School Infrastructure NSW

School Infrastructure Advisory Council

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The School Infrastructure Advisory Council provides independent expert advice to guide the activities of School Infrastructure NSW. Comprised of eminent business people with expertise in project delivery, the Council ensures School Infrastructure NSW can successfully respond to evolving education needs in ways that are innovative, sustainable and represent value for money.

The Council is chaired by Robert Rust. Robert has a mix of private sector expertise and deep knowledge of planning, education and infrastructure provision. He has held senior positions in infrastructure delivery in the public and private sectors for more than 30 years. Robert's roles include as the inaugural Chief Executive of Health Infrastructure, the Chief Operating Officer of WestConnex Delivery Authority (now the Sydney Motorway Corporation) and with UGL, Alstom and Transfield.

Other members of the Council are:

  • Lucy Turnbull: Chief Commissioner of the Greater Sydney Commission. Lucy is tasked with delivering strong and effective strategic planning for the whole of metropolitan Sydney. Lucy is an urbanist, businesswoman and philanthropist with a longstanding interest in cities, and technological and social innovation.
  • Virginia Briggs: Partner at Minter Ellison and a board member of the Committee for Sydney and the Property Council of Australia. Virgina has provided legal advice on transactions including refinancing of NSW Ports and the NSW Land and Housing Corporation’s social housing PPP.
  • Julian Frecklington: Julian has over 17 years’ experience in the public and private sector in the areas of strategy, business transformation, major projects, funds management, law and corporate leadership. He has worked for a number of Australia’s leading property groups including Stockland and Multiplex Brookfield, and has held senior management positions in funds management, business development, and project delivery.
  • Murat Dizdar: Deputy Secretary, School Operations and Performance at the NSW Department of Education. Murat is responsible for more than 2,200 primary, secondary and special schools. With a clear focus on people and a commitment to students being at the centre of all decision making, Murat has played a key role in developing vibrant, sustainable and inclusive school communities through his work.
  • Kathy Powzun: Director, School Operations and Performance at the NSW Department of Education. Kathy is an experienced principal, instrumental in driving change through the planning and development of future educational learning spaces; she has led multiple school infrastructure projects at various stages, involving extensive and diverse stakeholders.

As the Chief Executive of School Infrastructure NSW, Anthony Manning is an ex officio member of the Council. Prior to his current appointment in August 2017, Anthony worked with Health Infrastructure NSW from 2008 and played a key role in its executive team, responsible for growing this highly successful enterprise to deliver more than $1 billion of capital work per year.

Image: Members of the School Infrastructure NSW Advisory Council. Pictured left to right: Robert Rust, Lucy Turnbull, Virginia Briggs, Julian Frecklington, Murat Dizdar, Kathy Powzun and Anthony Manning.
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We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.

We recognise the Ongoing Custodians of the lands and waterways where we work and live. We pay respect to Elders past and present as ongoing teachers of knowledge, songlines and stories. We strive to ensure every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander learner in NSW achieves their potential through education.