ASSDA Young Professionals Network
Discussion Panel
Lachlan Mathers
Engineering Manager, AWMA Water Control Solutions
Lachlan completed his engineering studies in 2019, during which he gained valuable experience with a focus on heat treatment and LNG plant manufacture. Following graduation, he embarked on a journey with AWMA Water Control Solutions spending his first year as a Technical Support Engineer and since has dedicated the last three years as the Engineering Manager. AWMA design and construct all of their products in North Central Victoria using predominantly an array of stainless steel grades for gates, screens and flood protection products. His key focus has been developing the collaborations and integrations between the water and stainless steel industries. Additionally, Lachlan serves as the Chair of the ASSDA Young Professional Network, aiming to provide numerous opportunities for young professionals within the stainless steel industry, ensuring its continuous growth and innovation.
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Lissel Pilcher
General Manager, ASSDA
Lissel has been working for the Australian Stainless Steel Development Association (ASSDA) for the past 13 years and was appointed General Manager in 2018. Lissel leads all operational matters of ASSDA, and develops and executes strategic initiatives to improve the performance of the industry and grow the Association's position.
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With a Bachelor's degree in Communications with Marketing and Public Relations majors, Lissel came from a corporate marketing and property development background before joining ASSDA. She is instrumental in the delivery of all ASSDA publications and events, including Australia's only dedicated stainless steel conference, PacRim Stainless. She has overseen the delivery of over 10 conferences and over 40 publications, including the Australian Stainless Reference Manual, Stock Guide, Australian Stainless Magazine, and was responsible for the recent update of the world stainless Stainless Steel Specialist Course. She is passionate about developing the next generation of stainless steel industry leaders, forming the ASSDA Young Professionals Network in 2022.
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Lissel has extensive experience in association management, delivering value to ASSDA's Members and the wider stainless industry in growing the local market and promoting stainless steel as a material of choice around the world.
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Peter Ford
General Manager, Austral Wright Metals
Peter commenced his stainless steel career journey in Internal Sales with Austral Wright Metals (AWM) in 2004. Over the years, he navigated various roles within the company, starting from sales and later taking on leadership responsibilities. Relocating to South Australia in 2009, he managed the Adelaide operations before returning to Victoria in 2011 to oversee the Melbourne site. In 2023, he assumed the role of General Manager following the retirement of long-time GM Alan Sinfield. With a strategic focus on ensuring the smooth succession of long-serving staff at Austral Wright, Peter actively participates in the ASSDA Young Professionals Network committee where he serves as Vice-Chair, collaborating with like-minded peers who share his passion for the industry’s advancement.
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Jessica Wehbe
Director, Steel Renew
Jessica is a Director at Steel Renew, a family-owned stainless steel restoration company.
Jessica believes understanding your assets, and the maintenance of them is crucial for their longevity. restoring stainless steel is a cost-effective way, alongside having the correct maintenance plan to ensure your assets last longer. She is an industry-leading client relations extraordinaire and is well-known in the Sydney and Brisbane property asset management and elevator industries.
Jessica holds board member positions for various organisations such as LESA, and is on the Young Professionals Network Committee for ASSDA, alongside being a corporate sponsor of the Canterbury Bankstown Chamber of Commerce. She has a passion for meeting people and building high quality, trusting relationships that are mutually beneficial for all.
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Josh Sheedy
International Sales Manager, Arcus Wire Group
As the International Sales Manager for Arcus Wire Group, Josh is the primary point of contact for stainless steel projects across the marine, industrial and architectural sectors.
With over ten years of experience, Josh is recognised for his expertise in specifying and project managing the delivery of tensile cable systems including G316, G316L, G304 and duplex 2205. In addition to his expertise, Josh is sought after for his ability to deliver innovative, practical solutions that push the boundaries of stainless steel solutions to overcome project challenges and meet project outcomes.
Josh’s experience includes leading the technical and commercial completion of major projects, notably the award-winning duplex 2205 wire rope cable system for a project in the Middle East which involved manufacturing and testing cables at Arcus Wire Group’s head office in Australia and exporting to Israel. Other major projects include critical mining infrastructure in Australia's Pilbara region, large-scale bridge projects, and most recently, collaborating on Georgia Tech's awe-inspiring new arbour in the USA.
Highly regarded within the industry, Josh is a Committee Member of the ASSDA Young Professionals Network in Australia and is regularly engaged to share insights and project updates at industry conferences worldwide.
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