Our country websites
Brazil 
Canada 
China 
France 
India 
Ireland 
Italy 
Poland 
South Korea 
Sweden 
United Kingdom 
United States 
New Zealand Our other websites
Our country websites
Our other websites
In the newly created role, Helen will play a crucial part in establishing and deepening relationships with clients. She will ensure we are always evolving, learning, and adapting to their needs, making sure we always bring the right expertise.
“To be truly innovative and play a leading role in shaping our communities through the projects we deliver, we need to be there where it matters. This role for me means acting in a way that is consistent with our values. We are committed to building trust with our clients and providing them with best in class service, combining our deep local knowledge with global expertise to position them for success.”
Helen Williams, Chief Client Officer
Alana Newbrook, CEO, SYSTRA ANZ says, “SYSTRA ANZ puts the client at the centre of all we do. The establishment of this new role is a further commitment to clients, ensuring there is a constant, informed, internal voice for them in every meeting, every conversation and every project. This ensures we remain informed, agile, and responsive to their current and future needs.’
In mid-September, Helen attended the Global Management Conference in Paris, joining SYSTRA leaders from around the world to reflect on 2022-23, look ahead to 2024 and beyond, and share best practice.
Helen adds, “Heading to Paris to work with our global team was a great way to kick-start my new role. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn how each region in SYSTRA’s global business is tackling complex problems, and to explore how we can leverage that expertise and bring this new thinking to the ANZ market. In particular, our commitment to sustainability and focus on climate change and adaptation is a high priority for us in ANZ.”
The inaugural award was announced at last weeks No-Dig Down Under event and aims to honour a woman who plays a leading role within the Australian trenchless technology industry. It recognises someone who goes above and beyond their role, strives for excellence, as well as someone who actively advocates for other women within the industry.
Jon Daley, Executive General Manager – Tunnels, says, “We are so proud of Andrea for winning this award. Since starting with SYSTRA Bamser, she has always displayed a dedication to innovation, leadership, and an unwavering passion for trenchless technologies and tunnelling. She is very deserving.”
Andrea says, “I am incredibly grateful for the recognition. As a female leader, I have always encouraged and supported others in the industry, mentoring the next generation and developing great relationships. I am extremely fortunate to have always been surrounded by great teams of strong men and women, and to always have the support of my family.”
During last week’s event, Andrea explored project and industry experiences through the lens of women in the trenchless industry, including a discussion of positive outcomes associated with diversity.
“No Dig is the preeminent event for our industry”, says Andrea. She adds, “Being able to share my insights as an advocate for all women across a diverse range of roles in our industry was a great opportunity. Along with my award, hopefully it helps to make a difference. I would love to see more women in all roles in the industry, and particularly in leadership.”
With over two decades experience, Andrea specialises in underground infrastructure projects spanning large-diameter tunnels, culvert jacking, pipe jacking, micro-tunnelling, and auger-boring. Andrea has successfully navigated all project phases, including conception, completion, and various delivery modes like construct-only, design and construct, and fast-tracked BOOT projects, achieving substantial cost savings. Her exceptional stakeholder management and advocacy for the industry, including women’s participation, have fostered enduring relationships with industry stakeholders and specialists.
To learn more about our expertise in Trenchless Technologies, please click here.
Transferring from SYSTRA Brazil, Tereza will bolster our Transport Planning and Sustainability division bringing key skills in sustainability, E-Buses and Bus Rapid Transit.
Guillaume Paix, ANZ Transport Planning Lead says, “We’re thrilled to have Tereza join us. She exemplifies SYSTRA’s global reach and the power of our connected teams value.”
He adds, “As we look to grow our presence in the key markets of New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand, our clients will benefit from her background in both public and private sectors. She brings to the team a key focus on transport demand studies and expertise in assessing the socio-economic viability of transportation projects.”
