WA CPD Event: The Rise, the Fall and the Crystal Ball

Russell is a Principal Project Manager for Jacobs.  Over the last 20 years, Russell has led design and delivery teams on major capital and transformation projects in both Australia and the UK.  Russell has led influential projects for world leading clients, including Transport for New South Wales, ACT Government, National Highways, Manchester Airport and Transport for London.

Russell brings to the panel discussion his experience in both the public and private sectors. He has led some of the most influential projects in maintenance delivery in recent years, restructuring how both TfNSW and National Highways deliver maintenance, and succeeding in driving down costs and delivering long term savings. Currently based in Perth, Russell is delivering projects across all mainland Australian states and territories.

Stephen has over 20 years experience as a Quantity Surveyor working in the construction industry. He completed his studies and graduated from Curtin University in 1991. Stephen joined RBB in 2003, and joined the firms Board of Directors in 2012.

Stephen's experience extends across all facets of professional Quantity Surveying. He has been exposed to all industry sectors including; civil and infrastructure, mining and mineral processing, oil and gas, although in the last 15 years his experience has been almost exclusively within the traditional commercial construction sector.

Alistair is an established Quantity Surveyor with a degree in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying, a member of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and a Certified Quantity Surveyor.  Alistair has over 20 years’ experience as a Quantity Surveyor specialising in the delivery of infrastructure projects with experience across a number of sectors, including aviation, marine and transport with specialist experience in marine, rail, roads and complex structures.

 In 2023, Alistair founded The Advisory Group (TAG Advisory), a boutique project advisory firm, prior to which, Alistair was a Director and shareholder of RLB, Perth’s largest Quantity Surveying practice, where he spent 11 years establishing and developing RLB into the market sector lead for Infrastructure projects.

Mike has a diverse background in both the construction and property industries. He is the co-founder of Encon Group, the company that founded Encon Project Management, Builden Construction and Unearthed Homes.

With a strong strategy and governance focus, Mike is a leader and lateral thinker that provides a considered and balanced approach to all aspects of the property and construction industry. Having delivered over $1b of projects throughout his career, Mike has a proven track record of ensuring successful project delivery for all stakeholders.

Mike Van Dongen is the 58th President of MBA WA. He is also a past MBA WA Chair of Construction Council and Safety Committee and MBA WA Board member since 2015. Mike studied Construction Management at Curtin University finishing with Honours. In 2008, Mike was awarded the 2008 and in 2018 was recognised with MBA Ric New Medal for Excellence.

With almost 15 years at the Public Transport Authority in WA and more than 15 years in the Dutch Government in financial roles; development, review and endorsement of project and operating cost proposals are a daily activity. Amongst other things that involves escalation. Following his accounting degree Erik completed a post-graduate study in Public Sector Control and is a member of the European Institute for Certified Public Controllers.

In Australia Erik is a member with the Institute of Public Accountants. Within the PTA Erik is currently responsible for the external submission and approval process for budget changes and budgets for new projects and new activities. He also oversees the internal allocation and treasury planning functions.

Jacobs - Tower 2

Level 5, 5 Spring Street

Perth, WA, 6000