Tuesday, 25th March IPWEA Australasian Fleet Conference 2025

A great opportunity to have a working breakfast in the Exhibition Hall with suppliers

Welcome and Conference Opening

• David Jenkins, CEO, IPWEA
• Marc Sibbald, Director, IPWEA Fleet
• Thomas Brayley, Manager, Plant Fleet Services Manager, Logan City Council and Council Chair, IPWEA Fleet

Topic: Is Critical Thinking Dead in 2025?

Speaker: John Cadogan, YouTuber / Industry Commentator

John earned a degree in mechanical engineering in the '80s, and alongside university, trained in heavy industry in the railways. He’s always been a self-proclaimed car nut, and moved to motoring journalism when an opportunity presented itself in the early '90s. With 30 plus years as a journalist contributing to newspapers and magazines, including Wheels and Motor, 4X4 Australia, and Overlander, he became Channel Nine’s and later Seven's motoring expert, and worked as talkback radio host on Sydney’s oldest radio station, 2UE. These days, he’s a YouTuber with more than 400,000 subscribers.

Topic: Moving Focus from Efficiencies to Value Creation

Speaker: Steve Williams, National Manager - ICT & Fleet, Komatsu

Steve Williams is a technology and fleet management expert with over 14 years of experience at Komatsu Australia. Starting his career in engineering, Steve transitioned to the ICT and Fleet Management team where he now leads the development of innovative software solutions as the product owner for INSITE and myFleet. These platforms empower users with valuable insights to optimise fleet performance, contributing to Komatsu's mission of creating value through technology and innovation.

As the driving force behind myFleet, Steve has spearheaded the implementation of key features such as machine utilisation visualisation and streamlined service scheduling, allowing customers to proactively manage their fleets and minimise downtime by providing access to timely machine data. Leading companies rely on myFleet daily to manage their extensive fleets, improving project timelines and maximising efficiency.

Steve is passionate about helping customers in the construction industry leverage technology to achieve their business goals while contributing to a more sustainable future. He has presented at numerous government events, sharing his expertise on topics such as "How Technology is Changing Our Business" and "The Technical Evolution of Fleet."

Topic: How Technology will Change Fleet Management in the next 5 years?

Speaker: Will Batty, Associate Vice President, Business Development - APAC, Geotab

Will is a seasoned leader in the fleet technology industry, with over a decade of experience in connected vehicle solutions, telematics and business development. Throughout his career, he has played a key role in driving innovation, helping organisations optimise fleet operations through data-driven insights, AI Power safety solutions and emerging trends. 

With a deep understanding of enterprise fleet management, Will has worked extensively with government, corporate, and industrial fleets focusing on compliance, efficiency and sustainability. As Geotab’s AVP of Business Development in APAC, Will is passionate about the future of mobility and regularly collaborates with technology partners to explore the next wave of advancements in fleet management. With a long history of working with Geotab's products, he has deep expertise in connected vehicle technology, enterprise sales and customer engagement with a strong track record of helping organisations achieve their fleet technology goals.

Panellists

• John Cadogan, YouTuber / Industry Commentator
• Steve Williams, National Manager - ICT & Fleet, Komatsu
• Will Batty, Associate Vice President, Business Development - APAC, Geotab

Speaker: Bruce Lawson, National Fleet Manager, Hino Australia

Enjoying over 20 years’ experience in shipping, truck body manufacturing, semi trailer sales and most recently coming up to 8 years at Hino Motor Sales Australia as the National Fleet Manager.

Whilst we have seen many changes to the heavy vehicle industry over the years, we now heading towards some of the most significant changes with regards to alternate fuels. It truly is exciting times ahead and in my opinion we will see a variety of options available to suit different applications and industries and this is what I am most looking forward to.

