--- title: Machines & HV Assets 2026 | Speakers --- # Meet our speakers - [ View Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) - [ Download Brochure ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/download-brochure?hsLang=en-au) ![218A5217 (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/218A5217%20(1).jpg?width=2000&name=218A5217%20(1).jpg) ##### Filter Speakers All Session Types - All Session Types - Masterclass - Opening Remarks - Panel Discussion - Break - Roundtables - Event Dinner - Women in Energy Breakfast - Closing Remarks [Reset Filter](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/speakers) ![Annelieke de Wit](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png?width=400&height=400&name=Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png) ##### Annelieke de Wit, PhD Manager, Projects and Partnerships **Monash Energy Institute** ![Chris Dumbrell](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg) ##### Chris Dumbrell Senior Manager – Maintenance, Reliability Engineering and Condition Assessment **Sydney Water** ![Sydney Water-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Sydney%20Water-1.png?width=400&height=100&name=Sydney%20Water-1.png) ![Claude Morris pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg?width=695&height=695&name=Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg) ##### Claude Morris National Sector Leader- BESS **GHD**  ![ghd-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/ghd-1.png?width=400&height=100&name=ghd-1.png) ![David Pointing-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/David%20Pointing-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=David%20Pointing-1.png) ##### David Pointing Chief Executive Officer **The Australian Power Institute** ![Elizabeth Ratnam](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Elizabeth%20Ratnam.png?width=400&height=400&name=Elizabeth%20Ratnam.png) ##### Dr Elizabeth Ratnam Associate Professor - Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering **Monash University** ![monash-2](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/monash-2.png?width=400&height=100&name=monash-2.png) ![rui li (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/rui%20li%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=rui%20li%20(1).png) ##### Dr Rui Li Lecturer - Electrical Engineering **Victoria University ** ![vic uni](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/vic%20uni.png?width=400&height=100&name=vic%20uni.png) ![Dr Shantanu Kumar (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png) ##### Dr Shantanu Kumar Associate Principal | Energy – HV Substations Technical Lead **Arup** ![arup-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/arup-1.png?width=400&height=100&name=arup-1.png) ![Francisco Dutra (2)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png?width=400&height=400&name=Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png) ##### Francisco Dutra International Transformer Expert **Sergi Transformer Protector (France)** ![sergi](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/sergi.png?width=400&height=100&name=sergi.png) ![Giacomo Ciotti](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Giacomo%20Ciotti.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Giacomo%20Ciotti.jpg) ##### Giacomo Ciotti Divisional Manager – OptMonitor **Machinemonitor** ![Machinemonitor](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Machinemonitor.png?width=400&height=100&name=Machinemonitor.png) ![Jeremy Culberg](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeremy%20Culberg.jpg?width=240&height=240&name=Jeremy%20Culberg.jpg) ##### Jeremy Culberg Senior Electrical Engineer **Watersure** ![watersure](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/watersure.png?width=400&height=100&name=watersure.png) ![Kellie Kininmont](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kellie%20Kininmont.png?width=400&height=400&name=Kellie%20Kininmont.png) ##### Kellie Kininmont Lead Engineering Delivery Services **SA Water** ![sa water (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/sa%20water%20(1).png?width=400&height=100&name=sa%20water%20(1).png) ![Mark Ragusa](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark%20Ragusa.png?width=400&height=400&name=Mark%20Ragusa.png) ##### Mark Ragusa Head of Asset Management and Planning **Ausgrid** ![Ausgrid](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ausgrid.png?width=400&height=100&name=Ausgrid.png) ![Milinda Senanayake](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milinda%20Senanayake.png?width=400&height=400&name=Milinda%20Senanayake.png) ##### Milinda Senanayake Principal Electrical Engineer **South East Water** ![South East Water](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/South%20East%20Water.png?width=400&height=100&name=South%20East%20Water.png) ![Mitchell OShea](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mitchell%20OShea.png?width=400&height=400&name=Mitchell%20OShea.png) ##### Mitchell O'Shea Reliability Engineer **Brisbane Airport Corporation** ![brisbane airport](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/brisbane%20airport.png?width=400&height=100&name=brisbane%20airport.png) ![Mladen Sasic (3)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mladen%20Sasic%20(3).png?width=400&height=400&name=Mladen%20Sasic%20(3).png) ##### Mladen Sasic Manager of Rotating Machines Technical Services **Iris Power (Canada)** ![iris](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/iris.png?width=400&height=100&name=iris.png) ![Mushfiq Rahman](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mushfiq%20Rahman.