The Team

John Thompson
Sales Manager

Starting his career as a young 16-year-old, a new chapter began at the conclusion of the curricula year, where each high school student had the option to secure a job or apprenticeship before the new curricula year commenced or they would have to remain in school. John had a plan and was more motivated than ever to get to work. His passion was undeniably in the automotive industry stemming from a love of working on car, however an opportunity came up for an apprenticeship as a heavy vehicle body builder which he couldn’t turn down. It took 4 years to complete the apprenticeship and he stayed on the tools for an additional 2 before transitioning into other positions within the heavy vehicle industry.

John’s experience in sales was taking form which started from working at a leading hydraulic manufacturing company in internal sales before getting promoted to external sales; the combination of both appointments saw him excelling in his role over the 8 years he remained in the company. Following on from this, John moved onto a Sales representative position for an axel & suspension supplier and remained in the company for 6 years before he became their Product Manager for the hydraulics division.

The biggest career leap came after acquiring 50% shares in a reputable trailer manufacturing company back in 2008. It was all hands on deck with the operations and management of the business which John was well immersed in for 13 years with his business partner. After spending an outstanding time in the industry and managing his own business, it was at this point John made the decision to sell his shares with a view for semi-retirement. However, after enjoying some time off, it wasn’t long after where he was approached by Robert Smedley with an offer to be our now Sales Manager on a part-time basis. From mid-2022 John accepted this offer and has brought to the team his wealth of knowledge, abundance of skill sets and his well-formed reputation with mutual industry connections. To this day he is passionate about the heavy vehicle industry, its people and finds a lot of satisfaction seeing the progressive nature of it all which is bringing forward a lot of change.

Outside of the professional sphere John is a doting family man who enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones. His personal interests are keeping fit and watching sports.

Huw Simms

IT Systems Manager

Joining Smedley’s Engineers as an Engineering Design Technician in April 2022, Huw Simms brings to the team a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Huw commenced his engineering career in 2018, working in civil design. Other previous roles include working as a design draftsman, landscape designer, playground designer, Defense Sim operator/IT Technician, and IT Administrator.

With a civil engineer father and automotive engineer brother (Dion Simms), it is no surprise that Huw found himself joining the Smedley’s team.

Huw is passionate about engineering and driven to understand how the world around him was built, both physically and digitally.

His interests and strengths in systems and process improvement, as well as automation, are accompanied by his honest work ethic, commitment to quality and a determination to leave a positive mark.

Huw’s technical intelligence, civil infrastructure design skills and approach to applying innovative technologies to improve systems and general business cements him as a true asset to Smedley’s Engineers and its clients. His continuing dedication has seen him recently promoted from IT Technician to our IT Systems Manager within the business.

Fun Fact: Huw knows the lyrics to John Denver’s ‘Country Roads’ verbatim. He also enjoys coding, politics, comedy, gaming and is a volunteer firefighter for the Country Fire Authority.

Vickie Dare

Project Administrator

Vickie Dare has been with Smedley’s Engineers since 2021 and brings a wealth of experience in administration, customer service, sales support, and process improvement. Originally joining as a Sales Coordinator, she quickly established herself as a key team member by rolling out new systems and enhancing interdepartmental communication.

Now in a Project Administrator role, Vickie supports the engineering team by coordinating and assigning projects, maintaining workflow clarity, and continuing to strengthen the connection between the sales and technical teams. Her ability to streamline processes and keep information flowing effectively makes her a central figure in the day-to-day operations.

Vickie is passionate about project management and business analysis and enjoys being the go-to contact between clients and the wider team. Outside of work, she enjoys drawing—both digital and traditional—and once volunteered her talents for the RSPCA’s ‘Badly Drawn Pets’ fundraiser, creating fun and heartfelt illustrations for a good cause.

David Clark

Engineering Manager - Certification & Compliance

With both an engineering degree and business management qualifications to his name, David has been at the forefront of cutting-edge engineering since 2012. He began his career in the F1 & Special Builds division of one of the world’s leading high-performance automotive cooling specialists, and in 2015 he moved across to heavy vehicle industry as a mechanical engineer.

