Smart City Connect is a series of informative talks hosted by the City of Joondalup in Western Australia and powered by NTRO to explore how technology, innovation and resilience can help Australian cities and communities prosper, create jobs and economies of the future, and stay resilient from external environments. This event will be the fourth in the series and will cover how people are enabled by a smart community. The aim of the event is for people to learn about the future for Australian communities and network with industry experts.
Smart City Connect returns for 2025, with a fascinating look at the future technology which will make our roads and communities safer.

Hosted by City of Joondalup and powered by NTRO, the fourth in the Smart City Connect in-person conversation series will focus on Technology + Road Safety = Safer Roads for All.
The event will feature key discussions on what the future of road safety looks like in the connected and automated vehicle world, and how data, innovation and technology contribute to shaping a smarter, safer transport future.
In person event only
Catering will be provided

Mr Michael Caltabiano was appointed Chief Executive of ARRB, the Australia Road Research Board, in November 2016 after a very successful three years at the helm of the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA). Mr Caltabiano brings to the role of Chief Executive extensive experience in the flexible pavement and bituminous surfacing industry. ARRB has transitioned to the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO) for Australia and New Zealand with offices across Australia and New Zealand and is the trusted knowledge partner for Local, State and Federal Governments delivering their infrastructure standards and next generation delivery outcomes.
Michael graduated from James Cook University with an Honours degree in Civil Engineering and commenced work with the Department of Main Roads, Queensland. He subsequently completed a Master of Philosophy degree at Nottingham University in the UK and researched the application of treatments to prevent reflective cracking from cement treated bases through asphalt pavements. He has also gained a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration and is a qualified Company Director and Mediator. He has extensive experience in the public and private sectors and also had an elected representative role and Local and State Government level for 10 years.
His career has spanned across a wide range of areas including the delivery of large infrastructure projects, the development and planning of multibillion-dollar City Budgets and public representation, legislative engagement and the application of deep technical skills. Michael brings more than 35 years of experience, and great enthusiasm for the roads and transport sector with a particular focus on creating knowledge for tomorrow's transport challenges and driving innovation to deliver a sustainable, smart, safe and connected future.

Mehdi is a transport executive with extensive experience and expertise expanding across many areas of the Transportation sector. Mehdi is currently leading a progressive, multi-skilled directorate at Main Roads Western Australia with over 170 employees focused on improving the operations and performance of the metropolitan state road network in WA. With a demonstrable track record of leadership and technical delivery at both private and public sectors internationally, Mehdi has a holistic understanding of transport planning, traffic engineering, design, construction and operations Mehdi has a keen focus on data driven decision making and use of technology to operate the road network and deliver performance improvements which address congestion, and the safe, sustainable mobility of people and freight.

With a passion for economic, community and environmental outcomes, Luke has extensive experience in Economic Development, property and asset management, and a demonstrated track record in leading and driving business growth by focusing on outcomes, innovative delivery, creating efficiencies and building successful teams.

Dr Sepehr Dehkordi is a senior technology leader at the National Transport Research Organisation (NTRO), renowned for his interdisciplinary contributions to transportation safety, robotics, mobility, and artificial intelligence. With a PhD in Control and Automation Engineering, Sepehr has led numerous high-impact projects that have advanced the safety and efficiency of transport systems.
His career spans academia, industry, and applied research. As a former Research Associate at the Centre for Accident Research and Road Safety – Queensland (CARRS-Q), Sepehr contributed to research on the safety of connected and automated vehicles. His innovative work in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and autonomous technologies has earned national recognition, including a nomination for the Young Professional Award by ITS Australia in 2019.
At NTRO, Sepehr currently serves as the technical lead on several projects focused on transport technology, digital twins and connected vehicle systems.

Teresa Williams has a diverse work history within the Western Australian (WA) public sector, including road safety, the resources and energy sectors, consumer and employment protection, and health. Her operational roles have included regulatory, policy and community service functions, with other roles having corporate responsibilities such as head of corporate services and Chief Financial Officer. Teresa is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA), holds a Bachelor of Commerce, an Executive Master of Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Australian Indigenous Studies. Current voluntary roles include Council President-elect of the Australasian College of Road Safety and WA Chapter Committee member, Trustee for the Public Works Engineering Foundation WA, Committee Member of the Institute of Public Works Engineers Australasia WA Governance, Audit and Risk Committee.

We're pleased to announce Mayor Hon Albert Jacob as a featured speaker for our upcoming Smart City Connect event focusing on "Technology + Road Safety Innovation = Safer Roads for All."Over the past 18 years, Albert has served the community as a local government Councillor, a Western Australian Member of the Legislative Assembly, a Western Australian Cabinet Minister and now serves as Mayor of the City of Joondalup, one of the largest local governments in Western Australia. Albert also works in the government regulatory legal team at Thomson Geer, specialising in planning and environment law.Re-elected in 2021 for a second four-year term as Mayor of the City of Joondalup, Albert now leads one of the most significant local government municipalities in Western Australia, with a population of over 160,000 residents and $1.8 billion in assets across an area of 100km2.As WA's Environment Minister from 2013 – 2017, Albert oversaw Western Australia's vast conservation estate as well as the State's environment and heritage assessment and approvals process. Albert has a Juriheadshot of s Doctor degree, a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master's degree in Architecture. Albert is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.Join us on Tuesday, April 10 in Perth for this event on what the future of road safety looks like in the connected and automated vehicle world, and how data, innovation and technology contribute to shaping a smarter, safer transport future.