Our Leaders
Experience Leadership. Future-Focused Vision.
With a balance of experience, our leaders drive technical excellence and community-focused engineering in the Queensland Outback and beyond.
Pioneering Engineering Excellence and Innovation in Regional Queensland
Our team blends deep industry expertise with a hands-on approach, fostering innovation, empowering people and delivering real impact where it matters most.
With a strong commitment to excellence and community, we’re shaping the future of engineering across regional Queensland and beyond.
We are proud to foster a diverse and inclusive workplace where people from all backgrounds feel respected, supported and empowered to contribute. Our strength lies in the variety of perspectives we bring to every project.
The People Behind GBA
Our leaders have diverse engineering backgrounds, decades of experience and the specialised skills to ensure our service quality meets a standard that is unquestionable.
Darren Richardson
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- RPEQ 11297
- Commenced in 2020
Darren Richardson is a civil engineer with over 25 years of experience in road construction, maintenance and contract administration, gained through a long-standing career with DTMR and RoadTek. A graduate of CQU Rockhampton, Darren has held a range of senior roles, including Manager (Delivery & Operations) for DTMR’s Fitzroy District, where he contributed to strategic infrastructure delivery and led regional project teams.
His expertise includes Superintendent and contract administration roles across major transport projects. Since joining GBA Consulting Engineers in 2020 and becoming a partner in 2021, Darren has continued to apply his leadership and technical capability to the planning and delivery of essential transport infrastructure throughout regional Queensland.
Jason Ricks
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- RPEQ 8499
- Commenced in 2012
With decades of experience across outback Queensland, Jason Ricks has worked in towns including Cloncurry, Cape York Peninsula and Barcaldine. He brings broad capability in construction, estimating, programming, remote area delivery, supply chain management and contract administration of civil infrastructure projects.
Since joining GBA in 2012, Jason has delivered a wide range of community-focused work. A personal highlight was modifying a Barcaldine carpark to accommodate the ‘Heart Bus’ – a smaller-scale project with lasting impact for both the driver and the local community.
Stuart Bourne
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- RPEQ 8416
- Commenced in 2007
Stuart Bourne graduated from Central Queensland University in 2001 with a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Co-op). He began his career as a site engineer in England before returning to Queensland to work on roadworks, bridges, dams and rail infrastructure across the state.
Stuart joined GBA Consulting Engineers in 2007 and became a partner in 2016, applying his broad expertise to public works and regional development. He also holds a pilot’s licence, supporting access to remote project locations across GBA’s service area.
Rick Rolfe
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- RPEQ 15834
- Commenced in 2017
Rick Rolfe brings a well-rounded background in both government and private sector engineering. After completing studies at USQ Toowoomba and CQU Rockhampton, he developed broad capability across all stages of civil infrastructure – from planning and design to construction, maintenance and traffic management.
Rick also brings significant leadership experience in project supervision, program delivery, resource planning and organisational change. Since joining GBA Consulting Engineers in 2017, he has worked closely with Barcaldine Regional Council and became a partner in 2019.
PJ Cullivan
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- RPEQ 15325
- Commenced in 2011
Originally from Ireland, PJ Cullivan moved to Australia in 2011 to support regional councils in delivering critical public infrastructure, providing engineering services to remote and regional Councils where he assisted in the formation of Queensland’s first water alliance.
He joined GBA the same year and has since played a key role in project management, contract administration and civil works. PJ was instrumental in delivering Emerald’s award-winning ungrooved Stone Mastic Asphalt runway, an Australian first, demonstrating his ability to drive complex, high-impact projects.
Leanna Patterson
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- RPEQ 27691
- Commenced in 2018
Leanna has been contributing to GBA since 2018, initially working on secondment to Barcaldine Regional Council. She is proud to be the first woman appointed as an Associate Partner since the company’s founding. Now a Principal Engineer and Associate Partner, Leanna excels in leading engineering and technical teams to deliver complex projects that meet client needs.
