations at SG Fleet, and leadership positions with global tyre brands. He is also a regular contributor to Fleet Auto News, Fleet EV News and Fleet HV News.

Matt Romaine

General Manager, City Futures division
City of Charles Sturt

Matt Romaine joined the City of Charles Sturt after nearly two decades of senior roles across four other metropolitan councils. With a background in town planning, Matt has led diverse areas of council operations, focusing on driving innovation, delivering savings, and enhancing service levels. Matt holds qualifications in urban and regional planning, is a graduate of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation Program, and actively contributes to the not-for-profit sector through volunteer work. Matt’s passion lies in connecting communities to the future, as practically as possible.

As General Manager of the City Futures division, Matt oversees:

• City Infrastructure
• Development Services
• City Property and Open Space
• City Planning and Sustainability (including Economic Development)

Marc Voortman

Executive Director of Planning and Building
Department for Housing and Urban Development

Marc has been the Director IPWEA Fleet since 2022 and is accountable for the strategic development of the fleet program which means working with the members and Fleet Council to develop education programs, resources, and networking opportunities to increase the capability and capacity of the fleet community. Marc started in fleet as a motor mechanic and used his technical training to explore many different parts of the automotive industry. Roles have included sales and marketing at Ampol, operations at SG Fleet, and leadership positions with global tyre brands. He is also a regular contributor to Fleet Auto News, Fleet EV News and Fleet HV News.

Mick Lorenz

Director - Road Maintenance
Department for Infrastructure and Transport, SA

Mick Lorenz is a highly experienced infrastructure leader with over three decades of service in the South Australian public sector. As Director of Road Maintenance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Mick oversees the strategic delivery and performance of statewide road maintenance programs, ensuring safe, reliable infrastructure for communities across the state.

With a background in civil engineering and a career spanning roles in asset management, transport analytics, and regional operations, Mick brings deep expertise in road network strategy, data-driven decision-making, and organisational leadership. He is passionate about building capable teams and driving innovation in public service delivery. Mick holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Adelaide and is recognised for his contributions to transport infrastructure planning and performance across South Australia.

Mick Reidy

Director - Road Maintenance
Department for Infrastructure and Transport, SA

Mick Lorenz is a highly experienced infrastructure leader with over three decades of service in the South Australian public sector. As Director of Road Maintenance at the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Mick oversees the strategic delivery and performance of statewide road maintenance programs, ensuring safe, reliable infrastructure for communities across the state.

With a background in civil engineering and a career spanning roles in asset management, transport analytics, and regional operations, Mick brings deep expertise in road network strategy, data-driven decision-making, and organisational leadership. He is passionate about building capable teams and driving innovation in public service delivery. Mick holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Adelaide and is recognised for his contributions to transport infrastructure planning and performance across South Australia.

Eloise Langford

Senior Project Manager
Mount Barker District Council

Eloise Langford is a Senior Project Manager with Mount Barker District Council, bringing over 30 years of experience delivering complex, multi-disciplinary projects in the UK and Australia. Her expertise spans roles as Project Manager, Superintendent, and Design Manager in both client and contractor capacities. Eloise has successfully managed design and construction projects in sectors including commercial building, public transport, mining, and utilities. She recently managed the successful delivery of the new Summit Aquatic & Leisure Centre, overseeing the engagement of the design team and construction contractor for Council’s largest capital infrastructure project to date. She is now Program Manager for the City Centre Precinct project, coordinating multiple internal and external workstreams alongside Council’s development partner. A passionate advocate for best-practice project management, she focuses on strong commercial, contractual, safety, and risk management and actively contributes to advancing and developing Council’s project management framework.

Thuyen Vi-Alternetti

General Manager Infrastructure & Environment
Rural City of Murray Bridge

As General Manager, Infrastructure & Environment at the Rural City of Murray Bridge, she oversees a broad portfolio encompassing capital delivery, city assets and infrastructure, environment and waste, property and procurement, and operational services.

Thuyen is known for her ability to align strategic vision with operational delivery, building high-performing, inclusive teams that innovate and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community. She leverages strong sector networks to foster cross-sector collaboration, drive innovation, and enhance organisational capability across local government.

In addition to her executive role, Thuyen contributes to the broader sector as a Board Member of LG Professionals SA, . She is also a Member of the South Australian Multicultural Commission, actively participating in special events, welcoming new Australian citizens, and advocating for inclusivity in multicultural communities.

Thuyen chairs the LGPSA Champions for Gender Equity and serves as Implementation Lead for SA Leaders for Gender Equity, roles through which she advances leadership diversity and inclusion. Passionate about people, purpose, and progress, Thuyen combines strategic insight with a collaborative, results-driven approach to make a lasting impact in local government.