Engagement Institute & NextGen Webinar

Shaping a Winning Social Value Proposition for Infrastructure Delivery

Social value is a term that has increasing currency with respect to engagement and infrastructure delivery.

Join us as I2S co-founder Kirsty O’Connell outlines the evidence explaining the critical link between social value and project acceptance and will share recent applied research that into social value creation in early stage project development.

Kirsty will be joined by a panel of successful social value creators including Lendlease Foundation’s Edmund McCombs, who will explain in practical terms how infrastructure can identify, enhance and communicate social value, including in cost constrained environments and Transurban's Alisa Hitchcock with her experience in public affairs and strategic communications.

Kirsty O'Connell, ANU I2S

Ms Kirsty O’Connell is Co-Founder and Director, I2S (Institute for Infrastructure in Society) and Director, The Engagement People. With more than 25 years’ experience on more than $20billion in projects, Kirsty is one of the nation’s leading infrastructure engagement, communications and strategy professionals.

Edmund McCombs, Lendlease Foundation

Edmund McCombs is the Head of Social Impact and the Lendlease Foundation, where he leads the company’s efforts to create lasting positive outcomes for communities around the world. With a strong background in strategy, and stakeholder engagement, Edmund is passionate about using business as a force for good. His work focuses on driving measurable social value that is aligned with commercial success and community wellbeing and, under his leadership, Lendlease has successfully achieved and exceeded its Social Value Target to create $250m of social value by the end of FY25 by reporting $284.6m of verified social value created, 13% over the target.

Alisa Hitchcock, Transurban

With over two decades of experience in public affairs and strategic communications, Alisa is a seasoned leader in stakeholder engagement across Australia’s most significant infrastructure and urban regeneration projects. Currently serving as the National Head of Public Affairs & Communities at Transurban, Alisa has held pivotal roles shaping public perception and community relations for transformative projects such as WestConnex and Barangaroo. Her career spans leadership positions at Lendlease, Thiess, and John Holland, where she consistently delivered impactful engagement strategies that fostered trust and transparency, while delivering shared social value. Known for her ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes, Alisa brings a deep understanding of social sustainability, infrastructure delivery, and public policy.

Event Details

When: Thursday 24 July 2025

Time: 12.00pm - 1.00pm (Sydney time)

Where: Via Zoom | You will receive an email 1-2 days prior with the meeting ID. To ensure you receive this invitation please add no-reply@zoom.us to your trusted list of contacts.