After completing her engineering studies on the Gold Coast, Leanna worked with Seymour White on the Landsborough Highway Rehabilitation Project in Barcaldine before joining GBA. Passionate about regional communities, she actively participates in local sports and enjoys restoring historic Queenslander homes.
Matthew Brennan
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- RPEQ 29309
- Commenced in 2017
Since joining GBA in 2017, Matthew has become an Associate Partner, bringing a unique combination of engineering expertise and piloting skills. He has extensive experience in project management, environmental planning, Job Management Plans, Traffic Guidance Schemes, tendering and quotation processes.
Matthew’s background also includes road construction and bitumen sealing on RMPC, MWPC, government-funded and local government projects. A committed mentor, Matthew plays a crucial role in training engineers and technical officers, ensuring the team delivers exceptional outcomes that meet client expectations.
Michael Williams
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- Commenced in 2016
Since Michael joined GBA in 2016, he has managed Cultural Heritage, Native Title & Environmental compliance, Aboriginal Party Engagement, CH Clearance surveys, and consultation for multiple clients including LGAs, DTMR and private businesses throughout regional QLD. He is now an Associate Partner and Principal Cultural Heritage Officer. With a background in Indigenous and Maritime Archaeology, he has studied and worked across the globe, including Greece, Turkey, and NSW, before settling in Central West QLD.
Michael’s work ensures client needs are met while safeguarding cultural heritage and environmental values. His approach aligns with GBA’s commitment to sustainability, responsible growth, and long-term environmental stewardship.
Hanno Du Toit
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- RPEQ 27076
- Commenced in 2021
Hanno joined GBA Consulting Engineers in 2021 and was appointed an Associate Partner in 2024. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, he brings extensive experience in road infrastructure projects, with particular expertise in geometric design, modelling and managing drawing production.
As Principal Design Manager, Hanno is responsible for upholding design quality standards while overseeing design resources and project deliverables. He has played a key role in strengthening GBA’s design performance and is a valued contributor to the HSEQ Committee. Known for his strong work ethic and technical leadership, Hanno’s approach reflects GBA’s core values and commitment to excellence and continuous improvement.
Jason Burger
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- Commenced in 2006
Jason has been an integral part of GBA Consulting Engineers since 2006, playing a key role in establishing and leading the building team. With a background in construction and building certification, he has delivered expert consultancy services to private clients as well as Central Western Queensland, Central Highlands and Maranoa Regional Councils.
Originally from northern New South Wales, Jason began his career in his family’s building business before transitioning into certification. His strong technical knowledge, regional experience and commitment to client service saw him appointed as an Associate in 2019 and later as a Senior Associate. Jason exemplifies GBA’s values of integrity, professionalism and leadership.
Richard Back
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- RPEQ 22278
- Commenced in 2016
Richard joined GBA Consulting Engineers in 2016 and was appointed as an Associate Partner in recognition of his technical capability and commitment to regional infrastructure. Born in Longreach and raised on a property near Ilfracombe, his early connection with GBA began through school work experience.
Now a Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ), Richard has contributed to a wide range of civil engineering projects across local government areas, applying his regional insight and strong practical knowledge to deliver high-quality outcomes for regional Australia.
Richard Lewis
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- RPEQ 25901
- Commenced in 2017
Richard Lewis has been delivering exceptional engineering outcomes from GBA’s Barcaldine office since 2016. Originally from Worksop, England, Richard immigrated to Queensland with his family in the mid-1990s, settling in the mining town of Middlemount before completing his secondary and tertiary studies in Rockhampton.
Known for his dedication, technical capability and alignment with GBA’s core values, Richard was appointed Associate Partner in recognition of his consistent contribution to clients and projects across the region. A licensed pilot, he regularly flies to remote project sites, citing flights over the Thomson and Diamantina Rivers as a career highlight.
