Agenda

Wednesday 29 October 2025

9:00am	MC welcome and acknowledgement of country Jamie Durie OAM, Horticulturalist and multi-award-winning Landscape Designer
9:10am	Ministerial address Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Transport Infrastructure and Minister for Public and Active Transport
9:25am	Session coming soon
9:45am	Keynote: Building tomorrow- circularity in construction is now Join visionary entrepreneur Yas Grigaliunas for an inspiring opening keynote presentation. As a veteran in the field of circular economy, Yas will share her lived experience in the circularity space to explore the incredible potential that circularity has for not only the planet, but the economic and social benefits it brings. Above all, she will demonstrate how doable it is. Don’t miss out on this energising session, which is sure to leave every listener inspired, excited, and optimistic about the future of sustainable infrastructure. Yas Grigaliunas, Founder, Circonomy
10:05am	Session coming soon
10:20am	Morning tea and networking
10:50am	MC welcome back
10:55am	Keynote: Laying it on the table: building a circular economy in construction What does a circular construction sector truly look like, and what will it take to get there? In this keynote address, John Thwaites, Chair of the Circular Economy Advisory Group, will present the Circular Economy Framework – one of the Advisory Group’s key recommendations – which was implemented in 2024. The Framework centres around three targets: reduce material footprint by 10%, lift materials productivity by 30%, and recover 80% of resources. With clarity and candour, John will unpack the vision behind these goals and what industry, government, and innovators must do to turn ambition into action. John Thwaites, Chair, ClimateWorks Centre
11:20am	Case study: What we can learn from Build to Rent Hear from Australian purpose-first, Build to Rent (BTR) group, The Model, about how their three priorities – climate action, community building, and design innovation – create housing that sits at the intersection of social and environmental responsibility. The BTR sector is a rapidly growing, revolutionary model in Australia. BTR sees developers retain ownership of the building and all residences, and offers a unique perspective of value vs cost, and where key investments provide ongoing benefits for the developer and residents alike. Rory Hunter, Founder & CEO, The Model
11:35am	Panel: Start with sustainability: the importance of embedding it from the beginning Opportunities for sustainable material use reduce dramatically the further along a project progresses. In this session, hear how sustainability is embedded into a project from a range of perspectives – an architect, an owner/builder, construction contractor, and materials. Panellists will share strategies, outcomes, and how lessons learned will inform future projects. We’ll also discuss what learnings can be shared between transport infrastructure and the built environment, on both public and private projects. Panellists Fiona Bowie, Director Sustainability Engineering & Environment, John Holland Group Rory Hunter, Founder & CEO, The Model Tanja Conners, CEO, AustStab
12:15pm	Panel: Sustainable seeding: the significant benefits of recycled products in remediating the Bogong High Plains Road landslip In October 2022, a significant active landslip was identified on Bogong High Plains Road in Victoria’s alpine region. The complex remediation project faced multiple challenges - – remote location, steep and unstable terrain, unpredictable alpine weather, and the risk of further landslips. This case study highlights a Victorian-first use of hydromulch made from recycled materials – an innovative solution that was central to revegetating sensitive land, adjacent to national parkland. Learn how this sustainable approach not only met environmental requirements, but also delivered significant time, cost, and carbon savings in a highly challenging environment. Moderator Aidan Cresser, Deputy Director Environment & Sustainability, MRPV Panellists Patrick Newman, Environment Manager, Whelans Josh Eaton, Revegetation Specialist, Envirostraw Liz Denman, Environmental Sustainability Officer, Department of Transport & Planning
