SEC STAFF
MEET THE NEW FACES AT THE SMART ENERGY COUNCIL
The SEC is pleased to be expanding its team of industry specialists who will be assisting External Affairs Manager aka advocacy supremo Wayne Smith deliver strong representation on all facets of the renewables industry.
Nicolette Boele, Expert Adviser, Electrification of Everything
Nicolette is a Non-executive Director at The Good Car Co and is a member of the Climate Impact Advisory Committee for New Zealand’s Climate Venture Capital Fund. During the 2022 federal election Nicolette was Bradfield’s community independent candidate. The seat enjoyed one of the largest swings in primary votes against a sitting member, anywhere in the country. In her role at the Smart Energy Council, Nicolette advises the team on the electrification of everything including the rapid rollout of renewable energy, energy management technology and storage at all scales. She has a particular interest in increasing the uptake and grid integration of household solar, electric vehicles and efficient appliances and energy systems.
(with renewables and other smart energy solutions) Nicolette Boele (pronounced ‘Buller’) is a responsible investment and clean energy executive with more than 25 years’ experience in capital markets, sustainability and climate change policy. Her professional interest lies in building purpose into finance, growing just, social and equitable capitals to underpin resilient and sustainable economies. Nicolette has held executive roles at the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, the Climate Institute, and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. She has also worked to better climate outcomes at the Australian Conservation Foundation, Investor Group on Climate Change, and the Sustainable Energy Development Authority.
Leigh Heaney, Government Relations Manager
Leigh joined the Smart Energy Council from Transport for New South Wales where he managed
Leigh Heaney is a public affairs and government relations specialist who brings to the Smart Energy Council his extensive experience in government and political processes. Leigh delivers advice on evolving issues and trends related to the renewables industry at a national level, bringing a strong understanding of government and parliamentary processes and procedures, as well as a strong policy background
a large program of road asset transfer projects. Prior to that he spent more than a decade working as chief of staff to the Hon Matt Thistlethwaite in both the House of Representatives and the Senate working in Government in the portfolios of Pacific Island Affairs, Multicultural Affairs, Infrastructure and Transport and in opposition in the portfolios of Treasury, Financial Services, the Republic, Foreign Affairs and Immigration. Previously Leigh held Industrial and Executive
and skills in negotiation and communication. He
positions at the Australian Rail Tram and Bus
will be leading the SEC’s manufacturing working
Industry Union (RTBU) and the Australian Workers’
group.
Union (AWU).
Ria Kelleher, Event Manager Ria Kelleher hit the ground running when she took up the role of Smart Energy Council Event Manager in May this year. In her words “I was attracted to the Smart Energy Council as it was an opportunity to work on a huge event like the annual expo in May. With over 80 exhibitors and thousands of attendees it’s pretty impressive and I was excited by the challenge! I’ve since realised what an impact SEC has in the renewables industry and what a difference we can make with our events and our advocacy work. I’m truly fascinated seeing all the great things being achieved! “I lead all the logistics for events, from working with exhibitors to ensure they are ready to exhibit to
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organising all catering and everything in between! I’m working closely with venues to ensure all our events are as sustainable as possible. “Successful events depend on strong relationships with suppliers, clients and speakers; thoughtful negotiations, understanding the people you’re working with and being friendly and kind. Multitasking and time management is also vital in meeting deadlines! “Behind-the-scenes dramas are inevitable, days out from an 800-attendee event, we discovered all attendees were registered without names, just email addresses! An emergency meeting fixed the issue. My worst nightmare is running out of food, or that delegate who’s has had one too many drinks.”
