Waste Expo Australia 2026 Exhibitor List

Matthew Lonergan is co-founder and CEO of Machine Vision AI Pty Ltd, the Sydney-based scale-up turning industrial cameras into real-time compliance and resource-recovery engines. Drawing on a decade in waste-sector operations—most recently leading AI projects with Bingo Industries in Australia and Beauparc in Ireland—Matthew pairs deep computer-vision expertise with hands-on materials-recovery experience. He co-authored the 2025 peer-reviewed study “Analyzing Mixed C&D Waste Using Deep Learning” and now advises business on technology standards for circular-economy infrastructure. Matthew’s mission: eliminate guesswork, fires and lost value from C&D waste streams through practical, data-driven automation.

Dr Diani is a researcher at Monash University specialising in computer vision for construction and demolition (C&D) waste management. Her work applies AI-driven vision systems to automate waste identification, classification, and sorting, with the aim of optimising material recovery in recycling facilities. She has developed frameworks such as PromSeg-Waste and WasteXtract to advance C&D waste recognition processes and released a benchmark dataset of skip-bin waste images that is now used internationally to advance waste recognition research. Her contributions lie at the intersection of digital innovation, the circular economy, and sustainable construction, paving the way for smarter and more efficient waste management systems.

Joe Leech is General Manager of SmartEnds Australia, combining smart sensor technology and AI innovation to transform how businesses, governments, and communities approach waste management. With 15 years’ experience in the environmental industry, Joe has a proven track record in delivering results through innovative solutions, strategic partnerships, and operational excellence. Currently in the final stages of its commercial proof of concept in Europe and North America, SmartEnds is now looking to partner with companies in Australia and New Zealand to recreate its successes in applying their Vision AI solution to recognise, sort, and manage construction and demolition waste.

Brett Lemin is the Executive Director of the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of NSW (WCRA), where he leads efforts to enhance safety, innovation, and collaboration within the waste and recycling industry. With a focus on education, collaboration, and best practice advocacy, Brett has been instrumental in advancing industry standards and fostering partnerships between government and private stakeholders. His leadership is driven by a commitment to sustainable solutions and ensuring that the industry's voice is effectively represented in policy discussions, contributing to the transition towards a circular economy.

Asela Atapattu is a trained biochemist, who has been with the NSW EPA for over 8 years. He is currently Acting Executive Director of Strategy and Policy, leading teams in Aboriginal Initiatives, Circular Economy Policy, Climate and Environment Protection, Ecological Sustainable Development and Finance. In his tenure as Director, Asela has led numerous teams from Hazardous Materials, Chemicals and Radiation to Major Projects and Initiatives and Circular Economy Policy. Before joining the NSW EPA, Asela worked for the New Zealand EPA in a number of leadership roles, including heading up the chemicals and gene technology assessment sections. Before he joined public service, Asela work in biotechnology research. Asela has a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry and Microbiology, and a Masters of Science degree in Molecular Biology. When he is not at work, Asela likes coaching cricket, sailing and exploring the city with his family.

Shaun Scallan is a passionate advocate for Australia’s transition to a renewably powered circular economy. His journey from the water and pulp and paper industry engineering and C-Suite roles started with an MSc in Renewable Energy in 2009. His final role was GM CSR for Australian Paper and company spokesperson. In 2013 the 6 year Planet Ark chapter commenced. After stepping into the Manager Recycling Programs for a year, the next 2 years involved setting up 3 for purpose and profit businesses. Planet Ark Power, Packaging Recycling Evaluation Portal and the Australasian Recycling Label. Brief stints in a waste to energy startup, an e-waste recycling Co-Reg, an engineering consultancy further built his skills in resource recovery and circular economy. Shaun is deeply involved in Australia New Zealand Biochar Industry Group (ANZBIG) on the Executive Board, Chairing the Advisory Board and the Supply and Market Development Working Group. He was also a lead author of the Biochar Industry 2030 Roadmap. He joined the Victorian Bioenergy Network as Operations Director in November 2024.

Claire Andersen is Acting Executive Director, Office of Waste Reduction and Recycling, Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation. She has more than 20 years’ experience in a range of policy, operational and regulatory roles across Queensland Government. She had led major reforms across fisheries, forestry, Great Barrier Reef policy and environmental regulation and is currently leading development of a new Waste Strategy for Queensland.

