franc.committee

These are the people behind the scenes of franc.sydney 2023, challenging the rationale of current practices and perceptions of urban stormwater and its management. 

Dr Andrew Thomas 

Vice President - Stormwater NSW 

Andrew has been involved in the water industry for the past 19 years in the public, private and research sectors. 

During this time, he has gained experience in the management of urban water from a range of perspectives including strategic planning, integrated catchment management, asset management, performance monitoring and riparian restoration.

Alan Benson 

Catchment Programs Manager - WaterNSW 

Alan is a highly motivated Catchment Programs Manager with extensive experience in source water protection, water management, and environmental sustainability and management projects in the public and resource sector.

Alan is also the President of Stormwater NSW. 

Jeremy Brown 

Co-Founder / Managing Director - Ocean Protect 

Jeremy’s infectious passion for the environment has seen his business lobby government for effective change, partner with worthwhile charities to support their efforts and invest in education across NSW primary schools.

Andre Magar 

National Engineering Team Manager - Spel Stormwater 

Andre is passionate about raising awareness within the community and strives to get all the different segments united with a common goal of protecting our precious waterways. His main focus at Spel is collaborating with consultants, councils, and authorities to implement viable effective treatment solutions across ANZ.

Julie McGraw AEP CEM

Managing Director - GEMS Event Management Australia 

Julie has more than 25 years’ experience in the event management industry, working alongside a number of environmental management associations. Through her work, Julie has become a passionate advocate for the betterment of environmental health and liveable cities for generations to come.