PIANC Victoria Young Professionals Leadership Breakfast – Thurs 27 April 2023

The PIANC Victoria YP committee is excited to announce an upcoming leadership networking breakfast to be held in Melbourne. This PIANC A&NZ event is kindly sponsored by PIANC Corporate Members WSP and OMC International.

When: Thursday 27 April running 8:30-10:30am
Where: Henry and the Fox, 525 Little Collins St, Melbourne VIC 3000

Hear from industry professionals about their career journey and meet other like-minded YPs. This event is open to anyone under 40 years of age working in or interested in the ports and marine industry including students, and those working in related industries such as coastal, environmental, logistics etc.

We will hear from a panel of three industry professionals about their career journeys and meet other likeminded YPs over breakfast.

This event is FREE but registrations are ESSENTIAL.

Simon Blake – Maritime Lead: Australia, WSP

Simon leads WSPs ports and maritime business in Australia. This business leadership role builds on nearly 20 years of project experience where Simon has been responsible for the delivery of large complex maritime facilities from concept stage, through detailed design and into construction. Simon also has extensive overseas experience, having worked on projects in more than 20 countries, including two-years living in Vietnam supporting the delivery of projects in South East Asia. Now living in Melbourne, Simon is also the acting Project Director on a number of WSPs larger maritime projects, including the work WSP have been delivering for the Port of Melbourne to support their Capacity Enhancement Program and the Westport Supply Chain Modelling and Integrated Design project in WA.

Catherine Bell – Operations Manager, AW Maritime

Catherine is the Operations Manager for AW Maritime and a chartered professional engineer with experience in dredging and coastal engineering. Her area of specialty includes project management and technical dredging advice. Catherine has managed numerous coastal and maritime engineering design projects including dredging, marinas, piers, jetties, breakwaters, revetments, and coastal processes studies. Catherine is experienced in all phases of these projects from concept and detailed design through to procurement and project management. She has been fortunate to work on projects in Australia and overseas during her three different roles in maritime consulting, construction management and contracting.

Stuart Christie – Head of Development, Ports Victoria

As Head of Development Stuart leads the area responsible for communications, implementation of pilotage and towage licensing and the concept of a marine centre of excellence. He is also involved in facilitating development opportunities for the Victorian port systems.

Stuart has around 20 years of infrastructure and utilities experience in the water, telecommunications and ports sectors. This experience includes network planning and operations, economic regulation and strategy development.