Mark is the Head of Corporate Affairs at Cleanaway. His role involves advocacy of government on commonwealth and state policies impacting the waste and resource recovery sector. Prior to Cleanaway Mark worked as an advisor to State Ministers and a Premier

Jason Pugh’s career spanning 27 years has been spent taking innovative companies through to commercial success stories. The past 10 years of his career has been spent developing the waste to energy sector in Australia as CEO of the $511m East Rockingham Waste to Energy project. He was recently appointed Sales Director Australia and New Zealand for Kanadevia Inova, the worlds leading supplier of waste to energy and composting technologies. Jason led the development of the East Rockingham Waste to Energy project, achieving Australia’s first EPA approval for a large-scale waste to energy project in 2013. He was also responsible for planning approval, site selection, community consultation, local government tendering, grid connection and key stakeholder management.

Steve has extensive experience in the leadership and management of a team of Professional Officers and gaining behaviour change through early and meaningful engagement. In his current role of Director Compliance, Circular Economy and Investigations, Steve leads a team of high performing professional officers to achieve the EPA strategic objectives to support the wellbeing and prosperity of the SA community, keep people informed and engaged, and be an effective and trusted regulator. Steve's experience and capabilities assist in implementing the State circular economy and waste management objectives and supporting the modernisation of the Container Deposit Scheme on behalf of the SA Government. His leadership role focuses on building trust and confidence and maximising the potential of staff within the EPA. Steven also provides a high-level of expertise in the area of environmental regulation and the development and implementation of environmental and regulatory strategies, programs and policies.

Ben is an engineer with over 15 years experience in the waste industry spanning from landfill operation and construction through MRF and AD design and construction. Current works cover very large scale infrastructure design, assessment and independent checking. Ben is passionate about ensuring that waste materials are given the best opportunity to maximise their value before final disposal options are considered.

<p>Mark Bannister&nbsp;is the&nbsp;Manager, Waste &amp; Land Policy &amp; Regulation&nbsp;at the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA Victoria), where he leads the development of strategic regulatory policy that support effective waste management and land use across the state.</p> <p>With a strong commitment to evidence-based policy and environmental stewardship, I have contributed to key initiatives including leading the waste chapters of the Environmental Protection Regulations 2021 and assisted with the&nbsp;Environment Protection Bill Legislative Impact Assessment. He also represents EPA Victoria in national working groups focused on working with waste regulation across jurisdictions.</p> <p>Working closely partner agencies to ensure that EPA&rsquo;s policies are both practical and forward-looking. Our work reflects a deep understanding of the environmental challenges facing Victoria and a genuine passion for protecting the places and communities that make it unique.</p>

BlueGas Technologies, led by Lady Jennifer Wentzki as Managing Director/CEO, is at the forefront of sustainable technology. Under her visionary guidance, the company is driving the entry of the German Concord Blue Reformer, the EU's first Carbon-Negative Certified Waste to Hydrogen technology, into the Australian market. With a focus on comprehensive turnkey solutions for clean waste disposal and local renewable energy generation, BlueGas Technologies is revolutionizing the industry. Lady Jennifer Wentzki brings decades of international experience to her role. Her distinguished career at Austrade and then Australia’s Ausnindo Consulting Group focussed on international market expansion and project development, supporting countless clients across various industries and international destinations. As a founding member of influential organizations such as the Queensland Export Facilitation Council, Business Advisory Boards, International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry and Women's Network Australia, she has played a pivotal role in empowering businesses to expand globally. With memberships in prestigious organizations like the Australian Institute of Export, the International Trade Council, and the German Australian Hydrogen Alliance, Lady Jennifer remains at the forefront of international trade matters. Her expertise is sought-after, as she is a popular speaker and has served as a judge for the International Business Awards. Alongside a carefully selected team of engineering and specialist partners, Lady Jennifer leverages an extensive knowledge and deep connections with Australian government agencies, allowing BlueGas Technologies to navigate the evolving landscape of sustainable technology with confidence and establish distribution points to efficiently service energy intensive Industries. Driven by her passion for sustainability, Lady Jennifer's leadership has propelled BlueGas Technologies to a commitment to creating clean, renewable energy including Green Hydrogen. In managing waste and safeguarding the environment, the company is shaping a greener future.

Gary Rowe, Managing Director of RML AU, brings decades of expertise in innovation and business transformation. Originally from the UK, his career spans commercial refrigeration, electrical and mechanical entities. As the driving force behind RML AU, he continues to push the boundaries of foam fire suppression technology protecting businesses and communities improving ESG outcomes.