Who is ICN Victoria

Industry Capability Network Victoria, an independent organisation supported by the Victorian Government, has been working for local industry since 1984. We were founded on the principle that local businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, should be given full and fair opportunities to compete for work on major projects, aided by local capability considerations. In turn, this helps create jobs by encouraging industry to first think local, social and  sustainable in all procurement decisions.

Funded predominantly by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, and led by our Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, ICN Victoria is the trusted government procurement partner, administering the Local Jobs First Policy and the Social Procurement Framework. ICN Victoria delivers Victorian employment and socio-economic outcomes, and makes a difference by engaging local industry and stimulating local connections and jobs in Victoria and Australia.

 

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Our board

The current Board consists of representatives from AI Group (Chair, Tim Piper AM), The Australian Workers’ Union (Deputy Chair, Ben Davis), the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (Tony Mavromatis), the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (Dr Gillian Sparkes AM) and  Engineers Australia (Alesha Printz) and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Paul Guerra).

 

Head - Victoria, AI Group

Tim Piper AM

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Tim Piper is the Victorian Head of the Australian Industry Group which represents a range of companies across a broad range of industry sectors in Australia. Tim is Chair of the Industry Capability Network in Victoria and sits on the Portable Long Service Leave Authority, CoInvest Board, GS1 Board, WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Council and Occupational Health & Safety Committee. He also sits on a number of Victorian Government committees covering many areas, including environmental matters, COVID19 recovery, the rail industry, skills development, and industrial issues. Tim has practised as a barrister and solicitor in Australia and the UK and worked as a journalist in television, radio and newspapers. He also has completed an MBA. Tim was honoured last year with the Member of the Order of Australia for his services to industry and manufacturing, to skills training and to multicultural youth. He has also been an Australia Day Ambassador and was the recipient of the Centenary Medal for services to the business community.
Victorian Branch Secretary, AWU

Ben Davis

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Ben is the Victorian Branch Secretary of The Australian Workers’ Union. Further, he has been the AWU Victorian Vice President since 2007. Ben has experience across a range of industries, especially through his 10 years as AWU’s Organiser for Victoria. Ben has a deep passion for major projects and by extension, the provision of opportunities to local SMEs through the Local Jobs First policy.
Victorian Branch State Secretary, AMWU

Tony Mavromatis

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Tony became a Director of the ICN Victoria board in August 2018. Tony is the Victorian Branch State Secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU). He has been involved in the manufacturing and construction industries for many years and is a long-time member of the AMWU. Tony is passionate about the Local Jobs First policy and supporting local manufacturing in Victoria.
Chief Executive Officer- Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Paul Guerra

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Paul is an internationally experienced leader having held Managing Director/CEO and Chairman level roles across Australia and Asia Pacific, spanning several key industries. Paul was previously the Chief Executive of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV), best known for producing the Royal Melbourne Show (attracting half a million people annually), world class food and beverage award programs and venue management and activation of the Melbourne Showgrounds. Prior to this Paul was Managing Director Asia Pacific for Optum International, a subsidiary of the United Health Group, one of the world’s leading providers of health services. Before joining Optum International, Paul was the Victorian State Director for Vodafone, and prior to this, he held an extensive 17-year career with Motorola finishing as the Director and Vice President for Motorola Asia Pacific. Paul holds an honours degree in electronic engineering from Swinburne University, a post graduate diploma in management with a major in marketing and has completed several short management courses in the USA. Paul is involved in several boards, not-for-profits, and start-ups. Paul is also an Australia Day Ambassador and a proud Victorian.
General Manager – Victoria, Engineers Australia

Alesha Printz

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Alesha Printz is a Chartered Engineer and the General Manager, Victoria of Engineers Australia, Australia’s peak engineering association representing around 100,000 engineers. Alesha joined the ICN Victoria board in October 2018 and is also a board member at Engineers Without Borders Australia. She has an extensive industry experience based on a background in the delivery of major infrastructure projects for Victorian water authorities. One of the motivating factors to become a Director at ICN Victoria was the organisation’s role in supporting Victoria’s economy, specifically through connecting local SMEs to project opportunities. The subsequent capacity expansion and job creation is able to provide ripple effects for our local supply chain and the long-term sustainability of manufacturing. Alesha is also passionate about family and as mother of two young children is currently role modelling flexible work in practice.
Board Member