George Uren
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- RPEQ 15400
- Commenced in 2021
With over 30 years of civil engineering and construction experience, George is a key leader at GBA, having joined the team in 2021 and progressing to Senior Associate. A registered RPEQ, he brings deep expertise across project construction, estimating, programming, contract administration and project management.
George has worked in both the public and private sectors, delivering projects across all stages, including planning and design through to construction and completion. His ability to manage diverse construction contracts on behalf of TMR, along with his success in delivering road design projects, speaks to his technical and leadership strengths.
George also plays a pivotal role in mentoring graduate engineers and has expanded GBA’s capabilities by building strong client relationships, including new opportunities with Aurizon.
Alicia Ruhl
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- RPEQ 10278
- Commenced in 2022
Alicia is a dynamic engineering leader with a strong technical foundation, positive work ethic and a passion for excellence. Born in Bundaberg, she completed a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Co-op) through CQU in Rockhampton, gaining early experience with Bechtel in Gladstone and Transport & Main Roads (TMR) in Rockhampton.
She joined GBA in 2022 as a Principal Engineer and was soon appointed Senior Associate in recognition of her 17 years of experience with TMR, where she worked across construction, maintenance, network planning and project management roles.
Alicia brings both professional and technical leadership to the team, shaping future engineering solutions through her strategic thinking and collaborative approach.
Brian Duffy
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- RPEQ 18006
- Commenced in 2013
Brian is a highly experienced Civil Engineer and Project Manager with more than 13 years in the field and formal registration as a Professional Engineer in Queensland. Since 2018, he has played a key leadership role as a Program Team Lead with Central Highlands Regional Council, managing the successful delivery of Capital Works Utilities projects.
Earlier in his GBA career, Brian supported Blackall-Tambo Regional Council on a broad portfolio of projects, including road infrastructure, maintenance programs and the upgrade of Blackall Airport. His expertise, regional insight and leadership continue to add significant value across the business, GBA’s emerging engineers and to our local government clients.
Desire Sibanda
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- RPEQ 30907
- Commenced in 2023
Desire is a Civil Engineer with nearly two decades of experience and a proven track record in delivering complex infrastructure projects. He started with GBA Consulting Engineers in 2023 in the Emerald office, where he was immediately seconded into the Utilities Department in Central Highlands Regional Council. His career spans both the private and public sectors, where he has made significant contributions to feasibility studies of flagship projects such as acid mine drainage, detailed design of bulk water projects. Desire has successfully managed various utilities projects for Central Highlands Regional Council, demonstrating his strengths in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and responsive decision-making.
He brings deep technical expertise, professional competencies and a strong understanding of legislative frameworks and public service delivery, making him a valuable leader and trusted advisor in the civil engineering field.
Deon Bronkhorst
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- Commenced in 2006
Deon has been a valued member of GBA since 2006, bringing over two decades of structural design engineering experience from South Africa. Before moving to Australia with his wife and two children, he spent 16 years in the structural design office of a major steel producer, formerly known as ISCOR.
Since joining GBA in Barcaldine, Deon has become one of the company’s longest-serving and most respected team members. His commitment, expertise and consistent performance earned him the well-deserved recognition of Associate in 2021.
Isabeau Gavel
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- Commenced in 2020
Isabeau (Izzy) Gavel joined GBA Consulting Engineers in 2020 and has rapidly progressed to Senior Environmental Officer and Associate. She leads GBA’s environmental services across Central, Southwest and Northwest Queensland, managing consultations, surveys, reporting and agreement development for local and state governments and businesses.
Widely respected in the region, Izzy is known for her strong commitment to balancing cultural respect with sustainable environmental solutions. Certified as a Spotter-Catcher with a Rehabilitation Permit, she actively contributes to wildlife conservation.
Izzy also engages in community environmental initiatives and has participated in a scientific expedition to Antarctica, reflecting her dedication to protecting natural ecosystems.
