David graduated from Newcastle University in 1985 with an honours degree in Civil Engineering, and spent the next 35 years in the construction industry, equally happy running construction projects as construction companies.

He worked initially in the Hunter Valley followed by a self-employed stay in London for 3 years. On return to Australia he worked with Abigroup for 21 years, and then Leighton Contractors for 3 years, serving as Managing Director of both companies.

David has worked with all funding and contracting models, and now consults to the construction industry.

David has witnessed massive change in the construction industry over the years, but notes the fundamentals of a successful project are unchanged in 35 years.

Dr Collette Bourke is the inaugural Victorian Chief Engineer, with more than 25 years of engineering and construction industry experience in roles such as Site Engineer, Executive Manager and Managing Director. Having completed a PhD in risk management and value for money on major infrastructure projects, she is also an internationally acknowledged researcher.

In addition to her role as the Victorian Chief Engineer, she acts as the Managing Director of Exner Group and Karsta in the Middle East and has been appointed as a Director for VicTrack. Formerly, Dr Burke was the National Director of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC).

Dr Burke has a drive for greater operational outcomes, a focus on strategic and forward planning, people development, effective delivery and commercial strategy.

BA (Economics), MPhil (Town and Country Planning), FPIA, CPP, GAICD

Professor Sue Holliday is a City Planner and Economist. She is Professor of Planning Practice at the Faculty of Built Environment, UNSW, and Managing Director, Strategies for Change, an urban strategy consultancy.

Sue had a long career in planning in the public service and has demonstrated a long and determined commitment to the major urban policy issues facing our cities.  She was appointed Director General of Planning in NSW in 1997.

After leaving government in 2003, Sue has held various Board roles and high level advisory roles at the national level. She was National President of the Planning Institute from 2006- 2008.  She was President of the NSW Building Professionals Board from 2008 until June 2013; a member of the Urban Policy Forum, the COAG Expert Panel on Cities; a member of the National Housing Supply Council and a member of the High Speed Rail Advisory Council. She chaired the Built Environment Industry Innovation Council from 2008 to 2012. She currently chairs the ANU Campus Development Advisory Committee. Sue has been a Director of many Boards including the Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation, Good Environmental Choice Australia and Consult Australia.  Sue is currently Deputy Chair of Hume Community Housing Association.

Shaun Cox has led various Australian water utilities for more than 18 years.  This includes Melbourne Water, South East Water and Gold Coast Water.  He also has over 14 years of Board experience being a past Director and Chair of both the Smart Water Fund and the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA).  He was also on the inaugural Board of the Cooperative Research Centre for Water Sensitive Cities.  He’s now enjoying running his own consultancy business, which he has done for the past 5 years.  He is also Chair of Water Research Australia and the Border Rivers Commission.

Shaun has extensive leadership experience in the water industry, and a passion for creating and adding value in any role he takes on. He holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Engineering and Technology Management. Shaun is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and is a Fellow of The Australian Institute of Company Directors, Engineers Australia and the Australian Institute of Management.