12:50pm	Lunch and networking
1:50pm	MC welcome back
1:55pm	Case study: Digital ecosystems as enablers of sustainable infrastructure In the transition to a circular economy, digital and AI technologies will serve as critical enablers. Machine learning and predictive analytics provide an opportunity to transform sustainability and waste management from a linear, reactive system to a proactive and strategic one. The Aspire platform leverages digital technology to support businesses to track carbon emissions, cost savings and the impact of circular economy initiatives, while reframing waste as a resource. Whether your interest lies in construction, manufacturing or logistics, this session will challenge attendees to consider the role of digital ecosystems in enabling the transition to greener infrastructure. Paul Kelly, Managing Director, ASPIRE
2:15pm	Panel: Circular solutions: transforming waste through innovation The circular economy is creating new opportunities in the built environment, and startups are leading the charge. In this panel by RMIT Activator, meet some of the local startup founders who are developing practical, innovative solutions to rethink how we use materials, manage waste, and deliver value. From AI and digital platforms to material reuse and closed-loop systems, these ventures are helping to reshape the industry from the ground up. Hear their stories, explore the challenges and triumphs of building a circular business, and discover how innovation is opening the doors to smarter, more collaborative, and more sustainable infrastructure. Moderator Caitlin Phillips-Peddlesden, Building Sustainable Communities Lead, RMIT Panellists Damien Collins, Director, Recycle All
2:45pm	Case study: Yarra Valley Water's circular economy journey: zeroing in on carbon. Join Yarra Valley Water on their journey as they share insights from a lifecycle analysis of material flows and carbon footprint, which led to the creation of a program-wide carbon baseline for capital works. Discover what they learned, and how they’re applying this knowledge to drive improved sustainability outcomes across their infrastructure projects. Yarra Valley Water provides water and sewerage services to over 2 million people in Melbourne. Sustainability is firmly embedded in the organisation’s goals, and it is actively embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by the circular economy. Fin Robertson, Senior Principal, Nation Partners
3:05pm	Panel: Decarbonising steel – the state of play in Australia and where to next As one of the major contributors to the carbon footprint of construction projects, Steel represents a significant opportunity for the reduction of construction emissions through decarbonisation. But what does that actually entail, and where is Australia at in terms of getting there? This session will unpack what green steel is, and explore related strategies being employed in Australia and across the globe. Panellists from the Australian steel industry will provide context to our unique opportunities, as well as the barriers to progress, and how end users can better support our transition to greener steel. Panellists David Buchanan, CEO, Australian Steel Association
3:45pm	Closing remarks
3:50pm	Afternoon tea and networking, followed by networking drinks in the trade hall