“I’ve wanted to move abroad for a few years now and when the opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it with both hands. The ease with which the transfer happened is testament to SYSTRA’s global mobility and commitment to connecting teams.”
Tereza Barros, Senior Consultant – Transport and Sustainability
Speaking of the opportunity, Tereza explains, “I am extremely passionate about sustainability and the role public transport can play in achieving net zero. I am a firm believer that transportation is more than just urban mobility, it can be an agent for social transformation.
“Coming from Brazil, I know this to be the case. In a region dominated by bus, I can bring unique experiences to our clients in Australia. Equally, I’m excited to learn more about the Active Transport sector and to develop my skills in data science.”
Transport Planning in Australia is at a critical junction in time as we transition away from the idea of moving vehicles to moving people.
“We can keep adding lanes of traffic to our streets or we can think about mobility differently. Tereza will provide terrific insight into how other regions have adapted to new ways of thinking. We’re particularly excited about her experience in Bus Rapid Transit, and E-Buses, both of which will become more and more common in Australia.”
Guillaume Paix
To improve the liveability and sustainability of our communities, active transport modes, and Electric buses are set to change the way people move.
“As data comes more freely available, new technology solutions are helping planners to make the best possible solutions and will assist us in embedding sustainable mobility options for the community to use,” says Tereza.
She adds, “Our team have developed many solutions that enable this modal shift. The Victorious Tool (formerly the Bus Disruption Tool) helped streamline disruption planning for a key client in Victoria. We also have our globally renowned CYCLOPS tool which is using open-source data to improve cycling safety and connectivity in our cities.”
In 2022, Tereza participated to SYSTRA’s Bridges to Prosperity project in Rwanda, a hands-on experience reinforcing her belief in transportation as a positive driver of societal change, aligning perfectly with her view that engineering can make a meaningful difference.
Tereza along with nine others spent two weeks helping to build an 80-metre pedestrian bridge in Mushishiro in Muhanga County.
For more information on our Transport Planning services, please click below.
What’s your job about?
SYSTRA is an engineering consulting firm so that means that I’m helping clients understand what their needs or issues are and working with them on a day-to-day basis. I’m currently undergoing my first rotation with a senior engineer in the transport sector and I’m shadowing him through his career to get a better idea of the work he does and learn more about the company. It’s really helpful having such a good mentor because it means I can ask him anything and we talk almost everyday. He’s really good at getting me involved in “bite-sized” tasks for different areas of the business so I get to try different things and meet different people within the company. My average day usually consists of a few meetings, going through emails, lunch with colleagues, and scheduling some extra productive hours to get work done, and usually the days go by pretty quickly. As a graduate, you tend to get a lot of “odd jobs” which I don’t mind because it’s 1-2 hours of work and when you’re done you feel more accomplished rather than working on a massive project where you can’t really see the end product for a few years.
What’s your background?
I grew up in the northern suburbs of Melbourne and moved closer to the city when I was in high school which had a pretty big impact on my schooling and my friends at the time. Changing schools in Year 10 was pretty tough but it helped me become more independent and I even got my first job. While I knew working in retail wasn’t for me in the long run, my colleagues made the job worthwhile. In my final year at university, I wanted to get some industry experience so I got a job in maintenance at a chocolate mousse factory. At times, juggling full-time university and two jobs was really tough but you learn a lot about yourself and if you can prioritise your time, you can actually achieve anything. When I finally graduated, I was pretty burnt out and I quit my job and I went backpacking through Europe for 3 months. I knew it was something I really wanted to do, as my family is Italian and Maltese and I definitely want to go back soon.
Flash forward to February 2023, I got off the plane and started my new job at SYSTRA two days later. Now it’s crazy to look back on because I’ve already been working for SYSTRA for four months! The final year was stressful enough and applying for jobs made it even more stressful but I’m glad it paid off and I could focus on my exams knowing I had a position at SYSTRA.
“There are so many different projects that the management team tries really hard to put you on a project that makes sense for your background and skill set.”
