Consult Australia

Managing Director - NSW/ACT | Aurecon | Consult Australia President

Rowenna Walker is the Managing Director for NSW and ACT at Aurecon. As a member of Aurecon’s ANZ Executive Leadership Team, she is responsible for the leadership and performance of the New South Wales & ACT business including health & safety, client engagement, staff engagement, project and financial performance.

With a background as a Chartered Civil Engineer, Rowenna’s career has spanned two decades and three continents, bringing a range of international corporate experience in leading teams, managing P&L, development of market growth strategies, negotiating contracts and understanding clients.

Rowenna has recently been acknowledged for her business leadership in the construction industry be being awarded the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) NSW Business Woman of the Year Award. She is passionate about the diversity and inclusion agenda and in 2017 received a Highly Commended award for Champions of Change, Female Leadership by Consult Australia. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Rowenna is a Director on the Board of Consult Australia as well as a Non Executive Director for Bendigo Bank, Lindfield & Turramurra branch.

Enterprise Business & Cost Optimisation Leader | GHD | Consult Australia Vice-President

Tasos currently leads GHD's global cost and business optimization initiatives. This is a strategic role reporting to the Executive Leadership Group of GHD, with a focus on business and cost improvement initiatives that are leveraged through digital transformation and assist GHD in achieving its sustainability and carbon net zero aspirations.

He is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and also an EPA appointed Environmental Auditor for Contaminated Land in Victoria.  Tasos has more than 30 years' experience in project direction, project management and senior line management / executive roles.

Director | Turnbull Engineering | Consult Australia Vice-President

Stuart is an experienced senior executive, having delivered complex multi-disciplinary projects in excess of $5B. He has a background in major infrastructure project delivery. His 30+ years in the industry means he is a highly sort after as a mentor, leader and strategic advisor. Stuart is a collaborative and engaging leader with deep industry experience across Risk Management, Procurement, Strategy Development and Industry Advocacy.

Chief Operating Officer | Aecom

Kerry oversees the day-to day performance of AECOM’s ANZ operations and delivery of their strategy. Kerry is a chartered civil engineer with 25 years experience in the design and project management of transport infrastructure projects both in Australia and the UK.

Kerry is an advocate for diversity in the work place and flexible work practices. In 2018 she was awarded Consult Australia’s - Champion of Change Female Leadership Award.

 

Chief Executive | Pritchard Francis

Having been Managing Director for a small practice initially, and Chief Executive Officer of a relatively large practice now, Arthur has a strong understanding of creating a successful environment with a strong culture, and what is needed to develop good people.

Arthur is a strong advocate of diversity in the work place, for involvement with Aboriginal communities and corporations, and for giving back to the industry. Always actively involved in the profession, through numerous Associations, Institutions and Industry representative groups, Arthur feels strongly about developing the profession while promoting and representing consultants within the industry. 

 

Market Director Urban Communities | SMEC

Kate Drews is a senior executive with more than 25 years experience in the property, construction and infrastructure sectors. Kate has successfully lead programs of significant organisational change both for clients and previous employers. She has experience in business planning, mergers and acquisitions, organisational restructuring and risk management.

Kate commenced her career in the Australian Regular Army and rose to the rank of Major before transferring to the Army Reserve. After 12 years’ full time service she became a management consultant and has since held senior leadership roles at a number of firms in fields of architecture and engineering.
 
Kate is passionate about technical excellence, client service and gender diversity within our industry. A Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Kate is also the Vice President of the Queensland Military History Society.

General Counsel | Douglas Partners

Michelle Golafshan is the General Counsel for Douglas Partners (DP), a national specialist engineering consultancy firm with almost 60 years’ experience in providing geotechnical, environmental and groundwater solutions. Michelle leads the Legal and Risk functions at Douglas Partners and advises Board members and senior management on a wide range of legal and strategic issues. Having a strong in-house legal and top-tier law firm background, Michelle is commercially-focused with a diverse set of skills and insights gained from various dynamic industries, including energy, financial services and the start-up sector.

Michelle is also a member of Consult Australia’s Liability & Contracts Roundtable, which advocates for a fair allocation of risks between contracting parties in the industry, improved procurement practices, and more collaborative relationships between consulting firms and clients across jurisdictions.

Managing Director | Gamcorp (Melbourne) Pty Ltd

Martin Gamble started Gamcorp (Melbourne) Pty Ltd in 2009 with a small team, which later grew to a team of 20+ employees who work tirelessly to provide structural compliance certification services. Martin has a strong passion for business and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Martin is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Business Owners Association of Australia.

Martin is actively involved in Consult Australia’s Victorian Committee, SME Open Forum and is on the OneConsult Programme Committee.