Governance

Meet the board, committee members and our ambassadors

Dr. Peter Ali

Chief Executive Officer

Municipal Works Australia
Peter Ali is a dedicated professional with a PhD in Public Policy. He brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in municipal works delivery, having worked at the executive management level in local government before his appointment at MWA. Peter is known for blending strategic thinking with hands-on leadership, driving innovation and collaboration within his team. His academic research in public policy and his work in municipal services enable him to approach challenges from a unique, informed perspective, making him an invaluable asset to the municipal works industry and the growing membership of Municipal Works Australia. 

Board of Directors

Mauro Starc

Board Chair

at Municipal Works Australia

Mauro Starc, appointed as the Board Chair of Municipal Works Australia in 2018, has provided strategic leadership and governance. His contributions have been pivotal in the association’s growth and commitment to supporting Australia’s municipal works sectors. Mauro’s influence extends beyond his role at MWA. As the National Sales Manager at RDO Equipment, one of Australia’s leading suppliers of civil construction equipment, he is actively involved in shaping the broader municipal and infrastructure sectors.
RDO Equipment

Neil Whiteside

Treasurer

at Municipal Works Australia

Neil Whiteside is the Director of City Delivery at Melton City Council in Victoria, Australia. In this role, he oversees the planning and executing key infrastructure projects, urban development initiatives, and municipal public works. His leadership focuses on enhancing community safety, improving traffic flow, and ensuring the delivery of essential services. Neil’s financial acumen and strategic vision have been instrumental in his role as the treasurer of Municipal Works Australia since 2015. His appointment to the MWA Board in 2011 marked the beginning of his journey in overseeing the growth of the association’s financial resources, a responsibility he has executed with diligence and foresight.

Darren Findlay

Deputy Board Chair

at Municipal Works Australia

As the City Works Coordinator at Hobsons Bay City Council in Victoria, Australia, Darren Findlay plays a crucial role in the city’s development. He oversees the delivery and maintenance of essential municipal infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring that the city’s assets not only meet but also anticipate the needs of its growing community. Darren has been a driving force since his appointment to the MWA Board in 2017. Serving as the Deputy Board Chair since 2023, he has been instrumental in expanding the association’s national and international partnerships. This reflects his unwavering commitment to advancing best practices and innovation in local government service delivery.
City Works Coordinator
Hobsons Bay City

Brain Weeks

Brian Weeks, Deputy Director of Infrastructure Services at Quilpie Shire Council in Queensland, Australia, is a true leader in local government infrastructure. With over 40 years of experience, Brian has played a vital role in managing and improving the Shire’s critical infrastructure, including an extensive road network, water and sewerage systems, public buildings, aerodromes, and fleet operations. He is also highly experienced in counter-disaster operations, having led numerous successful responses to natural disasters in the region. Brian’s leadership and commitment to sustainable infrastructure have significantly contributed to the resilience and development of regional communities in Queensland. In 2011, Brian was appointed the State President of the Works Officers Association of Queensland, a testament to his influence and recognition in the industry. His recent appointment to the MWA Board in 2018 marked a significant step in shaping the national works association process. This development is sure to have a lasting impact on the industry.

Brett Quarrier

Brett Quarrier, the Civil Construction Coordinator at the City of Greater Bendigo in Victoria, Australia, is a key figure in the city’s development. In this role, he oversees the delivery and maintenance of essential municipal infrastructure and public spaces, ensuring that the city’s assets meet the needs of its growing community. His leadership instils confidence in his abilities. Appointed to the MWA Board in 2018, Brett brings a wealth of experience. His previous role as the Central Victoria Regional Representative on the Board of Municipal Works Operations Association underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing best practices and fostering innovation in local government service delivery, particularly for those in rural and regional areas.
Council
City of Greater Bendigo

Peter Donato

Peter Donato, a key figure in municipal operations at Clarence City Council in Tasmania, is pivotal in managing infrastructure and public works projects. His responsibilities include overseeing tenders and, notably, coordinating maintenance services. This ensures the quality of public amenities, including fleet management and the upkeep of public spaces, providing reassurance to the community. Peter was appointed Tasmanian Association of Municipal Supervisors president in 2013, underscoring his leadership and influence in the field. He joined the MWA board in 2017 as part of its establishment.

Steve Van Orsouw

Steve Van Orsouw, appointed in May 2025, is the Director of Operations at Loddon Shire Council in Victoria. With over 30 years of experience in local government, he has held leadership roles at Mount Alexander Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, the City of Ballarat, and Moyne Shire Council. His career began as an apprentice gardener with the former Castlemaine City Council, evolving into senior management positions focused on infrastructure and asset management. As a Municipal Works Australia board member since 2017, Steve Van Orsouw has made significant contributions to advancing municipal works and infrastructure maintenance nationwide.

Alan Jones

Alan Jones, a dedicated local government professional at Central Goldfields Shire Council in Victoria, Australia, plays a significant role in the council’s infrastructure and community safety initiatives. His leadership in fire preparedness campaigns, working closely with council colleagues and local CFA volunteers, provides a sense of security to residents, encouraging them to clear their properties before the fire season. Alan’s unwavering commitment to community well-being and infrastructure resilience is demonstrated through his service as the Ballarat Regional Representative on the Board of Municipal Works Australia since 2016.
Central Goldfields Shire

Gavin Gotke

Gavin Gotke is the Works Coordinator at the Scenic Rim Regional Council in Queensland, Australia, where he is based in Beaudesert. With over 37 years of experience in local government infrastructure, he plays a crucial role in managing the delivery and maintenance of vital infrastructure, contributing to the region’s development and public works. His responsibilities include overseeing the maintenance and construction of roads and bridges, as well as ensuring the effective delivery of essential services to the community. In 2013, Gavin was appointed State Secretary of the Works Officers Association of Queensland, highlighting his influence and recognition within the industry. In 2018, he also joined the MWA Board, reflecting his strong commitment to promoting best practices and innovation in local government service delivery, particularly in regional communities.
Scenic Rim Regional Council

Sheridan Kilner

Based in Brisbane, Queensland, Sheridan Kilner is an accomplished professional in Australian education and training. As the Chief Commercial Officer at Foundation Education, Sheridan demonstrates strong leadership and strategic thinking. Sheridan also served as an MWA Next-Gen ambassador, organising conference sessions and advising the Board, thereby fostering the development of emerging leaders in municipal works. Her contributions to the field were recognised when she was appointed to the MWA board in May 2025. Sheridan continues to influence the landscape of vocational education and municipal works through her strategic roles and her active, hands-on participation in industry development, keeping the audience engaged in her work.
Chief Commercial Officer
Foundation Education

Ruby Lewis

Ruby Lewis, a Senior Project Engineer at Fulton Hogan, is a powerhouse of technical expertise. Her role involves contributing to the planning and executing major civil infrastructure projects, and she consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
Ruby is actively involved in industry development and advocacy. After contributing as a Next-Gen ambassador, she was appointed to the Board in May 2025. Her combined technical acumen and leadership within professional networks, where she has established herself as a role model for women in civil construction, underscore her commitment to advancing the next generation of professionals in the municipal works industry

Events Committee

Darren Findlay

City Works Coordinator

Hobsons Bay City

Sheridan Kilner

Chief Commercial Officer

Foundation Education

Steven White

Director Infrastructure

Whitehorse City

Brad Byrne

Senior Manager, Advisory

BDO

Shane Hickey

Managing Director

Australian Project Solutions 

Tim Greenham

Former Regional Sales Manager (Victoria and South Australia)

Komatsu Australia

Ambassadors

Ray Leak

Former Works Coordinator

Colac Otway Shire

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