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Mushfiq%20Rahman.jpg) ##### Mushfiq Rahman Group CEO **3C Energy** ![3c](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/3c.png?width=400&height=100&name=3c.png) ![Myra Nolan (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png) ##### Myra Nolan Technical Director **Clean Energy Finance Corporation ** ![cefc-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/cefc-1.png?width=400&height=100&name=cefc-1.png) ![Nathan Bitsas](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Nathan%20Bitsas.png?width=900&height=900&name=Nathan%20Bitsas.png) ##### Nathan Bitsas Head of Electricity Network Safety **Energy Safe Victoria** ![energy safe (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/energy%20safe%20(1).png?width=400&height=100&name=energy%20safe%20(1).png) ![Praema Ranga](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Praema%20Ranga.svg) ##### Praema Ranga Product Services Manager | Chair of Women in Engineering Queensland  **Boeing Defence Australia | Engineers Australia** ![boeing engineers au](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/boeing%20engineers%20au.png?width=400&height=100&name=boeing%20engineers%20au.png) ![Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png?width=400&height=400&name=Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png) ##### Prof Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian Director - Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, Professor & Major Discipline Coordinator – Electrical & Electronics - School of Engineering **Swinburne University of Technology** ![swinburne](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/swinburne.png?width=400&height=100&name=swinburne.png) ![Katherine Richards AM CSC](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Katherine%20Richards%20AM%20CSC.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Katherine%20Richards%20AM%20CSC.jpg) ##### Rear Admiral (Retired) Katherine Richards AM CSC Chief Engineer **Engineers Australia** ![engineers au](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/engineers%20au.png?width=400&height=100&name=engineers%20au.png) ![Ron Scollay (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ron%20Scollay%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Ron%20Scollay%20(1).png) ##### Ron Scollay Principal Engineering Consultant **Machinemonitor** ![Machinemonitor](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Machinemonitor.png?width=400&height=100&name=Machinemonitor.png) ![Shaikat Debnath](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Shaikat%20Debnath.png?width=198&height=198&name=Shaikat%20Debnath.png) ##### Shaikat Debnath, PhD Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Specialist **Potentia Energy** ![Potentia](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Potentia.png?width=400&height=100&name=Potentia.png) ![Shantanu Bendre](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Shantanu%20Bendre.png?width=400&height=400&name=Shantanu%20Bendre.png) ##### Shantanu Bendre Mechanical and Electrical Reliability Engineer **Yarra Valley Water ** ![yarra valley water-2](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/yarra%20valley%20water-2.png?width=400&height=100&name=yarra%20valley%20water-2.png) ![Steve Lilliss pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg?width=607&height=607&name=Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg) ##### Steve Lilliss Senior Manager Asset Management **Horizon Power** ![horizon-3](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/horizon-3.png?width=400&height=100&name=horizon-3.png) ![victor edo](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/victor%20edo.png?width=400&height=400&name=victor%20edo.png) ##### Victor Edo Senior Electrical Engineer - Capital Projects **Alcoa ** ![alcoa](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/alcoa.png?width=400&height=100&name=alcoa.png) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Steve Lilliss pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg?width=607&height=607&name=Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg) ### Steve Lilliss Senior Manager Asset Management **Horizon Power** Steve Lilliss is a highly respected energy sector leader with almost 25 years’ experience across state-owned and privately operated utilities. He brings deep expertise spanning operations, engineering, planning, asset management and large-scale transformation, supporting complex regulated generation, transmission and distribution assets. Steve has led large, geographically dispersed teams and is widely recognised for his strong safety leadership and collaborative approach. Throughout his career, he has been accountable for delivering major infrastructure maintenance, asset replacement and capital programs exceeding $90 million, while driving measurable improvements in safety, productivity and cost efficiency. His work has included implementing asset and field delivery innovations that significantly reduced system maintenance costs and improved workforce outcomes. With extensive experience in emergency and disaster response, Steve has played a key role in improving network reliability and public safety. He is now contributing to the energy transition, focused on integrating renewables and new technologies to support high levels of renewable penetration. Steve holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and a Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.  ###### Speaking at Masterclass ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 08:30 ###### Masterclass: Overcoming technology and operational challenges for Battery Energy Storage Systems ![Steve Lilliss pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg) ![Claude Morris pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg) Speaker Speakers Steve Lilliss, Claude Morris, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Claude Morris pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg?width=695&height=695&name=Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg) ### Claude Morris National Sector Leader- BESS **GHD**  Claude Morris is a senior power systems specialist with more than a decade of experience delivering complex energy storage, microgrid and system integration solutions across Australia. At GHD, Claude plays a key leadership role in advancing large-scale battery energy storage and integrated power system projects, supporting utilities, developers and governments as they navigate the energy transition. Based in Western Australia, Claude has led multidisciplinary teams responsible for the design and integration of microgrids, storage and renewable energy assets, with a strong focus on system strength, reliability and power quality. His expertise spans both islanded and interconnected networks, including system studies, protection and fault analysis, network impact assessments and asset management planning. Prior to joining GHD, Claude worked at Horizon Power as a power systems and renewable energy engineer, contributing to the operation and evolution of remote and regional power systems. He brings a practical, systems-focused perspective to integrating storage and renewables at scale. Claude holds a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from Murdoch University.  ###### Speaking at Masterclass ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 08:30 ###### Masterclass: Overcoming technology and operational challenges for Battery Energy Storage Systems ![Steve Lilliss pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Steve%20Lilliss%20pic.jpg) ![Claude Morris pic](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Claude%20Morris%20pic.jpg) Speaker Speakers Steve Lilliss, Claude Morris, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Mushfiq Rahman](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mushfiq%20Rahman.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Mushfiq%20Rahman.jpg) ### Mushfiq Rahman Group CEO **3C Energy** ###### Speaking at Opening Remarks ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 08:50 ###### Opening remarks from the Chair ![Mushfiq Rahman](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mushfiq%20Rahman.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Mushfiq%20Rahman.jpg) Speaker Speakers Mushfiq Rahman, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Dr Shantanu Kumar (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png) ### Dr Shantanu Kumar Associate Principal | Energy – HV Substations Technical Lead **Arup** Dr Shantanu Kumar is an Associate Principal at Arup and the Energy – HV Substations Technical Lead, with more than 35 years of experience across transmission and distribution networks. A recognised subject matter expert in HV and LV substations, his career spans design, engineering, testing, commissioning, asset management and reliability engineering across both brownfield upgrades and new-build infrastructure projects including digital substations based on IEC 61850 protocol. Dr Kumar has delivered complex substation projects ranging from 11 kV to 400 kV AIS and GIS installations across underground and surface environments, supporting Western Australia’s mining, utilities and major infrastructure sectors. His work has focused on ensuring safe, reliable and high-performance substation operation through rigorous engineering design and lifecycle asset strategies. With deep practical and advisory experience, he brings a systems-level perspective on how evolving grid conditions are reshaping substation performance, reliability expectations and engineering decision-making across modern high-voltage networks. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 09:00 ###### Australia’s HV asset turning point and why critical equipment is failing faster and what must change ![Dr Shantanu Kumar (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers Dr Shantanu Kumar, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) Panel Discussion ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 09:30 ###### Fireside chat: Reinventing HV asset strategy for a DER-heavy, BESS-driven future ![Annelieke de Wit](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png?width=53&height=53&name=Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png) ![Dr Shantanu Kumar (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png) ![Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png?width=53&height=53&name=Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png) Speaker Speakers Annelieke de Wit, PhD, Dr Shantanu Kumar, Prof Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) Roundtables ###### Roundtable 5 - Arc-flash risk in modern HV systems: exposure pathways, protection gaps and practical mitigation ![Dr Shantanu Kumar](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar.png?width=53&height=53&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar.png) Speaker Speakers Dr Shantanu Kumar, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Annelieke de Wit](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png?width=400&height=400&name=Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png) ### Annelieke de Wit, PhD Manager, Projects and Partnerships **Monash Energy Institute** ###### Speaking at Panel Discussion ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 09:30 ###### Fireside chat: Reinventing HV asset strategy for a DER-heavy, BESS-driven future ![Annelieke de Wit](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png?width=53&height=53&name=Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png) ![Dr Shantanu Kumar (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png) ![Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png?width=53&height=53&name=Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png) Speaker Speakers Annelieke de Wit, PhD, Dr Shantanu Kumar, Prof Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png?width=400&height=400&name=Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png) ### Prof Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian Director - Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub, Professor & Major Discipline Coordinator – Electrical & Electronics - School of Engineering **Swinburne University of Technology** Professor Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian is Discipline Director of Electrical and Electronics at School of Science Computing and Engineering Technologies and Director of Siemens Swinburne Energy Transition Hub at Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. He holds B.Sc. degree, M. Eng. Degree and PhD degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. His research interests include Renewable Energy systems, Microgrids, Smart grids and AI integrated Energy Systems. Prior to this engagement, he was the deputy director of CADET-VR lab at Deakin University. He strongly believes in industry-engaged research initiatives and has stablished several key research partnerships with leading external industries and research centres during his academic career. Mehdi has been chief/partner investigator around $21m funding application submission, including ~$10m successfully funded projects.   