NSW/ACT Branch President Q&A
AITPM 2023/2024 Year in Focus
What do you do in your day job?
I have done quite a few different things across traffic impact assessments, traffic modelling, strategic planning, active travel, GIS and data analysis. For the past few years, I’ve been doing a lot of pedestrian modelling, mainly in rail environments. The main thing I enjoy about my work is the ability to influence the built environment, and that’s special to this profession. And trains. And beautiful train stations.
How did you get into transport?
I did a civil engineering degree and transport came out as my main area of interest, with some transport electives and a thesis. I then pursued a role in transport planning specifically. This goal was mainly related to climate change and our (arguable) ability to influence sustainable outcomes.
Why do you volunteer for AITPM and how did you first get involved?
It’s important for the industry to have a forum to discuss the practice, and I think we’ve seen significant progress from that, and it’s important for me to be exposed to technical things outside my little areas.It has also helped my soft skills – I’ve been able to take control of my development in terms of leadership capabilities by seeking out opportunities through volunteering. I first got involved as an Emerging Professional in 2014 and then moved onto the State Committee in 2016.
What advice would you have for others interested in volunteering with AITPM?
It provides great opportunities - having a good network has been valuable to me in my career, and it’s been greatly enhanced by my involvement in AITPM.