Advisory Board

Helen is the Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability for Victoria, an independent statutory role responsible for providing scientific reporting on the condition of the state’s natural environment and ecological sustainable development. Prior to the Commissioner role, Helen was the Victorian Deputy Secretary, Water and Catchments from 2017 to 2023.

Helen is an experienced executive in public policy, service delivery, and regulatory reform, mainly focussed on natural resource and emergency management, providing trusted advice to Ministers and Boards. Helen is a member of the Victorian Government Purchasing Board and is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Helen holds a Bachelor of Science (Forestry) from the Australian National University and received a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service in policy and program delivery in natural resource management in 2022.

Shaun is the Managing Director of Barwon Water. Barwon Water delivers sustainable, affordable, innovative and reliable water and sewerage services in the Barwon Region of Victoria and in doing so supports the economic, social, cultural and environmental prosperity of the region.

Over a 20-year career in the water industry, Shaun is committed to making a positive impact to the community and environment in a collaborative, commercial and creative way.  Shaun has worked in leadership roles across the public and private sectors and is currently a member of the Water Services Association Australia Board and Deakin Engineering Advisory Board.

Shaun holds a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business Administration and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Manager, Grid Evolution, AusNet Services (Deakin Engineering Graduate Representative)

Chartered Engineer

Karen is a dynamic, passionate, influential senior leader with over 20 years' experience in the water, energy and environment sectors in private and public organisations in Australia and the UK. Karen has a proven record in identifying and driving strategic and operational change and process improvement in operations, asset management and contract management and is adept at establishing credibility and building rapport quickly with a range of internal and external stakeholders from board level to front line operations. Being results oriented, Karen delivers outcomes through empowering people, competitive commercial arrangements and setting clear direction. She has extensive commercial, contractual and negotiation experience and is accustomed to working within challenging commercial, political and heavily regulated environments.

Karen’s diverse background spans engineering, operational, commercial, corporate strategy and change management and performance roles across a number of industries and organisations, providing her with a balanced insight to driving successful competitive business outcomes. She brings to her roles a positive outlook, drive and expertise in delivering key business outcomes through aligning people, improving processes and delivering significant performance improvement by developing strong, high performing teams.

Senior Consultant Civil Engineer

Paul is a Consulting Engineer who has held senior leadership roles across a broad range of infrastructure and built environment sectors.

Wood Technologist

CEO - Enterprise Monkey

Aamir Qutub is an entrepreneur, AI strategist, and the CEO of Enterprise Monkey, an award-winning AI development company based in Geelong. He is recognised for helping organisations embrace digital transformation and build future-ready businesses, enabling them to thrive in the age of AI.

Aamir is also the author of the best-selling business novel The CEO Who Mocked AI (Until It Made Him Millions) and the founder of Dumb Monkey AI Academy, a free app providing accessible AI courses, tools, and community support for professionals. He has been recognised as Business Leader of the Year and Young Professional of the Year at prestigious industry award.

Head of Hydrogen and EVs/Alternative Fuels Manager - Viva Energy Australia

With over 20 years in the resources industry in both mining and downstream oil and gas, Sandra has worked across five Australian states and two continents.  She has lead Viva Energy’s work in the Alternative Fuels area since 2018, and is the project owner for their hydrogen mobility focused, Geelong New Energies Service Station.  Currently Head of Hydrogen and EVs, she has carriage of new energy strategies, investment proposals, project delivery and operations focused on zero or low emission solutions for the transport sector.

With undergraduate Bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Commerce through the University of Melbourne, and an executive MBA at the Australian School of Graduate Management as part of UNSW, Sandra has held a variety of engineering, project management, strategy and management roles. She has previously been on the Board of the Australian Hydrogen Council.

General Manager - Operations Nacap

With a strong background of project development and delivery, James is a strategic and results-driven engineering executive with over 25 years’ experience delivering complex infrastructure projects across power transmission, oil & gas, water, and renewables. Currently leading Nacap’s diversification into power transmission as General Manager – Power, leveraging global expertise through Quanta Services to meet Australia’s evolving energy needs.

Recognised for building high-performing teams, driving innovation in construction methodologies (including helicopter-assisted transmission tower placement), and fostering inclusive workplace culture. Proven ability to manage large-scale projects in remote and challenging environments, with a strong focus on safety, commercial performance, and stakeholder engagement.