He is among the top 2% researchers in the world based on his research performance within in Electrical Engineering and Energy disciplines. He has been author/co-author of ~180 research articles, including 200+ highly-ranked journal papers, cited more than 7000 times in the prestigious databases including Nature Publication Journals. In addition, he also serves as editor/assimilate editors of prestigious academic journals and invited keynote speaker in numerous national and international energy related conferences and symposiums. ###### Speaking at Panel Discussion ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 09:30 ###### Fireside chat: Reinventing HV asset strategy for a DER-heavy, BESS-driven future ![Annelieke de Wit](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png?width=53&height=53&name=Annelieke%20de%20Wit.png) ![Dr Shantanu Kumar (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Dr%20Shantanu%20Kumar%20(1).png) ![Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png?width=53&height=53&name=Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.png) Speaker Speakers Annelieke de Wit, PhD, Dr Shantanu Kumar, Prof Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 14:10 ###### Future-Proofing Network Assets: Resilience Strategies for an Electrified and Decentralised Grid Highlights ![Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Mehdi%20Seyedmahmoudian.jpg) Speaker Speakers Prof Mehdi Seyedmahmoudian, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Giacomo Ciotti](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Giacomo%20Ciotti.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Giacomo%20Ciotti.jpg) ### Giacomo Ciotti Divisional Manager – OptMonitor **Machinemonitor** Giacomo Ciotti is an Electrical Engineer focused on HV assets. He completed his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering at the University of Bologna. Giacomo worked as an R&D Electrical Engineer at Techimp – Doble Engineering, where his focus areas included developing algorithms for partial discharge risk assessment in online monitoring systems, studying insulation systems under impulsive voltage stresses, and analysing space charge behaviour in HVDC applications. Giacomo is an active member of IEEE and CIGRE, and he is also part of CIGRE Working Group D1-78. Between 2022 and 2024, he contributed to a European research project focused on partial discharge phenomena under DC stress. In February 2025, Giacomo joined machinemonitor® as the OptMonitor Divisional Manager. In this role, he is responsible for online condition monitoring solutions within machinemonitor. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 11:00 ###### Online monitoring of end-winding vibration and partial discharge in a 225 MVA generator ![Giacomo Ciotti](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Giacomo%20Ciotti.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Giacomo%20Ciotti.jpg) Speaker Speakers Giacomo Ciotti, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Francisco Dutra (2)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png?width=400&height=400&name=Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png) ### Francisco Dutra International Transformer Expert **Sergi Transformer Protector (France)** ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 11:30 ###### Protecting power transformers from catastrophic failure ![Francisco Dutra (2)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png?width=53&height=53&name=Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png) Speaker Speakers Francisco Dutra, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) Roundtables ###### Roundtable 3 - Transformer failure forensics and the early indicators that are easy to miss ![Francisco Dutra (2)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png?width=53&height=53&name=Francisco%20Dutra%20(2).png) Speaker Speakers Francisco Dutra, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![victor edo](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/victor%20edo.png?width=400&height=400&name=victor%20edo.png) ### Victor Edo Senior Electrical Engineer - Capital Projects **Alcoa ** Victor Edo is an astute leader with 15 years’ experience working as Maintenance, Reliability and Project engineer within the Mining, Oil & Gas and Manufacturing industries across Nigeria and Australia.   Currently working at Alcoa of Australia WA, Victor is a Senior Electrical Engineer within the Capital Projects Team with the primary responsibility of ensuring that electrical designs meet company specifications as well as Australian standards and ensuring construction is per approved design.  Victor holds a Bachelor degree of Electrical/Electronic Engineering from the University of Benin, Nigeria. A Master of Science in Engineering Control Systems & Instrumentation from the University of Huddersfield, England and a Certificate in Project Management Practice (PMP) from Australian Institute of Management (AIMS). ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 12:00 ###### Applying Reliability-Centred Maintenance (RCM) principles for ongoing optimisation of rotating machinery performance ![victor edo](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/victor%20edo.png?width=53&height=53&name=victor%20edo.png) Speaker Speakers Victor Edo, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) Roundtables ###### Roundtable 2 - Vibration, cooling and fatigue clues that predict the worst ![victor edo](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/victor%20edo.png?width=53&height=53&name=victor%20edo.png) Speaker Speakers Victor Edo, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Mitchell OShea](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mitchell%20OShea.png?width=400&height=400&name=Mitchell%20OShea.png) ### Mitchell O'Shea Reliability Engineer **Brisbane Airport Corporation** Mitchell O’Shea is a Reliability Engineer at Brisbane Airport Corporation with eight years industry experience across water, mining, oil and gas, and aviation sectors. With a mixed background in consulting and site-based operations, he brings practical insight into asset reliability, maintenance strategy and operational performance in complex infrastructure environments.   Mitchell’s work focuses on improving operational resilience through applied reliability practices, data-informed decision making, and stakeholder collaboration aligned with operational needs. His cross-industry experience enables him to apply lessons learned from diverse asset environments to support safer and more reliable outcomes.   Passionate about people and capability development, Mitchell contributes to mentoring programs supporting both young people entering the workforce and engineering peers, mirroring his belief that investing in people is the foundation of a thriving engineering culture and collective excellence. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 13:30 ###### Ready for take-off: Effective spares management for operational resilience at Brisbane Airport (Pre-Recorded Video) ![Mitchell OShea](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mitchell%20OShea.png?width=53&height=53&name=Mitchell%20OShea.png) Speaker Speakers Mitchell O'Shea, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Milinda Senanayake](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milinda%20Senanayake.png?width=400&height=400&name=Milinda%20Senanayake.png) ### Milinda Senanayake Principal Electrical Engineer **South East Water** Milinda Senanayake is a Principal Electrical Engineer at South East Water and a Chartered Electrical Engineer with extensive experience across the power, water, renewable energy, paper and industrial sectors. His expertise spans LV power distribution design, technical standards, electrical governance, switchgear, earthing systems and engineering risk management. At South East Water, Milinda provides technical leadership across planning, delivery and operations; chairs the EICC Standards Committee; and leads key safety uplift initiatives. This includes enhancing Arc Flash PPE requirements and developing strengthened standards for Arc Flash risk management and engineering controls. Previously, Milinda contributed to Evoenergy’s electricity distribution network by leading the development and maintenance of construction standards, undertaking technical tender evaluations, and supporting the integration of new technologies and products into utility operations. He has served on Standards Australia’s EL-026 Technical Committee and the Field-Based Safety Committee. Milinda holds a Master of Engineering Management and a Bachelor of Electrical & Electronic Engineering. Recognised for his strategic approach and collaborative leadership style, Milinda works closely with multidisciplinary stakeholders to align engineering intent with operational needs, delivering efficient, resilient and future-ready infrastructure outcomes. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 14:00 ###### Arc Flash Risk Management at SEW, Engineering Electrical Systems for Safety, Reliability and Long-life Performance Across Essential Services ![Milinda Senanayake](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Milinda%20Senanayake.png?width=53&height=53&name=Milinda%20Senanayake.png) Speaker Speakers Milinda Senanayake, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Elizabeth Ratnam](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Elizabeth%20Ratnam.png?width=400&height=400&name=Elizabeth%20Ratnam.png) ### Dr Elizabeth Ratnam Associate Professor - Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering **Monash University** Dr Elizabeth Ratnam earned her BEng (Hons I) degree in Electrical Engineering in 2006 and a PhD in Electrical Engineering in 2016, both from the University of Newcastle, Australia. She further honed her expertise through postdoctoral research positions at the University of California, San Diego, and the University of California, Berkeley, within the California Institute for Energy and Environment (CIEE). From 2001 to 2012, Dr. Ratnam held key positions at Ausgrid, one of Australia’s largest electricity distribution networks. In 2018, Dr Ratnam earned the Future Engineering Research Leader (FERL) Fellowship at The Australian National University (ANU), where she served as a Senior Lecturer and Sub-Dean for Educational Programs at the College of Engineering & Computer Science. As of 2024, Dr. Ratnam continues to advance the frontiers of power systems research as an Associate Professor at Monash University. A Senior Member of IEEE and a Fellow of Engineers Australia, Dr. Ratnam’s research is centered on pioneering new paradigms for operating power systems, with a strong focus on developing a resilient, carbon-neutral power grid. ###### Speaking at Roundtables ###### Roundtable 1 — Torsional stress on generator shafts — when is this an issue, why, and potential solutions ![Elizabeth Ratnam](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Elizabeth%20Ratnam.png?width=53&height=53&name=Elizabeth%20Ratnam.png) Speaker Speakers Dr Elizabeth Ratnam, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Nathan Bitsas](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Nathan%20Bitsas.png?width=900&height=900&name=Nathan%20Bitsas.png) ### Nathan Bitsas Head of Electricity Network Safety **Energy Safe Victoria** Nathan Bitsas is Head of Electricity Network Safety at Energy Safe Victoria, where he leads the regulatory oversight of safety across all electricity networks in Victoria. He sets the strategic direction for a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technical specialists and safety professionals responsible for ensuring