Meet our Conference Co-Convenors
Manoj Baura
April 2024
What is your day job?
I am the Manager of Technical Services at the City of Rockingham, a metropolitan local government in Western Australia. I lead teams of more than 50, delivering road network efficiency and safety for all road users and marine infrastructure. My main job is to strategise and implement actions in accordance with the council’s strategic objectives. The teams I lead are Traffic Services, Design Services, Civil Maintenance and Coastal Engineering.
How did you get started in the transport industry?
Following the completion of my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, I started my career in Traffic Engineering and absolutely loved it. I have worked as a Traffic Engineer is Bangladesh, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Melbourne before settling in Perth in 2011.
I had been a Road Safety Auditor for over a decade and led many teams in delivering many large-scale transportation projects. The strategic nature of the industry and the ability to shape the future of the community travel has continuously inspired me contribute. I have undertaken a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree to further strengthen my strategic and leadership capabilities. To get into the broader industry I have gone out of my core skill of Traffic Engineering and ventured into design, construction and maintenance of roads, footpaths, drainage and associated other civil assets.
How long have you been an AITPM member?
I have been involved with AITPM since the beginning of my career in Australia from 2010. I have attended many AITPM events that have immensely helped me in understanding the transport industry in Australia and shaped what I am today. I also had the opportunity to share my knowledge at AITPM events. I became involved in AITPM WA Committee to represent the local governments of WA. I felt that local governments have lost touch with AITPM and are missing out on great learning and sharing opportunities.
Why did you volunteer to be co-convenor for Perth?
I was approached by the WA Committee president to be the Co-Convenor. I thought I could bring my strategic and leadership capabilities to the table in delivering the conference. I hope that my direct involvement in AITPM will encourage other local government engagement again which was the main reason I went into the committee.
I was very excited to work with my other co-convenor, Fiona Goodbody, who is an amazing leader and I feel that we complement each other with our skills and we make a great team. Our amazing conference committee are all willing to make the conference a success. I have really enjoyed working with the diverse group of people. It allowed me to work with people that generally I would not have the opportunity to work with. I am truly grateful for the experience - as I am loving every bit of it.
What skills do you need to be a co-convenor and what are you enjoying about it?
The key skills required are leadership, facilitation, strategic and big picture focused, project management and excellent communication skill. I learned a lot about AITPM and how it works from the current WA Committee president, Richard Isted. He guided Fiona and me very well at the beginning to get us settled in the role. I am really enjoying working with Fiona and sometimes, I feel amazed by how much effort everyone is putting as volunteers. I am most excited about the network and relationships I am building through this role.
Tell us a couple of your favourite places in Perth.
I absolutely love the Swan and Canning River foreshores. My favourite spots are near Riverton bridge, Shelley, Mount Pleasant, Applecross and South Perth. I also love the magnificent beauty of the ocean at Shoalwater and Safety Bay in the Shoalwater Islands Marine Park.