Meet our DRFA team

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 Marius is a Natural Disaster Funding Specialist with a strong background in operations and project management. He previously worked with Transport for NSW, supporting 33 Councils across the Mid, Central and North Coast regions to access disaster recovery funding following fires, storms and floods.

Holding an MBA, Marius brings expertise in leadership, stakeholder engagement, business development and contract management. He has influenced key improvements across the disaster recovery lifecycle, including scoping, funding and coordination. Notably, he led the development of the Disaster Interim Payment Scheme (DIPS), approved at Ministerial level in 2022, enabling faster approval and release of funding to Councils.

Ben is an experienced construction engineer with over 22 years in the civil industry, spanning natural disaster management, geotechnical engineering and major project delivery.

As a DRFA Assessor, he contributed to significant improvements in how funding is mobilised following natural disasters. Ben has worked on major projects for Transport for NSW (formerly RMS), both as a consultant and client-side team member, delivering works valued at over $5 billion, primarily across the Lower Hunter and Mid North Coast.

He is proficient in Benchmark Estimating, @Risk Monte Carlo simulation software and Primavera P6, and holds multiple qualifications, including a Master of Construction Law.

Stuart is an accomplished civil engineer and local government professional with 26 years of experience across project management, asset management, and maintenance and operations.

Holding a Bachelor of Engineering and an MBA, he specialises in resolving process challenges through the effective use of technology and information systems across state and local government. He has led a major Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) initiative, delivering integrated asset registers and works systems across Capital Works, Water and Sewer, Transport, Open Space, Buildings and Fleet, supported by mobile technology rollout.

Stuart is driven by a strong commitment to public service and continuous improvement, consistently seeking practical, innovative solutions that deliver lasting value.

 With a diverse career and client centric experiences through private consulting, local and state government, Gaynor has worked on the disaster recovery effort of the Federal Government administering auditable funding to 33 local Councils in northern NSW, initial Geotechnical drilling and reporting for the Coffs Bypass, project management of pavement investigation and design for OM Civil subdivision at Dorrigo, piling rig and crane pad designs for Ark Constuction Group on Coutts Bridges.

She holds a Civil Engineering degree with honours from Southern Cross University, Structural Engineering diploma from TAFE, and is skilled in project engineering, contract law, bridge replacement, pavement rehabilitation, geotechnical reporting, materials classification and concrete.

Alex is a Civil Engineer with over 18 years of experience across the construction, maintenance and operation of public infrastructure. Known for his strategic thinking and collaborative approach, he delivers practical, efficient solutions across the private sector and both local and state government.

He has led major infrastructure programs, including $2.5 billion in natural disaster recovery funding and one of NSW’s largest bridge replacement initiatives. His leadership has been recognised through multiple awards, reflecting his focus on resilience, efficiency and customer outcomes.

Alex is passionate about public service and creating lasting impact. He excels at leading teams, strengthening stakeholder relationships and driving continuous improvement across projects of all scales.

For 25 years, Mat has worked in Local Government, initially as an Engineering Inspector. He then transitioned into a Design Engineer role and eventually became a Project Manager, successfully delivering key projects. Mat also held a Leadership Position where he managed a team of 21 people

Most recently, he has spent the last 18 months working as a Professional Services Contractor (PSC) for Transport for NSW (TfNSW) as a Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangement (DRFA) Claims Assessor. 

Mat values collaboration and has a knack for forming good working relationships. He enjoys problem-solving, collaborating, and making well-informed decisions even in challenging situations.