Introduction
Welcome to the Australian Tunnelling Society (ATS) Mentor Alliance – a dynamic program designed to connect engineers and professionals in the tunnelling industry through meaningful mentorships.
Launched in 2023 by the Diversity in Tunnelling (DiT) Subcommittee, this initiative was created to inspire and empower industry members, providing opportunities to develop new skills, gain confidence, and accelerate career growth through mentorship.
Now in its third year, the 2025 Mentor Alliance is a collaborative effort between the ATS DiT and Young Members, with expert guidance from Patricia Kaziro, Director at Impact Business School. As the program’s learning design and diversity, equity and inclusion partner, Impact Business School co-designs the program and facilitates Learning and Development forums, focusing on leadership, professional growth, and sustainability education. This ensures that mentees gain actionable insights for inclusive, forward-thinking leadership within the tunnelling industry. The program is also proudly supported by the Australian Geomechanics Society (AGS) NSW Chapter and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE) Australia.
Why Join the Mentor Alliance?
- For Mentees: Gain confidence, expand your knowledge, and develop the skills needed to advance your career. A mentor serves as a professional guide—offering insights, motivation, and valuable advice when you need it most.
- For Mentors: Make a difference by sharing your expertise, gaining fresh perspectives, and shaping future industry leaders. This program offers a unique opportunity to develop leadership skills while contributing to the growth of the tunnelling community.
- For Peer Mentors: Combine the pros of both being a mentor and a mentee at the same time by connecting with someone at the same career stage. Peer mentors provide and receive guidance, support and share knowledge with each others.
Early Expression of Interest: 2026 Mentoring Alliance Program
We are eager to keep you informed when the application for the cohort opens in February 2026.
Express your interest here!
2025-26 Upcoming Events
Stay up to date with our Learning & Development Forums and key program milestones.
📌 L&D 6: February 2026 – TBC
Our L&D Forums are qualified to be included in your CPD hours
Past Events
Explore previous Mentor Alliance events:
📌Orientation sessions
📌L&D 1: Goal Setting and Accountability: Your Action Plan
📌L&D 2: Effective Communication for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
📌L&D 3: Road to Leadership
📌L&D 4: The Interview Edge: Job Search Insights
📌L&D 5: Your Career Playbook: A Blueprint for Professional Growth
Â
2025 In-person L&D Forum 5 – Your Career Playbook: A Blueprint for Professional Growth
2025 L&D Forum 2 – Effective Communication for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
Survey
Contacts
Agnes Varo
ATS DiT: Committee Member
Agi is an accomplished Tunnel
Engineer with extensive
experience in tunnelling and
infrastructure projects. She has
worked on major projects in
Australia and around the world
(including Hong Kong, Hungary,
UK, India). She was a founding
member of the ATS Diversity in
Tunnelling Group and has been
instrumental in setting up and
growing the very successful
Mentor Alliance program.
Amanda Huang
ATS DiT: Committee Member
Amanda is a Lecturer in Swinburne
University of Technology. Her
research focused on digital twin
for underground infrastructure by
leveraging building information
modelling, geological/geotechnical
modelling, and field monitoring
technologies. She has 5 years
industry experience and has
participated in consulting and
project delivery services on
several transport infrastructure
Philip Tsang
ATSYM: Chair
Philip Tsang is a Tunnel and
Geotechnical Engineer with
experience across a diverse range
of geotechnical and tunnelling
projects. He developed Python
automation tools to enhance
workflow efficiency in
geotechnical and tunnelling
designs and writes blog posts to
promote automation within the
engineering community
Julius Lumsden
ATSYM: Deputy Chair
Julius is deeply passionate about
all aspects of tunnelling and
tunnel support design — in both
rock and soft ground conditions.
His interests span from cut-andcover
tunnels and shallow cover,
settlement-limited tunnels in
dense urban areas, to deep
tunnels in high-stress
environments.
Geon Lim
ATS Mentor Alliance Organising Committee Member
Geon is a geotechnical engineering
student at the University of
Sydney. His interest is rock
mechanics and ground
engineering. He is starting his
professional career in Tunnelling
Industry.
Patricia Kaziro
Director of Global Learning Solutions, Impact Business School
We are a global learning institution
that empowers leaders and
professionals through skills
development and education. We
are the ATS MA’s learning and DEI
partner, co-designing the learning
and development forums and
advising on its growth strategy
Meet Our Program Ambassadors
Our Ambassadors act as role models and connectors, guiding new participants and helping strengthen the Mentor Alliance community.
Read their testimonies: Annalena’s story | Craig’s story
Annalena Chapman
ATS MA Ambassador
Annalena is a civil engineer
specializing in tunnelling, with
extensive experience in
waterproofing, injection, and asset
preservation across major
infrastructure projects in
Australia. Her expertise spans
materials, application
methodologies, and project
delivery during both design and
construction phases.
Craig Hislop
ATS MA Ambassador
Craig has over 35 years of
experience in fire engineering,
protection, and safety, with deep
expertise in tunnel, building, and
structural fire safety. With a
constructor’s background,
designer’s perspective, and clientside
experience, he has led fire
safety and M&E design for major
infrastructure projects.
FAQ
1. How can I join the program?
You can express your interest by reaching out to ATSMentorAlliance@gmail.com at any time during the year
or completing our Expression of Interest (EOI) form during the application period. Once applications open at
the start of the new year, our team will review submissions and contact you with further details.
2. When does it commence?
EOI applications typically open in February–March each year. Exact dates will be
announced on the ATS website and through our LinkedIn updates.
3. Can I join if I don’t work in the tunnelling or geotechnical industry?
Yes. While the program is primarily designed for professionals and students in the tunnelling, geotechnical,
and related civil engineering fields, we also welcome applicants from other disciplines
who have a genuine interest in learning about the tunnelling industry and contributing to its community.
4. How long does the program run?
The Mentor Alliance runs for approximately six to eight months each year, from May to
December, including orientation and a series of Learning & Development Forums. As the
next mentoring cycle begins, you’re encouraged to wrap up your current mentorship or
catch up with your former mentor or mentee to reflect on your growth and maintain your
connection.
5. Can a mentee become a mentor?
Yes! Many participants return as mentors in future years. Mentors can be any age or
career stage—you just need professional experience and the willingness to guide others.
6. ATS Membership OR MA Program Fee
The program is free to join for ATS members and employees of our sponsor companies.
A $50 application fee applies to non-members. Alternatively, you can join ATS (students join for free).
For questions or enquiries please email our friendly team: ATSMentorAlliance@gmail.com