Grab a coffee and meet suppliers to the fleet industry in the Exhibition Hall

Topic: Implementing a Maintenance Management System

Speaker: Jade Zigenbine, Acting Quality Assurance & Fleet – Operations Specialist, Shire of Nullumbik

Jade Zigenbine is the current Fleet Business Unit Partner at Nillumbik Shire Council in Melbourne, Victoria. With a highly skilled background and professional experience in Local government and Fleet operations she brings over 10 years’ experience managing and optimising the operations of fleet services.
Jade successfully delivers key projects and supports the ongoing management of fleet operations, ensuring the efficient use of resources and compliance with quality standards. Their role includes overseeing the maintenance of the Fleet Management System (FMS), training staff, generating detailed reports, and managing fuel operation.

Throughout Jades career, has excelled in cross-departmental collaboration, project management, and process optimisation, resulting in improved fleet operations and significant cost savings. Her dedication to maintaining high operational standards, OH&S improvements and standards whilst providing exceptional service to both internal and external stakeholders.

Jade is excited to present the journey she has taken Nillumbik Shire Council on in the improvement of the Fleet Maintenance Management system, Chain of responsibility standards and the National Heavy vehicle regulations and the successful education and projects over the last 18 months.

Topic: Collaborating for Success

Speaker: Melinda Ta, Group Manager - Fleet and Depot, City of Parramatta

Melinda Ta is the Group Manager – Fleet and Depot Operations at the City of Parramatta. A highly skilled, outcomes driven individual, Melinda has over 20 years’ experience in Local Government across Community Development and Engagement, Sports, Culture and Volunteer management, Playground and Open Spaces design and Place Making and most recently Fleet and Depot operations.

Melinda leads a multidisciplinary team, overseeing the Rydalmere Operations Centre, managing the operations and maintenance of Council’s heavy and light fleet of vehicles and coordinating all of Council’s trade services such as Carpenters, Painters, graffiti removal, Trades Assistants, Stores Management, Heavy Diesel Mechanics, Sign Production and Sign Installation. Fleet and Depot Operations play a crucial role in ensuring that the City of Parramatta’s core operations run smoothly, efficiently, and safely.

In 2024 City of Parramatta’s Fleet Team underwent a refresh to improve productivity and service delivery. This resulted in a range of operational efficiencies including clear leadership and vision for the team, improved fleet management, compliance and safety, budget management and clear processes and procedures driven by data analysis.

Melinda is passionate about local government and implements an empathetic, inclusive leadership style with a strong focus on governance, probity and compliance combined with a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and strategic planning.

Panellists

• Jade Zigenbine, Acting Quality Assurance & Fleet – Operations Specialist, Shire of Nullumbik
• Melinda Ta, Group Manager, Fleet and Depot, City of Parramatta

Speaker: Chris L'Ecluse, QLD State Manager, Teletrac Navman

Following a successful career in the Western Australian Police Force where he held the rank of Sergeant and served for more than 20 years, Chris developed a keen understanding and appreciation for road safety.
Over many years, Chris has trained advanced defensive driving in many countries throughout the world and consulted on land transport safety issues.
A qualified Master Driver Trainer, Chris has extensive experience, knowledge, and the background to continue to educate industry on land transport safety issues and future challenges and mitigation protocols, specialising in policy development, change management and legislative
compliance.

Time for a break and an opportunity to catch up with other delegates over lunch.

And another chance to connect with suppliers and sponsors in the Exhibition Hall!

Topic: Comparing the Safety Performance of Fleets across the States

Speaker: Nathan Gore-Brown, Director ZEV Intergrations, on behalf of Zurich

Nathan is a leading expert in transport decarbonisation, electric vehicle strategy, and deployment in Australia. With a background in Industrial Engineering (Design) and Automotive Electrical, He is one of few to have developed, bought, sold, implemented, operated and researched policy for Zero Emissions Vehicles (ZEVs). Nathan works with Zurich Resilience Solutions to support evolving industry best practice within the fast pace of change.