Like most engineers, his attraction to the field began as a young lad, dismantling anything he could, in order to figure out what made it work. This fascination was fuelled by access to his family’s own trucks and machinery from a young age, and a background in speedway racing.

His extensive experience in brake, noise and roll-over testing has driven his enthusiasm to find new innovations in vehicle performance, and he feeds off the excitement, expectation and pressure that comes with applying and assessing new technology. This eagerness is only matched by his deep-seated interest in developing vehicle components that enhance safety, output and efficiency, underpinned by his broad industry knowledge and outstanding customer service.

Jason Stewart

Engagement Specialist

For the Stewart family, military service is more than just a career path—it’s a tradition. With school coming to an end, Jason was determined to uphold this legacy by joining the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), where he proudly served for a decade. His time in the military exposed him to various aspects of the field, including one of the more exhilarating experiences—getting behind the wheel of different military vehicles.

After completing his service, Jason pursued further education at TAFE, earning a Diploma of Business Administration and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. This paved the way for his transition into a training role at TAFE, where he specialized in transport and logistics. His career then led him to the Australian Apprenticeships Centre, working closely with apprentices, before moving on to Transpacific Industries – Cleanaway, where he remained until a company restructure resulted in redundancies.

Undeterred, Jason continued to thrive as a trainer, taking on a role with Queensland Education, where he focused on apprenticeship and traineeship programs for a year before joining Transport and Main Roads. His expertise in the transport industry eventually led him to the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), where he spent over six years—first as an Engagement Officer and later as a Customer Experience Specialist. During this time, he expanded his qualifications in Customer Experience (CX) through reputable institutions such as CSIA and Strativity Group.

After several years with NHVR, Jason sought a new challenge, which led him to Smedley’s Engineers as an Engagement Specialist. With his in-depth knowledge of regulatory frameworks, transport, and logistics, he plays a vital role in facilitating permit approvals, fostering strong relationships with road managers, and ensuring a smooth process for customers navigating complex regulatory systems. His extensive industry experience and well-established reputation make him a key asset in bridging the gap between Smedley’s Engineers and state and local government road managers. Jason continues to drive CX innovation, enhancing systems and processes to improve overall efficiency.

Sean Williamson

Engineer - Certification & Compliance

Deciding to take a different route, Sean set out to experience the world before settling into a degree and career by taking an 8-year gap year. One major goal for Sean is to visit every country in the world! He certainly is on his way to doing this having already ticked off 89 countries and doing so through self-power where physically possible. Whether it was riding a bike from Greece to Russia or canoeing the Murray River, Sean has done it.

Originally from Brisbane, Sean decided to relocate to Melbourne. Having spent some time to discover himself and work on his personal goals it was clear to Sean he had an interest in understanding more about how things work and having the ability to work with his hands was a key factor to what he wanted to do with his career. Therefore, it was only natural to pursue an engineering degree. Sean graduated in mid-2023 after 6 years of studying, during this time he also spent 3 years working as an undergraduate in a medical engineering company specialising in the production and manufacturing of medical devices. Sean was part of the production and design team gaining some vital experience during his time of employment.

After graduating from university, Sean was keen to find a role which supported his interests in the automotive industry. This is where Smedley’s Engineers comes into the picture with the opportunity to work in vehicle certification and learn more about the Australian Design Rules, some of the aspects Sean is most excited to understand more in depth.

Jack Johnson

Engineer - Certification & Compliance

Jack Johnson is an Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers, bringing a fresh perspective to the field after completing his Mechanical Engineering degree at Queensland University of Technology in 2023. During his studies, Jack interned with HVIA, where he contributed to the development of a tyre education module and supported the Brisbane Truck Show - where he first connected with the Smedley’s team.

Now part of the Certification and Compliance team, Jack spends much of his time conducting vehicle inspections while developing a broader skill set across project management and sales. He is eager to grow within the multidisciplinary opportunities available at Smedley’s and deepen his expertise in the heavy vehicle industry.

