Providing passion and precision that is second to none in the Hunter Region.
Our People
Hunter Civilab have a highly trained, experienced and reliable team of engineers and technicians. We pride ourselves on quality service and integrity.
Peter Hudson
Peter Hudson
Principal Geotechnical Engineer - Pavements
Peter has over 33 years’ experience in the pavement design, FWD, remaining life analysis, contract administration, construction and maintenance of civil engineering projects including major highway works. His technical experience covers all project stages, from conception through to construction and maintenance includes the preparation of contracts, specifications, investigating and assessing the existing pavement and dealing with site queries.
Peter has worked on projects in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, India, and PNG. Peter also has had extensive experience in Asset Management of road assets including dTIMS, HDM4 and pavement management systems. Peter has been with Hunter Civilab since July 2023 as Principal Geotechnical Engineer – Pavements.
James Wyatt
James Wyatt
Laboratory Manager
James has been with Hunter Civilab since 2012. He has previously worked in construction, retail and music industries and from that brings a fresh perspective through a diverse range of skills acquired. James has been pivotal to the laboratories continued improvement in its service & systems by implementing innovative solutions to the business. As Laboratory Manager James is in charge of the operational and technical control of the laboratory, maintaining compliance with test methods and regulatory bodies & ensuring quality of testing and delivery of service to clients. James Is a NATA Level 5 and has an Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations and a Bachelor of Commerce from Newcastle University.
Daniel Barnes
Daniel Barnes
Principal Geotechnical Engineer
Daniel has over 15 years’ experience in the geotechnical engineering and civil construction industry. He has been involved in a range of civil projects ranging in size and complexity from roads and rail through to brownfield remediation, residential and commercial developments. Daniel has in depth knowledge in areas of project management, earthworks design, slope stability assessments, geotechnical designs and soil-structure interaction analysis.
“As a geotechnical engineer, I strive for practical and cost-effective solutions. This means considering buildability and adaptability throughout the project. Investigations should be tailored based on project complexity, project stage, and the end client project delivery method. As always, client feedback is crucial.”
Nicholas Maher
Nicholas Maher
T4 Senior Technician
Nicholas joined the Hunter Civilab team two years ago, bringing with him a wealth of expertise in the field. With a Bachelor’s degree in Geology and an Advanced Diploma in Laboratory Operations, Nicholas has a strong educational foundation to support his practical experience.
His focus within the geotechnical industry has primarily been on concrete testing, where he has amassed extensive knowledge and skills. Nicholas’s proficiency in this area has made him a valuable asset to the team, ensuring accurate and reliable concrete testing results.
In addition to his specialisation in concrete testing, Nicholas also possesses experience in soil testing, and is continually building a broader understanding of geotechnical principles and techniques.
Scott Picton
Scott Picton
T5 Senior Technician
Scott is a highly qualified and experienced professional with 12 years of Construction Materials Testing experience and 15 years of WHS expertise. He holds a Diploma in Laboratory Operations, an Advanced Diploma in WHS, and is a NATA Signatory. As a Senior Technician (T5) and NATA signatory, Scott consistently delivers accurate results and maintains compliance. In addition to his academic achievements, Scott has also obtained certifications as a Trainer and Assessor, allowing him to share his knowledge and mentor others in the industry. He is widely regarded as an all-round great guy, known for his positive attitude and strong work ethic.
Jope Turner
Jope Turner
Undergraduate Geotechnical Engineer
Hein van Vuuren
Hein van Vuuren
Senior Engineering Geologist
Steve Hackett
Steve Hackett
Drilling & Investigation Technician
Karen Shears
Karen Shears
Office Manager
Karen is in many ways the heart of the Hunter Civilab business, responsible for the smooth operation of the business’ financial and administrative functions, overseeing financial administration, payroll, accounts payables & receivables, WHS coordination, and computer-based systems maintenance.
With qualifications including Certificate III in Business (Office Administration), Certificate IV in Human Resources, and Certificate IV in Work Health & Safety, Karen brings a diverse skill set to her role.
Lonnie Broekman
Lonnie Broekman
Drilling & Investigation Manager
Lonnie has been involved in the construction industry for 25 years with the move into materials testing in 2011. Since then, he has become heavily involved in the drilling and investigation sector becoming department manager of a growing team of well experienced and enthusiastic employees.
Scott Callinan
Scott Callinan
Laboratory Operations Manager
Scott has been involved in the geotechnical industry for 15 years. He joined Hunter Civilab in March 2008, transitioning from the concrete construction industry, where he had established a solid work ethic. Starting as a junior technician, Scott progressed his career and now serves as the Laboratory Operations Manager. Throughout his journey, he has gained extensive expertise in various fields, including Earthworks, Concrete Testing, Rail, Roads, Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Development, having actively participated in a range of significant projects.
Scott is a NATA level 4 technician, holds a Diploma of Laboratory Technology, and is currently undertaking an Advanced Diploma of Laboratory Operations.
Matthew Smith
Matthew Smith
Geotechnical Engineer
Matt holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Newcastle and has worked with Hunter Civilab as a Geotechnical Engineer since 2022. Matt has worked on a variety of projects including Site Classifications to AS2870:2011, Pavement Investigations and Designs, and Slope Stability Assessments and Modelling. Matt enjoys the outdoors, especially the beach and has worked as both a volunteer lifesaver and professional lifeguard.
Lesley Johns
Lesley Johns
Administration Officer
Lesley has been involved in the Geotechnical Engineering and Construction Materials Testing fields for over 20 years in both administrative and technical capacities. She holds both a Cert IV in Laboratory Techniques and a Cert III in Office Administration. Lesley joined Hunter Civilab in 2021, where as an Administrator, she oversees Projects for both the Geotechnical and Environmental teams.
Marc Henty
Marc Henty
General Manager
Marc has been involved in the geotechnical and construction materials industries for over 25 years’ with experience gained in engineering consultancies, construction businesses and material suppliers, both in general operations and projects, in countries including Australia, the United Kingdom and Indonesia. Marc has been with Hunter Civilab since July 2020 as the General Manager. Marc is a NATA level 5 and holds a Cert IV in Laboratory Operations, a Diploma of Project Management, Diploma of Quality and an Advanced Diploma of Management.
Ashleigh Collins
Ashleigh Collins
Consulting Coordinator
Ashleigh joined Hunter Civilab’s team in 2017 changing careers from hairdressing. She originally started as the Project Administrator and, with her strange obsession with stationery and organisation, she has evolved into the Consulting Coordinator where she looks after the quality and processes for the Geotechnical Engineering and Environmental Services teams.
Nathan Roberts
Nathan Roberts
Geotechnical Engineering Manager
Nathan has been involved in geotechnical engineering and construction surveillance for over 20 years’ with extensive experience gained on Major Projects which have included Earthworks, Civil infrastructure, Rail, Roads, Mining, Dams, Bridges, Residential and Industrial Development. Nathan has been with Hunter Civilab since March 2015 as the Geotechnical Engineering Manager. Nathan holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from Newcastle University.
Join Our Team
Hunter Civilab is always on the lookout for great talent to join our team. If you believe you would be a great fit for our team, please send us a current CV and tell us why you would like to work with us.
Partner with us on your next project
Contact our specialised team for more information about our services.