Western Australia will be looking for a new government architect after Rebecca Moore, its first female incumbent in the job steps down after three years in the job. The government will also be searching for a new chair to appoint to the State Design Review Panel.
Since taking on the gig in September 2020, Moore has provided design advice on $28 billion worth of state projects and chaired 61 SDRP meetings. She’s provided consultation on key state projects such as the Metronet station developments, The Causeway pedestrian and cyclist bridge, and the Women and Babies Hospital.
Moore said her career focus was providing a future-focused council on critical public infrastructure.
“The latest round of planning reform initiatives presents an exciting opportunity for Western Australia’s next government architect to continue ensuring that good design is at the forefront of all planning and development,” she said.
“After almost three and a half years in this dynamic role, I am looking forward to spending some time with my family.”
Moore will move on from her appointment in February 2024, with architect and current principal associate Barbara Gdowski acts as government architect and interim chair of the panel until the new appointment is made.
Employers are looking for skills, not degrees
A new white paper by Wandr, a new online learning and career discovery platform, revealed that the Gen Z cohort between the ages of 16 and 18 increasingly regret their course choices or even their decision to go to university.
Of the 70 per cent of participants heading to university, only 41 per cent feel confident about their career choices. One in five participants then proceed to drop out in their first year. Of the students not planning to go to university or haven’t decided, 33 per cent feel that their career options are limited.
The platform claims that the spiking uncertainty is caused by outdated career ideologies passed down from parents and teachers, with almost 60 per cent of participants feeling like their parents are forcing them to go to university.
In the wake of this, the platform aims to encourage students to take on the hundreds of courses and micro-credentials available on platforms that are endorsed by CPD (continuing professional development), instead of being rushed into big life decisions.
Wandr’s chief executive, Cheryl Quang, said, “We encourage students to slow down and try a few careers for size to see what fits. We know that disruption to education, job losses, financial uncertainty, and social isolation have all weighed heavily on Gen Z’s shoulders.
“No group of workers will confront the reality of the changing world of work more directly than young workers.”
Careers for Net Zero Fair
And speaking of young career folk, there’s a new Careers for Net Zero Fair happening in Melbourne on Thursday. It’s an Aussie-first event dedicated to the nation’s clean economy workforce for students, graduates, and experienced workers to find a role in the industry.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan and Atlassian chief executive Mike Cannon-Brookes are key speakers who will try to encourage the young ones to get cracking in the race to net zero.
Green Energy multimillionaires are dominating the Young Rich List
It’s always worth noting when there’s loads of money heading towards green industries given that this is still (sadly) the most effective way to accelerate this revolution we desperately need.
So, it’s comforting to see the latest Australian Financial Review’s new Young Rich List cite green energy multimillionaires at the top of its ranking.
Leading the way is US-based investor and University of Wollongong graduate Gregory Green, who placed 50th on the list after selling his share of MAS Energy, an Atlanta-based company that owns seven landfill gas-based projects, earning him an estimated $100 million, taking his total worth to around $138 million.
Other green trailblazers include:
- Francis Wedin from Perth, ranking 79th, founded Vulcan Energy Resources, which claims to be the world’s first and only zero-carbon producer of battery-grade lithium hydroxide
- Tal Paneth from Melbourne, ranking 83rd, who founded Iris Metals, understood to be the largest holder of lithium mining in South Dakota in the US, which benefits from Biden subsidies that help electrify fossil-fuel-driven sectors
- Mark and Paul Savich brothers missed the cut-off with a $43 million business, WA1 Resources, which is exploring niobium, a rare earth that can modify lithium-ion batteries free of fire risk and make them charge faster
Calls for healthier transport system
Healthy Transport, a network of health professionals and community members, calls on federal Transport Minister Catherine King to deliver a healthier transport system that provides clean air and community connection.
Health professionals and community members are calling for signatures for a petition to governments and leaders, encouraging the recognition of the health risks from vehicle emissions, physical inactivity, traffic, and noise pollution.
According to a report prepared by the network, risks include chronic diseases such as asthma, traffic injuries and deaths, impaired cognition in children and elderly, increased mental health conditions and more.
“The good news is – a low-emissions transport system is good for our health, good for the climate, and totally possible,” the report said.
“From healthy air to thriving communities to self-sufficient young people, we all benefit from more investment in public transport, walking and biking infrastructure.”
“This is an investment for the public good—no matter how we get around.”
Infrastructure NSW
Infrastructure NSW has appointed Tom Gellibrand as its new head as previous head, Simon Drape moved on to become the new chief executive of the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
Gellibrand has previously been the head of projects at the infrastructure advisory body for four years prior to his new role and had also held senior roles with the Metro and North West Rail Link. He was also previously the deputy director general at the NSW Department of Planning.
“It’s a privilege to lead the organisation and support the government in addressing the challenging fiscal environment, transforming our electricity system and building more diverse and affordable places for people to live,” said Gellibrand.
Inland Rail
Inland Rail’s acting chief executive Rebecca Pickering has left the role after more than two years. Pickering joined the company after an independent review into Australian Rail and Track Corporation found the company had poor governance and project management, which lead to the creation of the new Inland Rail subsidiary.
While Inland Rail is looking for a replacement, the board chair of the organisation, Robert Rust will serve as interim chief executive and chair until the position is filled.