network operators meet rigorous safety and compliance obligations. A Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng), Nathan brings extensive experience across engineering consulting, project management and technical advisory roles, alongside senior positions in government administration. His background spans infrastructure delivery, regulatory frameworks and risk management within complex energy environments. Nathan holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School and combines strong technical expertise with strategic leadership capability, focusing on improving safety outcomes, strengthening regulatory assurance and supporting the safe operation of Victoria’s evolving electricity network. ###### Speaking at Roundtables ###### Roundtable 4 - Taking a precautionary approach to risk mitigation (complying with OHS and energy safety laws) ![Nathan Bitsas](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Nathan%20Bitsas.png?width=53&height=53&name=Nathan%20Bitsas.png) Speaker Speakers Nathan Bitsas, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Mladen Sasic (3)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mladen%20Sasic%20(3).png?width=400&height=400&name=Mladen%20Sasic%20(3).png) ### Mladen Sasic Manager of Rotating Machines Technical Services **Iris Power (Canada)** Mladen Sasic is Manager of Rotating Machines Technical Services with IRIS Power, Canada. He has more than 35 years of professional experience in design and testing of Electrical Power Equipment. Before joining IRIS, Mladen was with ADWEL International LTD., where he was involved in design and application of test equipment for on-line and off-line testing of rotating machines. Mladen Sasic received a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Sarajevo University, Yugoslavia in 1987. He is a Fellow of the IEEE and is a registered professional engineer in Ontario, Canada. Mladen was coauthor of Handbook of Electrical Motors published in 2004, and more than 120 technical papers. He was a member and contributed to various CIGRE, IEC, ISO and IEEE working groups. ###### Speaking at Roundtables ###### Roundtable 6 - Managing alert fatigue and false confidence in continuously monitored assets ![Mladen Sasic (3)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mladen%20Sasic%20(3).png?width=53&height=53&name=Mladen%20Sasic%20(3).png) Speaker Speakers Mladen Sasic, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 09:30 ###### Understanding condition-based maintenance and when continuous monitoring becomes essential ![Mladen Sasic (4)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mladen%20Sasic%20(4).png?width=53&height=53&name=Mladen%20Sasic%20(4).png) Speaker Speakers Mladen Sasic, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![rui li (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/rui%20li%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=rui%20li%20(1).png) ### Dr Rui Li Lecturer - Electrical Engineering **Victoria University ** Dr. Rui Li is a Lecturer in Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Victoria University. She holds a PhD specializing in Body Area Networks and biofeedback systems, with research focused on intelligent sensing technologies and human-centered engineering solutions. Dr. Li has extensive experience in the design and development of wearable technologies aimed at enhancing sports performance. Her work has supported professional athletes through advanced monitoring systems and feedback mechanisms to optimize training outcomes. She is also an active member of the Victoria University Power Sensing and Telecommunication (VUPST) Research Group, which pioneers innovative approaches to power systems monitoring, smart sensing, and advanced telecommunication technologies for next-generation energy infrastructure. In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Li serves as the Coordinator of the Women in STEM Excellence (WISE) Group at Victoria University. In this role, she is committed to supporting and empowering female students, fostering engagement, leadership development, and lifelong growth in STEM fields. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 08:50 ###### Introduction by Day 2 Chair ![rui li (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/rui%20li%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=rui%20li%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers Dr Rui Li, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Katherine Richards AM CSC](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Katherine%20Richards%20AM%20CSC.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Katherine%20Richards%20AM%20CSC.jpg) ### Rear Admiral (Retired) Katherine Richards AM CSC Chief Engineer **Engineers Australia** ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 09:00 ###### Strategic insights into engineering failures and what that means for HV engineers ![Katherine Richards AM CSC](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Katherine%20Richards%20AM%20CSC.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Katherine%20Richards%20AM%20CSC.jpg) Speaker Speakers Rear Admiral (Retired) Katherine Richards AM CSC , [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Ron Scollay (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ron%20Scollay%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Ron%20Scollay%20(1).png) ### Ron Scollay Principal Engineering Consultant **Machinemonitor** ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 10:45 ###### Reverse engineering and rewinding large HV stators: transitioning from GVPI to resin-rich insulation ![Ron Scollay (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Ron%20Scollay%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Ron%20Scollay%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers Ron Scollay, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Mark Ragusa](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark%20Ragusa.png?width=400&height=400&name=Mark%20Ragusa.png) ### Mark Ragusa Head of Asset Management and Planning **Ausgrid** ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 