Category Archives: Associates News

Cait Kirby – National Placements Manager 

As we officially kick off the 2025-26 financial year, I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all of our Associates for your incredible contributions over the past 12 months. It’s been a wonderfully unpredictable year – never quite knowing which client might call or what support they’d need, but always confident that someone in our Associate network could provide the right solution. And you didn’t disappoint!

While our core placements in Councils remained strong, we also saw increased interest from local water authorities and not-for-profit organisations, helping to broaden the reach and impact of our work across sectors.

Since stepping away from the professional world, many of our Associates embrace the freedom to explore new interests, reconnect with family, and travel far and wide. One such story comes from Peter Godfrey, who recently shared a glimpse into post-retirement adventures:

“Jayne and I are currently in the USA visiting our daughter and son-in-law in Pennsylvania. We’ve also been road-tripping through the New England region – day-hiking, soaking up the history of the Pilgrim landing, Salem witch trials, the American Revolution, Civil War sites, and even tracing the life of JFK. It’s been a wonderful mix of family time and historical immersion.”

We were proud to see Associate Paul Austin represent CT Management Group at the recent IPWEA Victoria Public Works Conference (PWC25) held in Melbourne.

Paul delivered a thought-provoking presentation on Development Engineering, exploring the topic: “Supporting the Housing Statement: Challenges and Opportunities.”

His session contributed to the broader conversation around two of the most pressing issues in public works – housing and infrastructure – and how councils can navigate both challenges and solutions in today’s environment.

It was a great opportunity to showcase the expertise within our Associate network and reaffirm CT Management Group’s commitment to supporting local government through practical, forward-thinking solutions.

IPWEA Victoria’s Foundations courses are perfect for early-career staff seeking a deeper understanding of their key responsibility area (e.g. development engineering, road management or integrated water management). They also support mid-career staff seeking to broaden their governance and leadership skills (e.g. procurement, contract management and project management). Details of all courses are available from https://www.ipwea.org/victoria/cpd-events/pw-foundations.

CT Management Group is again pleased to host the following courses in 2026.

Procurement and Contract Management Foundations – 11 February – 4 March 2026

This online short course is one of eight Public Works Foundations Program courses curated by IPWEA Victoria to develop the skills of public works professionals in key responsibility areas.

The importance of maintaining a Pipeline of Work is a high priority of the Company and currently our Pipeline stands at 6.31 months.

Major Projects that have been won over the period March – June 2025 include the following:

Kerrie Procko – Executive Director | Chief Operating Officer

We are delighted to share some exciting updates as we continue to grow and evolve in alignment with our strategic goals and strengthen our capabilities across the organisation.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome to two new members of our team:

Esther Roper, has joined us in the role of National Business Relationship Manager. With a strong background in marketing and brand growth strategies, Esther will play a key role in strengthening our national presence by driving brand awareness and cultivating strategic relationships.

Nathan Simpfendorfer, has also joined us as our new Administrative Assistant.

The importance of maintaining a Pipeline of Work is a high priority of the Company and currently our Pipeline stands at 6.1 months.

Major Projects that have been won over the period October – December 2024 include the following:

 

Jarrod Bryant – Principal – Sport, Recreation and Community Consultation

New Principal Role

It is an honour to start in this role for CT Management Group and bring further focus on winning projects within this growing area of our business. The emphasis of the new Principal role will be on developing our capacity to deliver sport, recreation and community consultation related projects, and further developing our capacity and skills to continue to expand our reach within these areas.

As a company we have a strong track record of securing Sport, Recreation & Community Consultation opportunities. We have numerous Associates with skills in these areas that have delivered outstanding outcomes for our clients over many years, be it via project delivery, or through placement within organisations.

Cait Kirby – National Placements Manager 

As we near the conclusion of the third quarter of 2024-25, I would like to extend my sincere appreciation for your unwavering commitment and contributions to our ongoing success. This period has been one of transformation and growth within local government, and your expertise has played a pivotal role in helping councils adapt to their evolving needs.

Over the past five months, demand has surged across key areas, notably in strategic infrastructure planning, governance, and business transformation. Interim Executive-level placements have remained strong, with councils actively seeking skilled leaders who can provide immediate support to mentor teams, implement best practices, and drive long-term, sustainable impact.

Alf Della Monica – Regional Manager VIC/TAS

Following the October 2024 elections, all Victorian councils are now required to do the following by 31 October 2025:

Review the 10 Year Council Vision in accordance with its deliberative engagement practices. Develop and adopt a 4-year Council Plan in accordance with its deliberative engagement practices. Develop, adopt and keep in force a 10-year Financial Plan in accordance with its deliberative engagement practices. Develop, adopt and keep in force a 10-year Asset Plan in accordance with its deliberative engagement practices.

This all opens opportunities for CT Management Group in that councils with resourcing issues will require assistance with the delivery of these important tasks.