Speakers

Chris Menz

Chris leads Renewal SA, the state government’s property group, in delivering lasting impact through property and projects for South Australia, across the environment, community and economy. The urban renewal activity focuses on increasing the amount and availability of affordable housing, creating connected and sustainable communities, accelerating the supply of housing for our regions, facilitating industrial and commercial developments, and contributing meaningfully to the elimination of carbon emissions. Chris holds over two decades of experience in the property industry across consultancy, private development sector and government, across a number of States. He is dedicated to helping drive initiatives that unlocks economic and social growth for South Australia.

Jeremy Conway

As Chief Executive of Infrastructure SA, Jeremy has led development of the State’s first 20-year infrastructure strategy and is responsible for providing independent advice to the South Australian Government on infrastructure projects and prioritisation. His team has a strong focus on evidence-based decision-making and seeks to improve the maturity of infrastructure planning and investment across government. Infrastructure SA also aims to identify projects that deliver benefits for all South Australians by adopting a state-wide cross-sectoral lens. This is aided by Jeremy’s deep experience in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior roles at the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and Department for the Premier and Cabinet; meanwhile his vast commercial and business experience comes from having worked in property development at Places Victoria for three years and in private equity CVC Capital Partners in London for nine years.

Peter Taylor

Rebecca Robinson

Adrian Esplin

Adrian Esplin is the CEO of Sarah Constructions (60+ year family business), leading the organisation since 2014. In that time, Adrian has grown the Sarah business four-fold to an annual turnover of $0.5bn, to be a significant commercial contractor and property owner in South Australia. Adrian’s career has spanned over 30 years in commercial construction and development, starting in 1994 with GHD as a structural engineer, before moving into contracting with Lendlease. In 2000 he commenced with Brookfield Multiplex; in 2007 becoming Regional Director and member of the Vic/SA Executive. During this period, he also assumed responsibility for Multiplex Developments SA. Adrian has served on various business and community boards and is currently Director of Youthinc, an alternate education provider for disadvantaged youth recently achieving accreditation from the Department of Education. He is also an adjunct lecturer for the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Adelaide. Adrian was President of the Property Council’s South Australian Division and a Director from 1 April 2020-23 March 2023.

Jackson Digney

Jackson Digney is a Certified Passive House Consultant and Builder committed to raising building standards and driving energy efficiency in the South Australian construction industry. With a deep passion for sustainable homes, Jackson challenges the status quo by delivering cutting-edge, energy-efficient building solutions. His approach focuses on providing a seamless, stress-free experience for clients, backed by the latest technologies and best practices from around the world. As the owner of Enduro Builders and Climasure, Jackson consistently strives to push the boundaries, setting new benchmarks in comfort, health, and energy performance for new and existing buildings.

Tony Pisanelli

As a seasoned Graduate Architect, Registered Builder, and Certified Passivhaus Designer with 30+ years of experience, I am committed to designing and building sustainable, cost-effective housing. My focus on 60-year life spans, reduced energy usage, and carbon footprints reflects my dedication to ecological responsibility. I am a firm believer in the Passivhaus Standard, which delivers energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings that prioritize both occupant health and environmental stewardship.