Nick Birbilis
PF THOMPSON
Prof Nick Birbilis is the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment at Deakin University. His research is broadly in the area of corrosion, materials durability and design.
Nick has made a number of major contributions in the field of corrosion; particularly in the area of localised corrosion, the role of microstructural effects on the corrosion of engineering alloys. He is a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society (ECS), a Fellow of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE), a Fellow of the National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE/AMPP) and a Fellow of ASM International.
Nick has also been awarded numerous awards, including the Batterham Medal from the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering and the HH Uhlig Award from the Electrochemical Society. He has authored over 450 publications and is the Editor-in-chief of the interdisciplinary journal npj Materials Degradation. and serves as a long-standing Editor for the journal Electrochimica Acta. He also remains a strong advocate for diversity in STEM.
Christine Crawshaw
PLENARY
Christine is a leading specialist in asset management with over 15 years of experience in driving major transformations, transactions, and lifecycle management initiatives. Known for her collaborative approach, Christine excels in engaging with all organisational levels to deliver impactful asset management outcomes. She has a proven track record in leading and coaching executive teams across diverse sectors, including ASX top 50 companies, the public sector, and not-for-profits. Christine’s expertise spans the implementation of advanced asset management systems, strategic lifecycle modelling, and the development of best practice standards. She has successfully established central program offices, built capabilities, and led major transformations for global organisations.
Her career highlights include transforming asset lifecycle modelling at an Australian Power company, designing and piloting new operating models to enhance agility for government organisations, implementing a new Asset Management System and standards across Transurban’s global asset portfolio, leading the asset strategy team through the privatisation at the Port of Melbourne, and serving as a board member for four years on the ACA Foundation. Outside of her professional life, Christine is a devoted mum to three daughters and two dogs. Passionate about gender equality, Christine actively encourages more female participation in engineering and consulting careers. She is dedicated to creating inclusive environments that support the growth and success of women in these fields. As a plenary speaker, Christine offers valuable insights into achieving strategic objectives through effective leadership and collaboration, bringing a wealth of experience and passion for asset management and corrosion.
Wayne Neil
PLENARY
Wayne Neil is a corrosion scientist in the Defence Science and Technology Group, where he leads a team specialising in maritime corrosion. His research focuses on technologies to mitigate and prevent corrosion on a broad range of areas within vessels for the Royal Australian Navy. With 15 years of experience in Defence, Wayne specialises in microbiologically influenced corrosion; corrosion of marine alloys including marine grade aluminium, copper nickel, stainless steels and high strength steels; environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors; and corrosion of magnesium alloys. He is the current ACA Victorian Branch President.
Kate Dylejko
PLENARY
Kate Dylejko is a corrosion engineer at the Defence Science and Technology Group, specializing in minimizing and controlling corrosion on Navy platforms. With roots as a mechanical engineer in armoured vehicles since 2006, she transitioned to corrosion 11 years ago, leveraging computational modelling to optimize cathodic protection systems for Navy vessels. Kate’s expertise spans various facets of corrosion, with a keen focus on cathodic protection systems for maritime platforms. Her research includes electrochemical studies on calcareous deposits and corrosion potential monitoring across Navy vessels and wharves. Actively contributing to the Victorian branch of the Australasian Corrosion Association, Kate recently achieved certification as an AMPP CP2 Cathodic Protection Technician, reinforcing her commitment to advancing corrosion control technologies.
Blane McGuiness
PLENARY
Blane McGuiness is a Registered Professional Engineer (RPEng), Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA) accredited Corrosion Technologist, and senior management professional with extensive national and international experience in Electrochemical Protection Systems, structural remediation, and marine/civil infrastructure construction works.
With vast industry experience, Blane is a well-regarded technical leader and an active member across numerous associations and institutes. His recent roles include serving as a Director of the Australasian Corrosion Association (2019-2022) and a visiting research supervisor with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, Australia.
Blane’s contributions to the field of corrosion technology and structural remediation are widely recognized, and his research and expertise continues to influence best practices and advancements in the industry.
PLENARY (TBC)