Shaped by Trust: Reflections on a Pivotal Career Moment
In 2021, John Kiriakidis called me out of the blue to ask if I’d assist him on a major transport review for one of the most significant projects in the state. I remember him saying: “I need someone to step up on this project.”
At that point, while we both knew he was making a significant request, I had worked enough with John to understand that he was a tour de force. I remember thinking that if this was a chance, I would make the most of it. So, without hesitation, I agreed despite having minimal project context and, at the time, only limited industry experience.
Stepping Into the Deep End
The project was the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process for the Suburban Rail Loop East, Victoria’s largest transport infrastructure project. John’s role was to peer review the transport material prepared by the State Government, then provide expert evidence at the Planning Panel hearing.
The scope was immense. The material was comprehensive and complex, analysing local and regional transport impacts: from traffic modelling, road safety and network integration to Movement and Place and policy alignment. Much of the framework guiding assessment was new and largely untested at this scale.
Learning Through Immersion
I quickly found myself immersed in it all. Months of cross-disciplinary discussions that challenged every assumption. What stood out most was John’s approach. He never pretended to have all the answers. Instead, he acknowledged the limits of his expertise and created space for others to step in when needed.
Leadership by Example
It was incredible working with John. He led by example—charismatic, composed, confident. He delivered advice with a rare blend of empathy and technical clarity. He understood what it meant to be an expert witness—not just in terms of knowledge, but the responsibility to stay independent and act with unwavering integrity.
This balance, part art, part science, is something many of us at Eukai carry forward today in how we approach peer reviews and expert witness work.
A Legacy That Lives On
John’s drive, moral compass and vibrant spirit have deeply influenced how I work and how many others at Eukai approach our role in the industry. While he passed away not long ago, his legacy remains alive in the way we tackle complex projects, guided by the wisdom, humility and rigour he instilled.
By Hans Gao