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Definitely yes, all of the graduates I’ve met at SYSTRA come from different backgrounds, the only things we have in common are an engineering degree, a willingness to learn and respect for the company. There are so many different projects that the management team tries really hard to put you on a project that makes sense for your background and skill set. That being said, there are some characteristics that will help you thrive no matter what company you work for, an open mind, a good attitude and persistence go a long way.
What’s the coolest thing about your job?
My job is pretty unique because I’m working so closely with a senior engineer it’s really easy for me to know if I’m doing my job well. We have daily meetings, usually only 15-30 minutes, where we go through what I’ve done and what I’ll be doing until the next meeting. It really gives me a chance to ask any questions and get feedback. In addition, my colleagues in Melbourne make an effort to try all the different lunch spots in our area so there’s always an open invite for some good food. We also have a tennis court in our building!
What are the limitations of your job?
Engineering consulting is such a broad and overwhelming industry so sometimes it can be hard to see where you fit in. Especially as a graduate, sometimes a project lead will need someone more experienced and because it’s a client’s request, there isn’t much room to persuade them otherwise. I think the biggest limitation of my job is being underestimated, sometimes it might feel like you’re not being utilised to your full potential but I think as time goes on, people get to know you better personally and professionally and you have a better sense of belonging.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…
To find out more about the SYSTRA ANZ Graduate Program click here.
SYSTRA ANZ’s mission is to be there where it matters; on the complex projects with the greatest impact, providing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities. As one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, we are focused on building tomorrow’s mobility solutions today. Operating in more than 80 countries, we have designed 1 in 2 of the world’s metros and highspeed rail lines. The ANZ team is an integral part of part of our global network, backed by 9000+ experts, providing us the unique ability to be agile with global scale.
For more information, please contact: Victoria Black, Director of Clients, Markets and Engagement, SYSTRA at vblack1@systra.com.
SYSTRA ANZ Appoints Sandi Robertson as Director – New ZealandSYSTRA ANZ goes from strength to strength with the appointment of Sandi Robertson as Director – New Zealand.
Sandi is a highly skilled major projects manager and leader within the engineering industry. She has 17 years’ experience in project management and has worked on major rail and mass transit projects across Australia, New Zealand, and Asia for over a decade.
“Sandi is a key appointment for our business as we continue to expand our presence in New Zealand.” says Alana Newbrook, Chief Executive Officer SYSTRA ANZ.
“Sandi will be instrumental in providing leadership to the local team and driving the delivery of projects that enable the diverse communities of Aotearoa to thrive.”
Sandi has a deep understanding of the client and stakeholder landscape in the context of large-scale, complex transport infrastructure projects. She brings a collaborative approach to SYSTRA ANZ, with a focus on technical excellence and delivery.
She says, “I look forward to strengthening our deep connection to the region by supporting new and existing clients and partners. With significant growth expected over the coming decades, I am excited about the future of transport infrastructure in Aotearoa and how SYSTRA ANZ can contribute to the success and longevity of new projects that deliver sustainable transport solutions and support the communities they serve.”
Sandi is based in our Auckland office. To find out more about Sandi’s role or to get in contact with her, please click here.
SYSTRA ANZ’s mission is to be there where it matters; on the complex projects with the greatest impact, providing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities. As one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, we are focused on building tomorrow’s mobility solutions today. Operating in more than 80 countries, we have designed 1 in 2 of the world’s metros and highspeed rail lines. The ANZ team is an integral part of part of our global network, backed by 9000+ experts, providing us the unique ability to be agile with global scale.
For more information, please contact: Victoria Black, Director of Clients, Markets and Engagement, SYSTRA at vblack1@systra.com.
8:30am: After catching the train or riding my bike, I usually get into the office just after 8:30am.
