I first met Dane at Harvey Norman while buying a computer for the business. As he took my details, I handed him my card and he immediately mentioned he was close to finishing his Civil Engineering degree and looking for part time work.
I suggested he send through his CV and, sure enough, at 9am Monday morning the email arrived, followed almost instantly by a phone call from an enthusiastic Dane telling me how good he was. 15 years on, he is still proving it.
Across those 15 years, Dane has contributed to a wide range of significant projects.
His early work included works across a number of industrial projects including Oakdale Central, Bungarribee and Huntingwood East, as well as various projects for the Western Sydney Parklands Trust.
Dane spent a number of years onsite with Lendlease across Ropes Crossing, Jordan Springs and Jordan Springs East, delivering roads, wetlands/bioretention basins, open space, parks, playgrounds and landscaping. These were formative years that provided hands on experience and the benefit of learning from an experienced team at both Lendlease and AT&L. A special mention to Fiona Morrison for the support she provided him during this time.
In more recent years, Dane has played a significant role in major industrial projects, managing complex design, delivery and constant change across some of our largest developments. Below is just a snapshot of the flagship projects he has helped bring to life.
Oakdale West for Goodman
- Managed the full tender process and led contract superintendent duties across approximately 129 million dollars of infrastructure works
- Oversaw construction from start to finish, including during COVID restrictions
- Supported the construction of a bridge over the critical Sydney WaterNSW Warragamba Pipelines
Light Horse Business Hub for Charter Hall
- Managed the project from early planning approvals right through to completion
- Led the delivery team and oversaw the development and design of the estate’s infrastructure
- Worked through a long list of challenges involving utilities, authorities and weather, ensuring the project stayed on track
- Worked with Richard Crookes as the civil engineer for three of the warehouses within the estate, which are all now operational
Aspect Industrial Estate and SEED for Mirvac
- Led the design development across both estates through some of the most complex planning and authority processes in Western Sydney
- Solved major infrastructure constraints, including interim sewer and stormwater solutions
- Supported Mirvac in securing SSD approval for SEED and preparing the project for construction
Some memorable moments from Dane’s journey
- Joining AT&L when we were a team of seven and contributing to our growth into new offices and into Brisbane, Melbourne and Parramatta
- Helping us expand into WSC, flooding, surveying and structural services
- Progressing to Associate Director and contributing to the Senior Leadership Group
- Working with exceptional mentors and building strong, long-standing relationships across the industry
- The staff functions, Christmas parties, long Friday lunches, pool table competitions, staff farewells and the unforgettable deep sea fishing trip in Darwin
Dane enjoying the 2025 AT&L Christmas Party
Dane’s approach to his work, his clients, his colleagues and his family is unwavering, thoughtful, detailed and sincere. His resilience has been especially evident in the way he and his family have navigated the distressing events in Bondi and the broader rise in antisemitism across the country. His strength and dignity speak volumes.
As a gesture of our gratitude, Dane and his family will soon be jetting off to Fiji for a well-deserved break, fully paid for by the company, along with an additional week of leave.