Thursday 30 October 2025

9:00am	MC welcome and acknowledgement of country Jamie Durie OAM, Horticulturalist and multi-award-winning Landscape Designer
9:10am	Suburban Rail Loop: delivering benefits across Victoria Our city and state are growing. Melbourne will be a city of 9 million people by the 2050s – the size of London today. We need more transport and more homes in the right places – and Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) will deliver both. As both a transport and urban planning project, SRL will connect our suburbs, slash travel times, and support the delivery of more homes and housing choice where people want to live – on the doorstep of world-class public transport, services, jobs, schools, parks and cafés. Join Dr Lissa van Camp as she shares the huge opportunity for sustainable outcomes from Victoria’s largest ever infrastructure project and Australia’s largest housing project. Dr Lissa van Camp, Executive General Manager Land, Planning, Environment & Sustainability, Suburban Rail Loop Authority
9:25am	Keynote: It's not a waste problem, it’s a manufacturing opportunity What if instead of focusing on waste as a problem, we looked at the opportunities it opens up for Australia’s manufacturing sector? This new perspective unlocks a whole world of innovation, forward thinking, collaboration, and opportunity. Join Professor Veena Sahajwalla – internationally recognised materials scientist, engineer, and inventor – as she shares how she is revolutionising recycling science. She will demonstrate how she has harnessed the opportunities presented by waste through her MICROfactories^TM. With breakthrough technology in e-waste and ceramics, MICROfactories^TM are proving the viability of the process, and primed for quick deployment to where they can add the most value. Veena Sahajwalla, Scientist & Inventor, University of NSW
9:50am	Panel: Made in Australia: the opportunities and benefits of local recycling and manufacturing Discover how manufacturing with recycled materials unlocks new economic and environmental opportunities for Australia. This session explores the benefits of local production – creating jobs, strengthening supply chains, and reducing emissions and reliance on imports. Learn how the Recycled First Policy is driving demand for locally made recycled products, fostering innovation, creating inclusive employment pathways, and opening doors for collaboration across industries. With a focus on building a more resilient and circular economy, this session will highlight why investing in local capabilities is key to Australia’s sustainable construction future. Moderator Veena Sahajwalla, Scientist & Inventor, University of NSW Panellists Sophi MacMillan, CEO, Resiloop Cameron McKenzie, Head Operations and Brand, ReMade in Australia
10:35am	Session coming soon
10:50am	Morning tea and networking
11:20am	MC welcome back
11:25am	Keynote: Scaling up to success: adapting and thriving in an ever-evolving market Join sustainable business expert and former Deputy Lord Mayor for the City of Melbourne, Arron Wood, as he explores the shifting sustainability landscape. Drawing on his extensive experience across sectors, Arron will share his unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today. From evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance expectations, to a complex regulatory environment, this keynote offers thoughtful reflections and insights on what it takes to stay relevant, resilient, and impactful in a rapidly changing world. Arron Wood, Chief Policy & Impact Officer, Clean Energy Council
11:50am	Session coming soon
12:10pm	Presentation: Circular Economy in Europe: trends, innovations, and future directions Europe is well known for being ahead of the curve globally when it comes to the circular economy. This is due to a combination of strong policy frameworks, significant investments, and a growing awareness of the economic and environmental benefits. Helen Millicer – a circular economy and low carbon expert – will share key insights from her recent summer spent in Europe speaking with leaders, attending conferences and immersing herself in circular economy events across the continent. Helen will share knowledge of the infrastructure sector, both what is happening and what is just around the corner, and shed some light on what Australian operators can learn from the industry abroad. Helen Millicer, CEO, One Planet Consulting
12:25pm	Session coming soon
1:10pm	Lunch and networking
2:10pm	MC Welcome back
2:15pm	Session coming soon
2:35pm	Panel: Calcined clay concrete – lessons, progress and next steps Concrete is one of the key contributing materials to the carbon footprint of a construction project. There are many strategies being used today, and innovations being pursued to reduce this footprint. This session looks at one of those– calcined clay as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) – and its journey to date in Victorian construction. Hear from a panel of experts who will share practical insights from the use of calcined clay, from research, supply and application. The session will explore calcined clay as a material, as well as the lessons learned from the previous applications that will prove essential to progressing innovative products and materials in the future of infrastructure. Moderator Clare Tubolets, CEO, SmartCrete CRC Panellists Julia Rogerson, Senior Sustainability Advisor, Spark North East Link Rackel San Nicolas, Associate Professor, University of Melbourne Johnathan Kapelles, Regional Technical Manager, Heidelberg Materials
3:15pm	Presentation: The behaviour of change: psychology behind sustainable choices What drives people to make sustainable choices, or to avoid them? In this 15-minute ‘power lecture’, Professor Liam Smith from the BehaviourWorks Centre at Monash University delves into the fascinating world of decision and behaviour science. Learn how humans weigh cost against reward, and why even well-intentioned people sometimes act against sustainability goals. This session offers a sharp insight into the biases, motivators, and blockers that shape behaviour, and how we can use that knowledge to design more effective interventions in support of positive environmental outcomes. Professor Liam Smith, Director, BehaviourWorks
3:30pm	Event summary and key takeaways Join MRPV’s Executive Program Director, Alexis Davison, as she shares her key takeaways, lessons learned and insights from across the two days. Alexis Davison, Executive Program Director, MRPV
3:40pm	Closing remarks
3:45pm	Afternoon tea and networking

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