Master Builders Australia’s long-serving CEO Denita Wawn will conclude her tenure with the organisation once a successor has been appointed.

Denita joined the association in 2016 and was appointed CEO in March 2017, becoming the first woman to hold the role since the organisation’s federation in 1890.

She has led national advocacy on housing supply, affordability, workforce shortages, women’s participation, building safety, productivity and the industry’s role in meeting Australia’s housing and infrastructure needs.

“Denita has led Master Builders through some of the most significant challenges and opportunities our industry has faced, including the COVID-19 pandemic, major industrial relations reforms and the nation’s housing supply crisis,” says National President Robert Shaw.

The search for her successor is underway.

Shane Wingard has been appointed Chief Executive of Renewal SA, following a year as Acting Chief Executive. He brings more than 25 years’ property sector experience and was previously Renewal SA’s Executive Director, Major Projects, where he led major urban renewal, industrial and defence projects across South Australia.

“As Renewal SA continues to play an important role in increasing housing supply, supporting economic growth and delivering projects of state significance, I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively across government, industry and the communities to deliver projects that will have a lasting impact for South Australia,” Shane says.

Adam Copp has been reappointed Chief Executive Officer of Infrastructure Australia for a further three years, as the organisation also welcomes Simon Rowell as Chief of Planning and Insights.

Adam’s reappointment follows a period of significant reform for Infrastructure Australia, including a strengthened mandate as the Australian Government’s independent infrastructure adviser and the release of a new Infrastructure Priority List.

Simon joins Infrastructure Australia from Investment NSW, where he led the Fostering Innovation Branch. He brings experience in economic policy and public policy across the NSW Government.

“Australia is at an infrastructure inflection point,” Adam says. “Population growth, housing supply, freight productivity, the energy transition, climate resilience, workforce pressures, defence capability requirements and changing geopolitical and economic conditions are reshaping the nation’s infrastructure needs.”

HDR has established a footprint in Brisbane, following the opening of its integrated Melbourne studio in 2025.

The expansion builds on HDR's established Queensland presence under Country Director of Operations Brendan Botha.

Huai Lim, Managing Principal of Architecture, said the expansion reflects HDR’s long-term commitment to its Australian practice.

“Brisbane represents an important gateway to future growth opportunities across Australia. By bringing together our multidisciplinary expertise, we can deliver integrated solutions that help clients navigate increasingly complex challenges, unlock new opportunities and create lasting value for our communities.”

HDR’s practice in Australia includes 137 architecture professionals supported by more than 250 people across architecture, engineering and infrastructure. This latest expansion builds on a 50-year legacy of Australian design, with 2026 marking five decades since the establishment of Rice Daubney in Sydney, which joined HDR in 2013.

Stantec has acquired Sydney-based environmental consultancy Niche and its wholly owned subsidiary Ausecology, adding around 200 specialists in ecology, heritage, natural capital and land restoration. The acquisition grows Stantec’s Australian environmental services team to nearly 450 professionals, with a presence in every mainland state.

The expanded practice will support clients across energy, transport, resources, land development and land management, including growing demand for biodiversity and environmental planning expertise.

“Niche has built an exceptional reputation for helping clients achieve lasting outcomes for both people and nature,” said Stantec President and CEO Gord Johnston. “Their talented team strengthens our ability to address some of Australia’s most important opportunities and challenges, from advancing the energy transition to delivering resilient infrastructure and protecting biodiversity.”

“We are excited to take this next step in our evolution by joining Stantec,” said Ian Rollins, managing director, Niche. “Together, we are able to provide greater value for our clients and create new growth opportunities for our people. We look forward to being able to scale our impact and create more positive outcomes that strengthen communities, protect cultural heritage, and restore nature.”

Sean McCagh is Arup’s new Australia and New Zealand Desalination Technical Leader, strengthening the firm’s response to growing water security and climate resilience challenges.

Sean joins Arup with more than 20 years’ experience across the full lifecycle of desalination and advanced water treatment projects, including desalination plants in Sydney and the Gold Coast.

“Sean brings world-class desalination expertise to Arup, with rare experience spanning planning, delivery, operations and asset management,” says Steve Adamthwaite, ANZ Water Lead.

“Water security is one of the defining infrastructure challenges facing our region,” Sean adds. “I’m excited to join Arup at a time when clients are exploring new approaches to building resilience into future water supplies.”