Bryan Llanos Varela
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- Commenced in 2022
Bryan Llanos Varela is a dedicated Industrial Engineer and recent Associate at GBA, specialising in HSEQ systems and compliance. With extensive experience in project management, Bryan takes a strategic and organised approach to quality assurance, ensuring projects exceed industry standards.
He has been instrumental in enhancing GBA’s internal HSEQ systems, leading successful Third-Party Audits and driving continual improvements, including managing SWMS and NCRs.
Bryan is an integral member of the Rockhampton Ring Road project, where he performs as the Project Safety Representative for the Contract Administration team (CAVS), delivering reliable, safe and compliant solutions for clients and communities.
Shaun Bahr
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- RPEQ 36592
- Commenced in 2016
Shaun joined GBA in 2016 as an Engineer and has since progressed to Senior Engineer, reflecting his strong technical capabilities and commitment to professional growth. He brings extensive experience in project management, supervision, and the delivery of civil infrastructure projects, including Main Roads project management, pavements and sealing works, concrete culverts, and floodways’. Shaun is also highly skilled in tender and construction estimating, as well as the design, documentation, and delivery of local government projects such as sewer pump stations, sewer infrastructure, and water supply systems.
Recognised for his consistency, no-fuss approach, and strong focus on efficient problem-solving, Shaun is someone clients and colleagues rely on to keep projects progressing smoothly. He brings a practical mindset to every challenge, ensuring solutions are effective, straightforward, and delivered without unnecessary complexity.
Shaun’s appointment as an Associate reflects his dedication, expertise, and consistently high performance. His contributions continue to strengthen GBA’s culture and service delivery, setting a strong example of accountability, technical competence, and commitment to delivering high‑quality outcomes for clients.
Johann Visser
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- RPEQ 34004
- Commenced in 2025
Johann is employed as a Principal Engineer who excels at working in rural and remote areas. He leverages nearly 10 years of experience across construction, consulting, and local government sectors. Johann is a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineers Australia and is also a Registered Professional Engineer in Queensland (RPEQ).
Throughout his career, he has successfully managed and delivered a wide range of infrastructure projects, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills. His expertise in managing complex capital projects, combined with his deep understanding of the engineering and construction industries, allows him to drive outcomes that enhance community infrastructure and support sustainable development.
Joseph Kim
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- RPEQ 32323
- Commenced in 2023
Joseph is a Senior Civil Engineer with experience working in the local government sector for regional councils in Queensland. He has worked in small teams to carry out projects for Council, and he has been heavily involved in the many facets of council projects. He has experience dealing with and managing the expectations of the various stakeholders involved, including funding bodies, state departments, and the public.
His work has focused on project management and delivering infrastructure projects for Council. He has experience in procurement and tendering per the local procurement policy, managing internal and external construction crews on site, and contract administration from client and contractor perspectives.
Willie Wilbers
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- Commenced in 2020
Willie began with GBA in early 2020 and has been appointed as an Associate. Since 2020, he has developed into a high-performing civil designer within the GBA Design Team. He has more than 20 years of experience, with an emphasis on Water and Sanitation Infrastructure, and he has successfully delivered on many civil design projects, including various roads, water, and subdivision projects.
Willie is known for his reliability and technical excellence, consistently producing high-quality designs that exceed client expectations. Beyond his remarkable professional contributions, Willie plays an active role in the Barcaldine community, volunteering as an Ambulance driver for the paramedics and supporting the local SES.
Take Your Next Career Move with GBA
At GBA Consulting Engineers, you’ll work on meaningful projects, grow your skills and be part of a supportive team.
Explore our current opportunities and take the first step in your career with us!
- Clients
Certified to Deliver with Confidence
Our associations and accreditations reflect more than expertise. They show our commitment to improving life in regional, rural and remote communities.
- Projects
Supporting Civil Engineering in Transformative Projects right across rural Queensland
We work on a variety of projects involving roads, bridges, aerodromes, water and sewerage, drainage, swimming pools, asset management, road safety audits, cultural heritage and environmental services, flood damage submissions and repair delivery.