Outside of work, Jack is hands-on with his own machines  - restoring an old Kingswood and modifying his 4X4. He also competes in bodybuilding, driven by consistency, focus, and discipline, qualities he brings into both engineering and everyday life.

Andrej Bucko

Senior Engineer - Design, Testing & Simulation

Andrej joined Smedleys as a Senior Engineer in 2018 after almost a decade at ARRB where he honed his skills in the field of vehicle dynamics.

Graduating from Monash University, Clayton in 2011, with both a degree in mechanical engineering, and a Bachelor of Science (majoring in physics and maths), Andrej has successfully combined the academic and theoretical aspects of these disciplines with a practical aptitude that sets him apart from many in his field.

He brings substantial heavy vehicle knowledge, together with expertise in AutoSIM, ADAMS and Trucksim simulation packages, and is an accredited performance based standards (PBS) assessor. These skills ensure that he is quick to identify potential engineering, design and performance challenges well in advance, and then apply his knowledge, with integrity and scientific rigor, to find effective and efficient solutions.

Andrej credits his success to his keen interest in seeing how his vehicle combinations perform in simulation, and motivated by the knowledge that he is able to help increase the productivity and safety of Australia’s heavy vehicle fleet. When not watching animations of trucks, Andrej can often be found at the gym or making YouTube videos.

Nathan Wiblin

Engineer - Design, Testing & Simulation

Nathan’s professional experience with machinery and engineering began in 1996 as a young apprentice fitter and machinist. His fascination with the technical aspects of his work, and a curiosity about the way machines work peaked his enthusiasm to further his studies, and he embarked on a Bachelor of mechanical Engineering.

With a particular interest in vehicle design, Nathan’s knowledge – at both a practical and an concept innovation level – has made him a valuable member of the Smedley team and an important contributor to the company’s extensive knowledge base.

Darcy Shepherd

Engineer - Design, Testing & Simulation

Inspired by the practical applications of maths and science in the automotive field, Darcy’s interest naturally pointed him into the engineering field, pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, from which he graduated with honours. A keen student of all things innovative, solid work ethic, a curious mind, and an adaptable approach to new ideas it was just the start of a career which would transpire into a growing list of experiences and achievements to come.

Darcy joined the Smedley’s Engineers team in 2021, after completing his degree in Mechanical Engineering (Honours) at RMIT University. He also undertook an internship with Garry Rogers Motorsport, while completing his studies. Over the past few years, he has been able to quickly establish himself as an integral part of our team working as an engineer in our design, testing and simulation department. His areas of expertise centres around FEA, in-field vehicle data acquisition, swept path analysis and engineering drawings where he has had a lot of exposure and involvement in several projects. A list of Darcy’s work to date has been summarised in the CV made available. Darcy has undoubtedly advanced from a graduate engineer position to one of our seasoned and knowledgeable engineers not only within the business but the diverse fields covering, automotive, infrastructure and general engineering.

Elliott Cook

Lead Engineer (ADR Compliance) 

Elliott Cook is an experienced Automotive Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers, specialising in heavy vehicle compliance and certification. With a background working alongside leading manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz Cars and Hyzon Motors, Elliott brings deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory standards and certification processes.

He has a strong passion for emerging vehicle technologies, particularly in the zero-emissions space. His work ensures that vehicles meet stringent safety, environmental, and operational requirements—supporting clients in delivering compliant and innovative transport solutions.

Elliott plays a key role in advancing certification practices for modern heavy vehicles. His understanding of both traditional and future-focused automotive systems helps bridge the gap between compliance and innovation.

Driven by a commitment to improving efficiency and sustainability across the industry, Elliott contributes to smarter, safer, and more progressive engineering outcomes. At Smedley’s, he supports the development of transport solutions that meet today’s standards while looking ahead to tomorrow’s challenges.

Jairo Prato

Operational Assistant

Jairo Prato is an Operational Assistant at Smedley’s Engineers, supporting both the Operations Manager and the broader Engineering team across project coordination, scheduling, and client communication. His role touches every part of the business, ensuring that internal processes run smoothly and projects stay on track.

