7 July - 7 July, 2026
July 7 at 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM AWST
Event Start Time in your local time: (convert to other time zones?)
Can We Deliver Perth’s Future? The engineering challenge behind energy, cost, and infrastructure in a changing world. Learn more at EngineerConnect Perth.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, 7th July 2026
- Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM AWST
- Location: EIT Perth Campus, 6 Thelma Street, West Perth, WA 6005
- Attendance: Free in person event, however limited spots available. Please RSVP by 27th June.
Western Australia is entering a critical phase of growth, driven by ongoing investment in energy, resources, and large-scale infrastructure. At the same time, delivering these projects is becoming increasingly complex.
Rising construction and material costs, labour shortages, supply chain pressures, and the transition toward more sustainable energy systems are all reshaping how projects are planned and delivered.
From energy and power systems to major infrastructure, resources, and construction projects, engineering professionals are being asked to do more, faster, more efficiently, and under increasing constraints.
This panel brings together industry professionals from across key sectors including mining, construction, and infrastructure to explore the engineering challenge behind growth, energy, and delivery, and what it takes to turn plans into reality in today’s environment.
Why Attend:
- Understand the real challenges behind delivering infrastructure in Western Australia.
- Learn how rising construction, energy, and material costs are impacting projects.
- Gain insight into the role of power systems and energy infrastructure in future developments.
- Hear how engineers and construction professionals are managing risk and delivery pressures.
- Connect with industry leaders working on complex, large-scale projects.
What to expect
- Panel Discussion: Explore how engineers and construction leaders are navigating energy transition, project delivery challenges, and infrastructure growth across Western Australia.
- Live Q&A: Ask your questions directly to industry experts on project delivery, grid infrastructure, risk management, and future industry trends.
- Networking: Connect with peers and senior engineers while enjoying canapés and drinks.
- Professional Recognition: Receive a digital Certificate of Attendance, potentially eligible for Engineers Australia CPD hours.
Panelists:
Dr Remember Samu, Lead Power Systems Engineer, Grid & Energy, Partum Engineers & Consultants
Dr Remember Samu is a Perth-based Electrical Engineer and Lead Power Systems Engineer with expertise in grid connections, power system studies, generator performance standards, and hybrid renewable energy systems. He has experience working both internationally and in Australia across utilities, consulting, research, and mining-sector projects in Western Australia.
He holds a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Murdoch University and has an extensive publication record in renewable energy and microgrids. In addition to his engineering work, Dr Samu contributes to industry and community initiatives through mentoring, technical leadership on sub-Saharan African projects, and volunteer renewable energy advisory work supporting refugee community electrification initiatives in East Africa.
Laurie Curro CPEng, National President, EESA
Laurie Curro is an Electrical Engineer with over 40 years of experience in the electrical utility industry, including executive roles at Horizon Power and senior leadership positions at Western Power and SKM. His expertise spans network operations, planning and development, as well as distribution design and operations. He currently works as a Senior Advisor, supporting the industry through the energy transition.
Laurie graduated in 1982 from the Western Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University) and holds a postgraduate degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Western Australia and a postgraduate diploma in Management from Deakin University. He is a Fellow of Engineers Australia and a Senior Member of the IEEE.
Dr. Zahra Jabiri, Head of Power Operations – On Grid at APA Group | Energy & Asset Management Strategist
Dr. Zahra Jabiri is a senior leader in the energy and infrastructure sector, with over 20 years of experience driving transformational change across complex organisations. As Head of Power Operations – On Grid at APA, Zahra is responsible for the end-to-end performance and operation of electricity assets connected to both the National Electricity Market (NEM) and the Wholesale Electricity Market (WEM). She leads the management of a diverse, high-value portfolio of assets across multiple states, supported by a national team of engineers, technicians, and operational experts enabling the energy transition.
Zahra spearheads initiatives aligned with state and federal Energy Transformation and Decarbonisation Strategies, integrating engineering, policy, and regulatory frameworks to deliver sustainable, commercially sound outcomes. A passionate advocate for diversity, collaboration, and community engagement, Zahra is committed to building inclusive, high-performing teams and fostering innovation in energy and infrastructure delivery.
Howard Thomas, Principal Advisory Services, Kent plc
Howard Thomas is Principal of Advisory Services at Kent plc, a global engineering and energy services company. He specialises in helping organisations navigate complex challenges and make informed decisions across the energy sector.
He combines technical expertise with entrepreneurial experience and currently leads Kent’s advisory practice in Australia. Howard is also the author of Simplicity from Complexity, reflecting his focus on making complex problems more accessible and practical for industry application.
This event is supported by Engineers Australia
If you’re interested in presenting or contributing, please get in touch. Contact Pippa Dold: pippa.dold@eit.edu.au
RSVP & Registration
Attendance is free but spaces are limited. Please RSVP by 27th June to secure your spot.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Register now to secure your spot!
Who is EIT?
The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) provides practical education and training in engineering and technology, designed to equip students with job-ready skills aligned to industry needs across a range of professional development courses and Australian-accredited qualifications. Its lecturers, drawn from around the world, bring considerable industry experience and a passion for teaching.
EIT’s programs are delivered through a live and interactive learning environment, with access to remote and virtual laboratories to support hands-on learning. Courses are available both online and on campus in Australia, using a blended approach to ensure flexibility and real-world application.