8:35am: I will usually greet everyone in the office and set myself up at the desk before grabbing a hot cup of tea to start the day
9:00am: When starting on my work for the day, it is often good to review what meetings are coming up and if there are any urgent emails that require attention.
11:00am: Being in the office is always great to catchup with colleagues.
12:00pm: Team lunch in China Town is always a good day. Having an office in the city ensures I have plenty of good lunch options around me.
1:00pm: After lunch it is back to work. A team meeting to understand what the next priorities are for a current project. I especially like collaborating and bouncing ideas with my colleagues in person.
5:00pm: After a good afternoon of working, collaborating with colleagues and meeting deadlines, I pack up for the day and head home.
To find out more about our signature team, please click here.
SYSTRA ANZ Appoints Rob Scarbro as Director – Systems IntegrationSYSTRA ANZ is pleased to welcome Rob Scarbro as Director – Systems Integration in the Major Projects team.
Rob brings over 30 years’ experience in the development and delivery of major projects across the transport, defence, and energy industries. He is a leader in the fields of systems integration, safety and systems assurance, governance, and broader rail engineering.
“Rob is a key appointment for the business as we bolster our systems team to become a systems integrator of choice for our clients. Rob will be an integral player in our global systems group and help leverage international expertise into Australia and New Zealand. We are thrilled to have Rob on our team and expanding our practice in the Victorian market.”
Alana Newbrook, Chief Executive Officer SYSTRA ANZ
Rob is an established transport executive engineering and systems leader, previously holding key roles at Metro Trains Sydney, Department of Transport Victoria, and Rail Projects Victoria.
He says, “It’s a great time to be joining SYSTRA as the business expands its footprint and expertise in ANZ, and I’m excited to be a part of a global leader in transport engineering and consulting. I am looking forward to delivering world-class critical infrastructure solutions on behalf of our clients.”
Rob is based in our Melbourne office. To find out more about Rob or to get in contact, please click here.
SYSTRA ANZ’s mission is to be there where it matters; on the complex projects with the greatest impact, providing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities. As one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, we are focused on building tomorrow’s mobility solutions today. Operating in more than 80 countries, we have designed 1 in 2 of the world’s metros and highspeed rail lines. The ANZ team is an integral part of part of our global network, backed by 9000+ experts, providing us the unique ability to be agile with global scale.
For more information, please contact: Victoria Black, Director of Clients, Markets and Engagement, SYSTRA at vblack1@systra.com.
SYSTRA ANZ Appoints James Fuary as Director – Capability Systems EngineeringSYSTRA ANZ’s Security and Technology Solutions team continues to grow, with the appointment of James Fuary as Director – Capability Systems Engineering.
“James is a key appointment for our business as we look to grow and establish our capability” says Andrew Waye, Executive General Manager – Security & Technology Solutions. “James will provide leadership ensuring that our people deliver excellence and achieve customer satisfaction.”
James is an innovative engineering leader bringing 25 years’ experience and diversity across the fields of defence, transport, and government. In previous roles James has steered engineering functions and led multi-national teams in delivering large-scale programs.
James says, “I am looking forward to helping SYSTRA ANZ grow and reach its potential while retaining the organisation’s great culture and values. We have an opportunity to make a substantial difference in the Security and Technology Solutions domain and I am excited to be on that journey.”
James is based in our Sydney office and will be responsible for leading and advancing capability systems engineering services and solutions in the Security and Technology Solutions team. To find out more about James or to get in contact, please click here.
SYSTRA ANZ’s mission is to be there where it matters; on the complex projects with the greatest impact, providing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities. As one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, we are focused on building tomorrow’s mobility solutions today. Operating in more than 80 countries, we have designed 1 in 2 of the world’s metros and highspeed rail lines. The ANZ team is an integral part of part of our global network, backed by 9000+ experts, providing us the unique ability to be agile with global scale.
For more information, please contact: Victoria Black, Director of Clients, Markets and Engagement, SYSTRA at vblack1@systra.com.