Russell Rolls

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With over 20 years on ICN Victoria’s board, Russell has an extensive history in the heavy resource engineering industry. As a professional mechanical engineer, Russell operated at one of the oldest Australian engineering companies, Jaques Limited. Another business Russell was involved at is Clyde Industries Limited, with export operations primarily to Asia, North and South America and South Africa. The focus on local content and strengthening our supply chain has been the core reason for Russell’s involvement with ICN Victoria for over two decades.
Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability

Gillian Sparkes AM

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Dr Gillian Sparkes FAICD Gillian is Victoria’s Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, an independent statutory role that reports and advises the Victorian government on the environment and a non-executive director. Gillian has been a board member of ICN Victoria since 2014 and is also a board member of the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation, Country Fire Authority, Chair of FrontierSI and Commissioner of the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) Board. An accomplished leader in complex stakeholder environments across multiple sectors, risks and settings, Gillian was initially an industrial chemist and later operations manager with BHP Steel and Brambles Cleanaway. After two decades working in industry, Gillian decided to pursue public service and as an establishing Centre Director for the Commonwealth Enterprise Connect Program from 2008-2010, was fortunate to experience first-hand the critical role of ICN in supporting industries and creating jobs. Gillian continues to be excited by the work of ICN and the opportunity to be a part of the highly skilled, experienced, and diverse ICN Victoria Board. Gillian was awarded a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Queen’s Birthday 2021 Honours “for significant services to environmental sustainability, and to public administration.

Leadership team

The Leadership Team is lead by CEO, Dianne Smith and consists of Customer Strategy and Development, Customer Products and Services and Governance, Marketing and Systems.

Within each team we have specialists leading functions of Business Development and Relationships, Systems Development and Business Analytics,  Administration, Marketing and Communications, Social Procurement, Stakeholder Relationships, Research and Analysis, Industry Liaison, Customer Services, Policy and Business Capability.

CEO

Dianne Smith

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Dianne became CEO of the Industry Capability Network (Vic.) in November 2020. She is a proud Victorian, passionate about growing industry capability and local jobs and has a well-connected business and government network in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Prior to ICN, Dianne held various senior positions including Chief Executive at the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce (part of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry), Chief Executive of the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, Manager of Tourism Partnerships at Parks Victoria, and CEO of Ballarat Tourism. Her skills are in the areas of Government Relations, Advocacy and Communications, Business and Industry Development, and Commercial Operational Management. Dianne was appointed to the Victorian Ministerial Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Council (2016-2018), Adjunct Professor Victoria University, and she is currently a Board Director of Puffing Billy (Emerald Tourist Railway Board). She is a graduate of the AICD and has a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.
Customer Strategy and Development Executive Manager

Tariro Makwasha

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Tariro Makwasha leads ICN Victoria’s Development and Customer Strategy, focusing on growth, innovation and building customer relationships and partnerships. With a focus on customer-centred growth, she connects strategy to business outcomes through data, processes and people. Tariro has partnered with state and federal governments on economic development policies, infrastructure investment, and road safety improvement strategies, including the Local Jobs First Policy. She is passionate about inclusion and looks forward to supporting the Building Equality Policy.
Customer Products and Services Executive Manager

Grant Jennings

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Grant Jennings is the recently appointed Customer Products and Services Executive Manager focusing on driving value -based outcomes for our customers across their journey. Grant spent three years as the Industry Engagement Manager with ICN Victoria having commenced as a regional Industry Adviser. Grant has extensive background in manufacturing within the construction, technology and medical device sectors. Grant has a genuine passion for Australian manufacturing and the opportunities it provides for innovation and economic growth.
Governance Marketing and Systems Executive Manager

Kristan Dooley

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Kristan has joined ICN Victoria in the newly created role of Governance, Marketing and Systems Executive Manager, which will see her lead our corporate services department including systems development, HR, administration, finance, and marketing. Kristan has a diverse portfolio of skills with a focus on business operations. Throughout her career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Royal Australian Navy and Austrade, she worked in several international roles, most recently as the South Australian Government’s Director of Trade and Investment based in Singapore. She has also had the privilege of leading several not-for-profit organisations. Kristan has a First-Class Honours degree in Mathematics, a Master of International Relations degree and is a Chartered Secretary and member of the Governance Institute.
Business Development and Relationships Manager

