Overview

Join the Diversity in Tunnelling Subgroup as we delve into the challenges faced by international engineers entering the Australian workforce. Our panel discussion will highlight the key obstacles encountered by our speakers and their teams, share valuable lessons learned, and discuss strategies for overcoming cultural barriers. Together, we will explore solutions to make the transition to the Australian engineering community smoother and more welcoming, in a beautiful panel discussion sponsored by Bouygues Construction Australia.

Learning outcomes

In this presentation, you will learn:

• learn from the experiences of other international engineers who have already made the move
• understand what you can do to make your interactions with international engineers more inclusive
• promote equality and Inclusion.

Program

In-person:

• 5.30 pm AEDT: Registration begins
• 6.00 pm AEDT: A few words from the speakers followed by panel discussion
• 7.00 pm AEDT: Presentation concludes and networking
• 7.30 pm AEDT: Event ends

Online: 

• 6.00 pm AEDT: Presentation begins with a Q&A session
• 7.00 pm AEDT: Presentation ends

The event is sponsored by Bouygues Construction Australia.

About the Speakers

Sam Azari FIEAust, CPEng, NER
Senior Associate Engineer-Tunnels  – SMEC

Sam is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Chartered Professional Engineer specializing in both Civil and Geotechnical Engineering. She holds a master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering and currently works as a Senior Associate Engineer at SMEC. Sam has over 17 years of experience in the design and construction of infrastructure projects. As a passionate Tunnel Engineer, Sam enjoys helping others learn and fosters a growth mindset.

Her expertise includes the design and analysis of tunnels, specifically SEM and micro-tunnelling projects, as well as Cut & Cover structures, temporary and permanent soil support systems, and shaft excavations. Recent key projects she has worked on in Australia include M6 Stage1, Sydney Metro West, the North-East Link Project, and the Melbourne Metro Project.

Mathieu Gonzalez  MSc, FICE, CEng, PMP

Engineering Director for T2DA – Bouygues

Mathieu is currently the Engineering Director for T2DA in Adelaide, Australia. He is a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), Chartered Engineer and Project Manager Professional (PMP).

He has over 18  years of experience in the construction industry, from design to construction methodology to technical direction for main contractor. He has been involved on various projects in France, Spain, Hong Kong and Australia starting by Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) projects to manage the technical team on major infrastructure tunneling project with multidisciplinary deliverables (tunnel construction to project commissioning) from building, civil works, tunneling works, rail, E&M, T&C, etc.

Nicholas Bedford CPEng

Technical Director – Aurecon

Nicholas is a Technical Director at Aurecon with 18 years of experience in the tunnelling industry. He currently leads Aurecon’s tunnelling team in NSW. With a focus on detailed design, construction phase services, and independent certification, he has made significant contributions to major infrastructure projects in Sydney, including NorthConnex, Westconnex, and is currently involved in the Western Harbour Tunnel project.

Nicholas previously spent several years in Hong Kong, where he gained valuable international experience working on the MTR South Island Line Contract 901 at Admiralty Station. During this time, he gained an appreciation for the challenges faced by engineers who relocated overseas. This experience not only enhanced his technical skills but also provided valuable insights into the cultural and logistical complexities of international teams.