The Inside the Story of Elevate Consulting Engineers
Join Sean Whitfield and Jason Marshall from Elevate Consulting Engineers as they share candid, compelling stories from their careers in Defence infrastructure. This episode dives into Elevate’s journey—from Sean's humble beginnings on Gamilaroi country to becoming a leader in civil engineering and Indigenous engagement. Sean and Jason reveal the challenges, triumphs, and real-world lessons learned on major Defence projects, from remote site logistics to community partnerships. Discover how Elevate integrates technical excellence with cultural insight, creating infrastructure solutions that build resilience and empower local communities.
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21:29
Probity, Programs & Value For Money: Building a Better Tender Process
Darian sits down with Professor Anthony “Espo” Esposito to unpack why Defence tendering processes are in urgent need of reform. From outdated probity guidelines and vague debriefs to overemphasis on price and the underappreciation of project programs, they explore how modernising assessment structures could drive real improvement across the Defence infrastructure sector. If you’ve ever walked away from a tender wondering “what was the point?”, this one’s for you.
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14:17
Week 9: Technical and Delivery Risks
Jessica and Darian discuss the unique challenges of Defence infrastructure projects, from integrating advanced systems to meeting strict compliance standards like BWM and MFPE guidelines. Through real-world case studies, they explore risk mitigation methods like phased delivery, BIM implementation, and early expert involvement to address time, budget, and quality risks effectively.
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21:27
Week 8: Stakeholder and Coordination Risks
In this episode, Jessica and Darian share real-world insights on stakeholder engagement, multidisciplinary team coordination, coordinating with existing infrastructure and communication strategies in Defence projects. Learn how proactive planning, advanced tools like BIM, and continuous engagement can overcome project challenges and build trust with diverse stakeholders. Hear about successful case studies that demonstrate the impact of transparency and collaboration on Defence project outcomes.
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12:34
Week 7: Geographic and Environmental Risks
This episode discusses the challenges of defence infrastructure projects in remote and sensitive areas, from extreme climates to complex environmental obligations. Learn about risk management practices like the DIPRAC framework and tools like FeeMaster™, and hear case studies on successful stakeholder engagement and logistic planning in harsh conditions. We also explore compliance with environmental laws and how early consultations lead to smoother project outcomes.
A companion to the 30-week professional development course, this podcast unpacks the core themes shaping Australia’s Defence Estate. Each episode follows the course structure—covering foundation concepts, procurement, project delivery, and contract management.
Designed for professionals working on Defence bases, the series offers clear, practical insights to help navigate real-world challenges with confidence.
Australia