Jairo is responsible for managing calendars, tracking project performance, entering and maintaining data in key systems like WORKetc, and ensuring timely invoicing and job progression. He plays a central role in coordinating on-site appointments, maintaining project registers, and serving as a key point of contact for both clients and internal stakeholders.

With a proactive, detail-oriented approach, Jairo helps maintain momentum across multiple engineering service areas. He is focused on process improvement, communication, and supporting the team to deliver consistent, high-quality work.

Jairo’s energy, organisation, and adaptability make him a valuable part of the Smedley’s team and a steady presence in the flow of daily operations.

Bryan Chong

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Bryan Chong is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers, working across the PBS Assessments and Design, Testing, and Simulation teams. His role includes updating design approvals, running finite element analysis (FEA) on tipper bodies, and supporting complex compliance assessments.

He’s currently building expertise in advanced PBS configurations, including tankers and multi-trailer combinations. Bryan brings a thoughtful and structured approach to problem-solving, often mapping out technical challenges to find the most efficient path forward.

Bryan enjoys applying his academic knowledge to practical engineering problems and values the opportunity to learn on the job. He’s particularly interested in how simulation tools can improve safety and performance outcomes for heavy vehicles.

With a focus on continuous improvement and delivering accurate, reliable work, Bryan is developing a strong foundation in mechanical engineering. His curiosity, discipline, and drive make him a valuable member of the Smedley’s team.

Chantelle Sundawo

Operations Manager

Chantelle Sundawo is the Operations Manager at Smedley’s Engineers, overseeing business operations across all departments and states. She leads process improvement, resource management, and long-term planning to support performance, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Since joining Smedley’s in April 2024, Chantelle has led key initiatives including the company’s successful ISO 9001 certification and the rollout of a formal onboarding program to support employee integration and retention. She works closely with department leaders to set goals, manage risk, and track performance across the business.

Chantelle brings expertise in strategic operations, data analysis, and people and culture. She’s passionate about creating positive work environments and building systems that empower teams to succeed.

Her approach is thoughtful and collaborative, blending analytical decision-making with a deep commitment to quality and integrity. Chantelle leads by example, setting high standards and fostering a culture of continuous improvement at Smedley’s.

Juan Bedoya

Mechanical Engineer

Juan Bedoya is a Mechanical Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers, supporting heavy vehicle design and compliance across Australia’s regulatory frameworks. His responsibilities include conducting vehicle inspections, ensuring adherence to Australian Design Rules and Performance-Based Standards, and maintaining accurate engineering documentation.

Juan also develops automation tools using Python and SQL to improve efficiency across engineering workflows. His ability to streamline data processes has significantly enhanced the team’s productivity.

With expertise in mechanical design, reliability, and maintenance, Juan brings strong experience in tools like SolidWorks, SAP, and Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM). He is passionate about solving complex problems and driving continuous improvement in both technical and operational areas.

Juan’s approach is analytical and collaborative. He values integrity, precision, and teamwork in every project. Whether leading process optimisations or supporting compliance work, he brings energy and innovation to the task, making him a valuable contributor to both the team and clients at Smedley’s.

Vu Le

Engineer

Vu Le joined Smedley’s Engineers through the 2024 Graduate Intake Program and quickly immersed himself in Performance-Based Standards (PBS) assessment work. He supports the development and evaluation of heavy vehicle combinations, ensuring designs meet client goals for productivity while remaining compliant with safety and performance standards.

More recently, Vu has contributed to the Design, Testing, and Simulation team, where he focuses on 3D modelling and finite element analysis (FEA). His strong academic foundation in mechanical engineering, combined with practical industry experience, supports his work across a variety of complex projects.

Vu is currently completing his PhD, which explores improvements in the design of road safety barriers. He brings a balanced, adaptable approach to problem-solving, applying both top-down and bottom-up thinking depending on project complexity.

Guided by transparency, communication, and collaboration, Vu enjoys contributing to innovative engineering outcomes while continuing his academic and professional development at Smedley’s.