SYSTRA ANZ Appoints Michelle Bedson as Director Program Service Delivery – FederalSYSTRA ANZ is pleased to welcome Michelle Bedson as Director Program Service Delivery – Federal, in the growing Security and Technology Solutions team.
Michelle brings over 15 years’ experience in delivering key Federal government initiatives focused on major Information and Communications Technology reform, complex program and project delivery, stakeholder leadership and cyber security resilience.
“Michelle is a key appointment for our business as we look to expand our expertise across Federal and nationally-based clients” says Andrew Waye, Executive General Manager – Security & Technology Solutions. “Michelle will provide leadership in critical asset and digital solutions to support resilience and respond to cyber threats.”
With strong leadership abilities, Michelle has directed and managed large teams involving project managers, business users, programmers, and analysts.
She says, “I am looking forward to the challenge of business leadership while providing delivery excellence and value to our clients in the Federal domain. I want to produce excellent delivery outcomes for our clients that showcase our teams’ capabilities and skills.”
Michelle will be based in our Canberra office. To find out more about Michelle’s role or to get in contact with her, please click here.
SYSTRA ANZ’s mission is to be there where it matters; on the complex projects with the greatest impact, providing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities. As one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, we are focused on building tomorrow’s mobility solutions today. Operating in more than 80 countries, we have designed 1 in 2 of the world’s metros and highspeed rail lines. The ANZ team is an integral part of part of our global network, backed by 9000+ experts, providing us the unique ability to be agile with global scale.
For more information, please contact: Victoria Black, Director of Clients, Markets and Engagement, SYSTRA at vblack1@systra.com.
SYSTRA ANZ Appoints Chris Hurst as Executive General Manager – Major ProjectsAs SYSTRA continues its growth across ANZ, Chris will be responsible for leading the newly formed Major Projects team – established to focus on the successful delivery of major projects for our clients, partners, and the communities we serve.
“2022 was a huge year for Systra in ANZ; we won our largest intake of orders in major projects as we successfully pivoted to taking on larger roles in complex projects. Due to the success of this strategy, it was clear we needed a new division dedicated to delivery. Chris was the obvious choice and has what it takes to lead this newly formed team,” says Alana Newbrook, CEO SYSTRA ANZ.
Alana adds, “Chris is well-known to many of our clients, having been part of the SYSTRA team for the last five years. He brings to the role extensive experience managing complex major infrastructure projects; most recently leading our operational integration teams delivering train control systems projects across ANZ. Under Chris’s leadership, the team will ensure that we not only continue to provide outstanding delivery to our clients, but we also grow our reputation as the partner of choice and signature team for transport solutions across ANZ.”
The creation of a new role and team for Major Projects is exciting to not just further strengthen and grow our own team, but to bring more of the global SYSTRA skill sets to our local clients. “I am excited to take on this new role overseeing a larger portfolio of complex projects,” says Chris.
“SYSTRA ANZ has been growing steadily for the last couple of years on the back of some significant wins. I’m looking forward to working with our teams in Australia, New Zealand and across SYSTRA to capitalise on this growth momentum and deliver world-class infrastructure solutions for our clients.”
With over two decades experience in project delivery and consulting roles, Chris has worked on numerous large-scale infrastructure projects including West Coast Route Modernisation in the UK and the roll out of the European Train Control System in Southeast Queensland.
SYSTRA ANZ’s mission is to be there where it matters; on the complex projects with the greatest impact, providing innovative solutions that will shape the future of our communities. As one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting groups, we are focused on building tomorrow’s mobility solutions today. Operating in more than 80 countries, we have designed 1 in 2 of the world’s metros and highspeed rail lines. The ANZ team is an integral part of part of our global network, backed by 9000+ experts, providing us the unique ability to be agile with global scale.
For more information, please contact: Victoria Black, Director of Clients, Markets and Engagement, SYSTRA at vblack1@systra.com.