Topic: Benchmarking for performance with telematics data

Speaker: Tim Hill, CEO and Founder, Fleetyr and Brendan Cannon, Group Fleet and Utilisation Manager, Altus Group 

Tim hill is the founder of Fleetyr. Fleetyr is an Australian based business that has built an agnostic platform that connects and cleans mobility and safety data across multiple sources, so fleet owners can make smarter business decisions. Fleetyr helps clients across 6 continents uncover actionable insights that enable them to continuously improve, reduce waste, and save on long-term costs. 

Brendan Cannon is a Fleet and Operations Executive with over 20 years of experience in asset management, cost optimization, and operational efficiency. He specializes in streamlining fleet operations, reducing expenses, and leveraging technology to enhance productivity and sustainability.

As Group Fleet and Utilization Manager at Altus Traffic Management, Brendan oversees a multi-million-dollar fleet & equipment portfolio across Australia and New Zealand. He focuses on efficiency, procurement, risk management, and compliance, achieving significant cost savings, improved fleet utilization, and the successful integration of telematics and management software. He also leads sustainability initiatives, driving lower emissions and greater environmental responsibility.

Brendan brings strong expertise in ISO compliance, safety systems, and stakeholder engagement across government and utility sectors. His deep knowledge of fleet lifecycle management, procurement, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance enables him to implement data-driven, sustainable solutions that enhance performance.

As a speaker, he provides practical insights on:
✔ Fleet Optimization & Cost Control – Maximizing asset utilization while reducing expenses.
✔ Technology & Telematics – Using data to improve fleet efficiency and decision-making.
✔ Sustainability & Compliance – Reducing emissions while meeting regulatory requirements.
✔ Risk Management & Safety – Strengthening policies to minimize operational risks.
✔ Strategic Growth & Contracts – Securing long-term partnerships and business success.

With a focus on innovation, efficiency, and leadership, Brendan continues to drive high-performance, sustainable fleet operations.

Panellists

• Brendan Cannon, Group Fleet and Utilisation Manager, Altus Group
• Tim Hill, CEO and Founder, Fleetyr
• Nathan Gore-Brown, Director ZEV Intergrations
• Chris L'Ecluse, QLD State Manager, Teletrac Navman

Speaker: Murray Odea, Isuzu Trucks

Visit the Exhibition Hall for some coffee, an afternoon sugar hit, and share your contact details with a supplier that can help solve a challenge with your fleet

Topic: Fleet planning when a natural disaster is approaching

Panellists

• Lynette Connor, Manager Assets, Victoria State Emergency Service
• Rick Thompson, Workshop and Operations Program Leader (Acting), Logan City Council

Topic: Creativity and Leadership

Speaker: Associate Professor Luke Houghton SFHEA, Griffith University

Associate Professor Luke Houghton is a researcher, educator, and consultant who specialises in digital transformation and complex problem-solving. With over 100 publications in leading journals, he explores how people make decisions in uncertain environments and how organisations adapt to challenges. His work focuses on three key areas: how framing and sensemaking influence leadership in messy management situations, the impact of feral information systems and unofficial workarounds on business operations, and how communities of practice use technology to enhance learning and collaboration. As a mentor, he has guided over 20 research candidates, including 16 PhDs, and his insights have been featured in top-tier journals like the Information Systems Journal, Journal of Industrial Ecology, and Journal of the Operational Research Society. Luke works with businesses and leaders to help them untangle complexity, optimise decision-making, and leverage digital transformation for meaningful impact, offering research-driven insights, executive training, and strategic advisory services that equip organisations to navigate uncertainty with confidence.

Panellists

• Associate Professor Luke Houghton SFHEA, Griffith University
• Murray Odea, National Dealer Sales Manager, Isuzu Trucks
• David Jenkins, CEO, IPWEA

Presented by

• Marc Sibbald, Director, IPWEA Fleet
• Thomas Brayley, Manager, Plant Fleet Services Manager, Logan City Council and Council Chair, IPWEA Fleet

Who’s your team?

An opportunity to network with old friends and connect with new ones over drinks and nibbles at one of Brisbane’s most hippest venues.