Andy Balmain

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Andy Balmain has been with the Industry Capability Network since 2010, starting as an Industry Advisor before gradually making his way into his current role as Manager – Business Development & Client Services for the organisation. Prior to joining ICN Victoria, Andy had more than 30 years of experience across construction, manufacturing, project management, product design & development, and commercial management. Specific areas Andy has worked in include yacht construction, automotive OEM and aftermarket components, commercial construction, and plastic thermoforming. Andy has played a key role in many projects since joining the ICN Victoria team, which can involve coordinating support for local industry engagement, import replacement, collaboration, as well as joint ventures. Some noteworthy projects he has involved with include the Melbourne Arts Centre Redevelopment, working in New Zealand on the rebuilding of Christchurch, the current HMAS Cerberus upgrade and Level Crossing Removal projects.
Systems Development and Business Analytics Manager

Lynn Johnson

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Lynn Johnson is a qualified civil/structural engineer with a Master of Business Administration. Her career spans to Singapore, United Kingdom and Australia, and across many industry sectors including engineering, construction, manufacturing, renewables, transport and infrastructure. Lynn is the Manager of the Programs, Process and Systems team, delivering valued and distinguished offerings to Government and industry customers. Since joining ICN in 2001, Lynn has been committed to supporting local procurement and supply chain engagement. Lynn is a proud winner of the inaugural ‘2014 Women in Industry Award for Excellence in Manufacturing’; a culmination of hard work and passion to help Australian industry gain access to opportunities. Lynn is passionate about helping SMEs by supporting industry to be aware of business opportunities in Government projects and procurement as well as working with SMEs to promote local business capability.
Marketing and Communications Manager

Marianna Costa

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Marianna Costa leads the Marketing and Communications team. A strategic marketer Marianna brings a customer centric perspective across the business from her foundation in market research, brand management , product development and communications planning. Her experience includes launching start ups and building global brand messaging in tourism, manufacturing, education and service sectors. She holds a Master of Marketing with Distinction and a Graduate Certificate Digital Marketing Leadership from RMIT University and Bachelor of Economics from Monash University.
Executive Assistant & Administration Manager – Administration / EA to Dianne Smith

Yelena Kats

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Joining ICN Victoria in January 2019, Yelena is an administration-based professional with a background in the finance sector. Yelena has several years’ experience in the areas of consumer finance and lending policy, at companies such as Loan Market. Yelena was particularly attracted to ICN Victoria given the important support role she could play in a smaller organisation.
Principal Social Procurement Adviser

Rebecca Lee

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Rebecca Lee is the Principal Social Procurement Adviser at ICN Victoria. Her work with ICN Victoria encompasses three years in the Local Jobs First Policy team, and she now brings this experience in policy implementation to the Social Procurement Framework. Rebecca has experience in driving effective policy implementation and compliance from her previous role as Policy Compliance Team Leader. She has aspirations for social and sustainable procurement practices and looks forward to applying her background in Women and Gender studies to the Building Equality Policy program for ICN Victoria.
Stakeholder and Government Relations Lead

Georgia Ruffell

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Georgia commenced with ICN Victoria in October 2018 as a member of the ICN Policy Team demonstrating her passion for effective engagement through supporting State Government Agencies and entities in the application of the Local Jobs First Policy. Georgia has recently been appointed the Stakeholder and Government Relations Lead, applying her skills and expertise in stakeholder engagement and coordination to the ICN Victoria organisation and our full suite of customers. She is an advocate for local, social and sustainable outcomes and will use this as a driver to strengthen ICN's reach and impact, with a strong focus on helping local win.
Research and Analysis Lead

Navin Mehta

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Navin is our newly appointed Research and Analysis Lead. Navin has been with ICN Victoria for 3 years commencing as a Business Analyst. He has exceptional analysis skills and a passion for technology applying his experience to deeper understanding of our products and services to meet our customer needs. Navin holds a Bachelor of Genetics, a Master of Science in Biotechnology and a Master of Information and Technology, Information Systems and Data Analytics.
Senior Industry Liaison

Andrew Bradley

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Having joined ICN Victoria in 2007 as Grampians Regional Manager, Andrew is currently the Senior Industry Liaison, a position that is crucial to delivering the state government’s Local Jobs First Policy. Andrew has extensive experience in this field and works cross-functionally within ICN
Customer Services Lead