Angus Williams

Graduate Mechanical Engineer

Angus Williams is a Graduate Mechanical Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers, working in the PBS certification and compliance team. His role involves inspecting heavy vehicles, liaising with clients, and supporting the certification process through technical calculations and documentation.

Angus values precision and brings a strong attention to detail to every project. He’s motivated by an internal drive to grow and deliver high-quality work, supported by a positive and collaborative team environment.

What he enjoys most is the balance of fieldwork and office-based problem-solving. Being part of the process from inspection through to certification gives him a strong sense of ownership and purpose in his work.

With a passion for learning and a client-first mindset, Angus is focused on developing his skills and contributing meaningfully to Australia’s heavy vehicle industry. His thorough approach and genuine curiosity make him a valuable part of the Smedley’s team.

Finnbar O’Regan

Certification Engineer

Finnbar O’Regan is a Certification Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers. He is responsible for ensuring mechanical systems and trailer designs meet safety and regulatory standards. His work includes swept path simulations, compliance testing, and supporting clients throughout the certification process.

Finnbar’s expertise lies in the assessment of trailer maneuverability using data-driven analysis. He combines technical precision with a practical mindset, ensuring solutions are both effective and aligned with safety requirements.

He particularly enjoys visiting client sites, observing trailer builds in action, and travelling across the state to work with clients in different environments. These experiences provide valuable insight into the challenges clients face and help inform his approach to certification.

Finnbar is guided by values of integrity, safety, and continuous learning. He is committed to delivering high-quality outcomes that support the transport industry's broader goals. His clear, methodical approach makes him a reliable and valued member of the Smedley’s team.

Aniva Fitisemanu 

Client Engagement and Access Liaison 

Aniva Fitisemanu is a Client Engagement and Access Liaison with over 8 years of experience in the heavy vehicle industry. Specializing in stakeholder engagement, customer experience, and client profile management, Aniva has become a trusted advisor for businesses navigating complex access and permit processes.

Throughout her career, Aniva has developed a strong expertise in heavy vehicle access consultancy, portal navigation, and permit management. She excels at building meaningful relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring smooth interactions and a seamless experience. Her extensive experience includes report writing, business operations processes, and client portal training, allowing her to effectively communicate and educate clients on various systems and tools.

Aniva is also skilled in content creation, leveraging her knowledge of the industry to create informative materials that support client needs and improve customer engagement. Her approach is both client-centered and results-driven, consistently focusing on delivering high-quality service and fostering long-term partnerships.

Marcos Castellanos

Network and Systems Engineer

Marcos Castellanos is the Network and Systems Engineer at Smedley’s Engineers, responsible for managing the company’s IT infrastructure with a focus on performance, security, and reliability. His work includes network and system administration, Azure environment management, and the development of internal tools using Python to support business-wide efficiency.

With expertise in automation, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure, and database systems, he brings a broad technical skillset and a practical, solutions-focused mindset to the role. A recent highlight has been leading the development of a Python-based system that streamlined internal engineering project workflows, reducing errors by over 90 percent and saving significant time across teams.

Marcos enjoys the collaborative culture at Smedley’s, where cross-department teamwork drives innovation and continuous improvement. Guided by values of responsibility, adaptability, and clear communication, he approaches every challenge with a focus on creating sustainable, scalable solutions that support long-term success across the business.

Heidi Cross

Access Assistant

Heidi Cross is an Access Assistant at Smedley’s Engineers, supporting clients through the heavy vehicle access process with clarity, care, and technical precision. She prepares permit applications via the NHVR portal, liaises directly with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Road Managers, and helps clients understand requirements and timelines.

Heidi brings strong experience from her time at TMR, which she applies daily when navigating access networks, tracking changes in regulations, and managing in-principle support applications. She plays a key role in large-scale access projects and is known for her responsiveness and attention to detail.

Her work is people-first and solutions-focused. She actively collaborates with engineers, maintains shared communications inboxes, and supports internal efforts to improve efficiency and consistency across the business.

Driven by honesty, reliability, and a commitment to learning, Heidi is a trusted point of contact for clients and a valuable member of the Smedley’s operations team.