12:00 ###### Down-conductor detection and public safety ![Mark Ragusa](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Mark%20Ragusa.png?width=53&height=53&name=Mark%20Ragusa.png) Speaker Speakers Mark Ragusa, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![David Pointing-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/David%20Pointing-1.png?width=400&height=400&name=David%20Pointing-1.png) ### David Pointing Chief Executive Officer **The Australian Power Institute** ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 13:30 ###### Panel discussion: Engineering leadership when assets age faster than budgets allow ![David Pointing-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/David%20Pointing-1.png?width=53&height=53&name=David%20Pointing-1.png) ![Praema Ranga](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Praema%20Ranga.svg) ![Chris Dumbrell](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg) ![Myra Nolan (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers David Pointing, Praema Ranga, Chris Dumbrell, Myra Nolan, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Praema Ranga](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Praema%20Ranga.svg) ### Praema Ranga Product Services Manager | Chair of Women in Engineering Queensland  **Boeing Defence Australia | Engineers Australia** Praema Ranga is a seasoned engineering leader with over 20 years of experience, currently leading teams for the Air Combat and Electronic Attack program at Boeing Defence Australia. His career spans manufacturing, control room operations, major projects, asset management, design management, operations, and sustainment across the energy and defence industries in Australia. Based in Brisbane, Praema has a proven track record in strategic capability development and leading high-performing teams to deliver complex, high-risk programs with precision and excellence. She excels in fostering collaboration, uniting diverse stakeholders, and aligning competing priorities to achieve strategic organisational objectives. With expertise in capital works and departmental budget management, she is adept at balancing operational efficiency with long-term growth. Beyond his professional role, Praema is deeply committed to industry and community leadership. She actively contributes to not-for-profit organisations as a board and committee member, mentors emerging professionals, and leads networking initiatives. A regular speaker at industry events, she champions inclusive and safer workplaces, advocating for a more diverse and innovative future in engineering and defence. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 13:30 ###### Panel discussion: Engineering leadership when assets age faster than budgets allow ![David Pointing-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/David%20Pointing-1.png?width=53&height=53&name=David%20Pointing-1.png) ![Praema Ranga](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Praema%20Ranga.svg) ![Chris Dumbrell](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg) ![Myra Nolan (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers David Pointing, Praema Ranga, Chris Dumbrell, Myra Nolan, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Chris Dumbrell](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg?width=800&height=800&name=Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg) ### Chris Dumbrell Senior Manager – Maintenance, Reliability Engineering and Condition Assessment **Sydney Water** Chris Dumbrell is a seasoned operations, maintenance, and asset management professional with over 25 years of experience across diverse industries including water, roads, and entertainment. Throughout his career, Chris has successfully led a wide range of operations and maintenance contracts, demonstrating deep expertise in asset and project management. Currently, Chris leads the Maintenance, Reliability & Condition Assessment Team at Sydney Water, where he is responsible for ensuring asset performance aligns with cost and risk expectations. His team develops prioritised, bottom-up plans for maintenance, renewals, and condition monitoring, and drives cross-functional initiatives in risk management, failure investigation, and lifecycle modelling. Chris is passionate about driving continuous improvement and delivering strategic value through effective asset management. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 13:30 ###### Panel discussion: Engineering leadership when assets age faster than budgets allow ![David Pointing-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/David%20Pointing-1.png?width=53&height=53&name=David%20Pointing-1.png) ![Praema Ranga](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Praema%20Ranga.svg) ![Chris Dumbrell](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg) ![Myra Nolan (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers David Pointing, Praema Ranga, Chris Dumbrell, Myra Nolan, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Myra Nolan (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png?width=400&height=400&name=Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png) ### Myra Nolan Technical Director **Clean Energy Finance Corporation ** Myra Nolan MBA, BEng (Hons) is a senior energy infrastructure leader at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, where she brings deep expertise in transmission development, project delivery and large-scale capital investment. With a career spanning more than 15 years in the electricity sector, Myra has played a key role in progressing major grid and renewable integration projects across Australia. Prior to joining the CEFC, Myra held senior roles at Transgrid and Powerlink Queensland, leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and overseeing cost estimation, risk modelling and design coordination for multi-billion-dollar infrastructure portfolios. Her experience covers the full project lifecycle, from early concept and feasibility through to construction and commissioning of high-voltage transmission assets. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 13:30 ###### Panel discussion: Engineering leadership when assets age faster than budgets allow ![David Pointing-1](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/David%20Pointing-1.png?width=53&height=53&name=David%20Pointing-1.png) ![Praema Ranga](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Praema%20Ranga.svg) ![Chris Dumbrell](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Chris%20Dumbrell.jpg) ![Myra Nolan (1)](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png?width=53&height=53&name=Myra%20Nolan%20(1).png) Speaker Speakers David Pointing, Praema Ranga, Chris Dumbrell, Myra Nolan, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Shaikat Debnath](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Shaikat%20Debnath.png?width=198&height=198&name=Shaikat%20Debnath.png) ### Shaikat Debnath, PhD Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Specialist **Potentia Energy** Shaikat Debnath is an experienced Electrical Engineer with 15 years in the power industry, specializing in power generation and energy storage. His expertise spans power project development in utility-scale BESS, solar farms, and HV substations, as well as the operation and maintenance of gas turbine power stations. His extensive O&M experience provides him with a strong understanding of long-term operational risks across the full project lifecycle. Coupled with a Ph.D. in battery energy storage, which gives him deep insight into advanced engineering design, Shaikat brings a unique perspective to project development—enabling him to identify risks early and design with long-term performance and reliability in mind. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 15:00 ###### Fire risk management for utility-scale BESS projects in Australia ![Shaikat Debnath](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Shaikat%20Debnath.png?width=53&height=53&name=Shaikat%20Debnath.png) Speaker Speakers Shaikat Debnath, PhD, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Jeremy Culberg](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeremy%20Culberg.jpg?width=240&height=240&name=Jeremy%20Culberg.jpg) ### Jeremy Culberg Senior Electrical Engineer **Watersure** Jeremy’s career spans over 20 years in providing technical support in electrical engineering. He has successfully delivered projects with high voltage equipment as well as power distribution. Jeremy has detailed experience in optimising plant spares, long term maintenance, upgrades, reliability, asset management and efficiency.   Jeremy has worked across the power industry, from hydroelectric generation, coal fired power stations and transmission.  Jeremy has delivered substation replacements, major plant upgrades and overhauls.  Jeremy’s current role includes the integration of new technologies into the transmission network, ranging from BESS, to SmartWires, to synchronous condensers. ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 15:30 ###### Asset management, asset replacement and public private partnerships ![Jeremy Culberg](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Jeremy%20Culberg.jpg?width=53&height=53&name=Jeremy%20Culberg.jpg) Speaker Speakers Jeremy Culberg, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Kellie Kininmont](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kellie%20Kininmont.png?width=400&height=400&name=Kellie%20Kininmont.png) ### Kellie Kininmont Lead Engineering Delivery Services **SA Water** An Electrical Engineer with over 25 years of experience, Kellie has had the opportunity to work on major projects in Australia, including the initial Prominent Hill mine 132kV Connection, New BESS installations and the Inpex Ichthys Gas Plant construction in Darwin.  Kellie has predominately worked on High Voltage Projects, in Distribution, Transmission, Gas and Mining applications, as a Delivery Manager, Design Manager and Principal Project Engineer.  Kellie's unique career has included time on site as well as design experience, project close out and management.  ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 16:00 ###### Brownfield Projects – Dealing with the complexities of legacy assets? ![Kellie Kininmont](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Kellie%20Kininmont.png?width=53&height=53&name=Kellie%20Kininmont.png) Speaker Speakers Kellie Kininmont, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/x-close.svg) ![Shantanu Bendre](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Shantanu%20Bendre.png?width=400&height=400&name=Shantanu%20Bendre.png) ### Shantanu Bendre Mechanical and Electrical Reliability Engineer **Yarra Valley Water ** Shantanu is a chartered professional engineer (CPEng) and registered professional engineer of Victoria (RPEV). He is an experienced Electrical Engineer and technical leader with over eight years in the water industry. His expertise spans reliability-centred maintenance, engineering design, technical standards development, engineering quality assurance, project management, and strategic asset management. He has worked extensively with electrical and renewable energy assets on dams and other water-related infrastructure in Victoria and the Riverina.  ###### Speaking at ![](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hubfs/Energy%20Week%202024/clock-three.svg) 16:30 ###### Building the next-generation reliability workforce: Skills, systems and culture for data-driven asset performance ![Shantanu Bendre](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Shantanu%20Bendre.png?width=53&height=53&name=Shantanu%20Bendre.png) Speaker Speakers Shantanu Bendre, [ Visit Agenda ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/agenda?hsLang=en-au) #### Download our brochure to get an overview of what you can expect at Machines & HV Assets 2026! - [ Click here to download ](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/download-brochure?hsLang=en-au) ![Screenshot 2026-03-06 102358](https://www.machinesconference.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202026-03-06%20102358.png?width=905&height=1284&name=Screenshot%202026-03-06%20102358.png)