Tijana Gibson

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Tijana Gibson is an experienced Client Relations professional with a demonstrated history of working in policy implementation, procurement, manufacturing, and public & Government relations. This has led Tijana through three customer focused roles with ICN Victoria, and now leading the Customer Services team, who provide support to our many stakeholder bases. Tijana graduated from Curtin University with a Double Bachelor of Commerce & Humanities focused in Public & International Relations in 2020 and has continued researching Foreign Affairs and Human Rights outside of her tertiary studies. Tijana is also a member of our National IT and Defence working groups.
Principal Policy Analyst

Cameron Christie

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Cam has recently been appointed Principal Policy Analyst leading a team of policy analysts providing insight for project assessments and implications for the Local Jobs First Policy. Cam has been with ICN Victoria for 3 years commencing as a Policy Analyst. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Monash University with majors in Politics and in International Relations and is currently undertaking a Master of Public Policy and Management at the University of Melbourne.
Business Capability Lead

Jennifer Peck

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Jen has recently joined the team as the Business Capability Lead in April 2022. Jen’s role is to provide a focus on supply chain mapping of industry sectors to help link local capability with business opportunities. She is a six sigma black belt with more than 20 years experience leading and implementing end-to-end Continuous Improvement, Innovation and Scientific Research Initiatives. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Applied Mathematics from the University of Melbourne and a Diploma Education in Project Management.

Our team & focus areas

Client Services

Phone 03 9864 6700

Email Info@icnvic.org.au

Marketing and Communications

Phone 03 9864 6700

Email Info@icnvic.org.au

The Marketing and Communication team ensures the overarching communication of ICN Victoria’s value proposition to build our brand reputation.  We oversee the delivery of our message across all the touch point including website, events, products and service. Our collaborations across the ICN network builds opportunities through data insights and leveraging of resources.

 

Corporate / Administration

Phone 03 9864 6700

Email Info@icnvic.org.au

The Corporate / Administration function is responsible for financial matters, administrative and operations support, people and culture.

Industry Engagement

Phone 03 9864 6700 (Bidder or Supplier Support: Select option 2 "LIDP then option 1 "Bidder")

Email Info@icnvic.org.au

Our team across Victoria assists to:

  • Activate local industry engagement and connections
  • provide advice on Local Jobs First Policy and Social Procurement strategies
  • maximise local, social, sustainable and employment outcomes for project opportunities

Our team brings extensive experience and knowledge across a broad range of industry sectors which enables us to offer well rounded advice whilst adhering to the strictest probity rules.

From working with bidders to identify local suppliers to post tender award support, our team are out and about in the marketplace every day engaging with suppliers and building supplier knowledge.

On key Victorian Government Strategic Projects, we allocate an Industry Adviser to each Bid Team to assist with policy and project requirements. Each of these experienced Advisers will be able to assist in connecting suppliers directly to their respective Bidders. Upon award of the contract the ICN team will continue to support the company on the delivery of project commitments.

Policy Implementation

Phone 03 9864 6700

Email policyadmin@icnvic.org.au

The Policy Implementation Team partners with the Office of Industry Participation and Jobs in the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions to deliver the Local Jobs First Policy (LJF) across state government procurements valued $1 million and above.

Our primary role is translating LJF from policy to application, advising state government on opportunities for local industry involvement, jobs creation and support, and the process and requirements of LJF.

The Policy Implementation Team has three function areas: Capability Advisory Services, Policy Compliance Services and Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination. Through these function areas, we deliver LJF training sessions, advise the state on Strategic Projects ($50 million and above), provide data and insights on current local industry capability and capacity to input into government procurements.

Why is our work essential?

Through our activities, the government can measure the impact LJF has on local industry and employment including the development and growth of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs), skills development and pipeline, diversification and localisation of supply chains critical to Victoria, Australia and New Zealand.

Our continued involvement with government initiatives is driven by our commitment to uplifting local industry and jobs.

 

Programs, Process and Systems

Phone 03 9864 6700

Email Info@icnvic.org.au

The Programs, Process and Systems (PPS) team operates the Social Procurement Program and VMC, ICN Victoria’s information management platform, an accessible end-to-end system that collects data to support Government and Industry with policy, project delivery and performance.

The PPS team also manages data and systems that support local industry participation, local content considerations and assist with the project procurement process.

 

ICN HELP DESK

Phone 1300 961 139 (within Australia)
Phone +61 2 6285 2033 (outside Australia)
Email helpdesk@corp-dev.icn.org.au

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