2023 CCF Regional Chapter Forum – Mildura

Event Host:

Annie Kessell
Acting Executive Manager, Industry Capability & Engagement – CCF Victoria

Guest Speakers:

Peter Gillham
VEDN Committee Representative – Powercor

Peter Gillham has more than 40 years’ experience in the electrical distribution industry in both the corporate and private sectors. For the last 30 years he has been involved in asset inspection together with technical standards procedures involving all aspects of electrical safety and project compliance to meet legislative requirements. Peter remains passionate about ensuring safety and reliability on the electrical distribution network. He is keen to share his perspective in his current role of Contestable Works Team Leader with the Powercor Contestable Works Team.

Michael Bailey
Chief Regional Transport – Department of Transport and Planning

As the current Chief Regional Transport, Michael leads the dedicated regional division of the Department of Transport and Planning across regional Victoria. With continued strong investment, Regional Transport brings a coordinated, consistent and integrated approach to improving the regional road network through the prioritisation of an annual spend around $1 billion dollars. Regional Transport is focused on the way regional roads are planned and maintained, looking at road upgrades, maintenance and safety, ensuring planning and investment is in the right areas and reflects the priorities of community, councils and industry. Born and bred in the western region, Michael returned to Stawell in 2015 to work with the Northern Grampians Shire Council, most recently as its Chief Executive Officer. Working in the government and community space for over 20 years, Michael has a strong history in leading teams to deliver favourable outcomes. With a community and economic development background, Michael has a clear understanding of what a safe, well planned and developed transport network can provide to our regional communities.

Daniel Freitag
Project Director, Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project – Lower Murray Water

Daniel is a Project Director working within the water sector. His experience includes senior management roles on State-significant capital works programs, including irrigation, transfer pipeline, environmental, and water treatment plant projects. Daniel is currently leading the delivery of the Sunraysia Water Efficiency Project (SWEP) for Lower Murray Water, a $37.5 million investment from the Commonwealth Government to improve the efficiency of the irrigation network in Mildura and surrounding areas. Daniel has held several roles on major water infrastructure projects working for both Government agencies and construction contractors, providing a unique insight into the industry relationships needed to successfully delivery complex projects. Daniel will be sharing some information around the SWEP project and experiences from within the industry.

Stephen Pepper
Overhead Transmission Line Delivery Manager – Secure Energy

Stephen Pepper is an experienced Senior Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the utilities industry. Skilled in Operations Management, Power Transmission, Smart Grid, Electric Power and Business Development, with a Diploma in Business Management focused in Utilities. At SecureEnergy, Stephen is the Overhead Transmission Line (OHTL) Delivery Manager. He is currently based at Buronga, NSW where is leading a multi-disciplinary team that is committed to assembling and erecting Australia’s largest transmission line project.