— ABOUT US
From policy advocacy to hands-on capability building, ASCA connects the people and organisations shaping the future of smart, sustainable and inclusive communities.
— WHO WE ARE
The Australian Smart Communities Association (ASCA) is Australia’s only not-for-profit peak body dedicated to advocating on behalf of governments for smart communities across Australia.
We work closely with our members across all levels of government to solve problems, enhance policy, build capacity and confidence, and create innovative smart solutions for their communities.
Our mission is to collaborate with our members and stakeholders to empower liveable, sustainable, and workable smart communities. We strive to be leaders in the rapidly developing smart technology space – ensuring equity, participation and inclusion so that all Australian communities can reap the benefits of smart technology.
Every region, council, and organisation is unique. We understand that everyone is at a different stage of their ‘smart’ journey. This is why ASCA provides advice, information, resources and policy advocacy to our members at all stages of their journey.
— OUR PRINCIPLES
Our work is grounded in these principles at every stage – from advocacy and policy to the practical support we provide to members. Smart communities bring together practitioners, technologies, processes and policies to drive transformation across Australia.
Community
As a not-for-profit organisation, our core focus is to improve liveability and wellbeing in the Australian community.
Collaboration
We strive to work collaboratively with our members to form strong partnerships.
Inclusion
We want to ensure the access, inclusion, and equity of smart technology for everyone.
Innovation
The rapidly evolving smart technology space requires creativity and promoting new ways of thinking.
Data
Data driven decision-making and solutions are essential to make positive progress in the digital world.
Leadership
Through advocacy, lobbying and coordination, we aim to help Australian communities be leaders in smart technology.
Independence
We provide independent, unbiased services and advice to ensure the best outcomes for our members.
— WHAT IS A SMART COMMUNITY?
With global rapid change impacting cities and communities across the world, there is a need for leaders to increase their agility and responsiveness to meet and exceed the growing needs of communities.
Leaders need to be equipped with the right tools to make smart decisions, ensuring the best outcomes for society, the economy and the environment.
The list of services enjoyed by smart communities is long, extensive and unique to each community.
However, these smart services are based on key elements that are consistent across all contexts.
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Efficiencies & Enhanced Service Delivery
Leveraging technology and data to deliver better services at lower cost, improving outcomes for residents and councils alike.
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Increased Citizen Empowerment
Giving communities the information, tools and access they need to participate meaningfully in the future of their places.
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Stronger Local Economies
Supporting sustainable economic growth through smart infrastructure, innovation ecosystems and digital-enabled environments.
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Environmental Sustainability
Using smart technology to support net zero goals, biodiversity protection and long-term environmental resilience.
— OUR TEAM
Our board is made up of smart city practitioners and leaders from across local government, industry and academia — all deeply committed to advancing smart communities across Australia.
James Sankar | President
James is the Smart Cities and Innovation Manager for the City of Parramatta. He has over two decades of experience leading service transformations in the UK, Europe and Australia.
Examples include a secure guest Wi-Fi global service (eduroam), unified collaboration platforms, collaborative storage, cyber security and professional services.
In 2020, he founded Smart Footprints, a carbon-neutral consultancy and advisory business to apply technology for community and environmental benefit as our places undergo digital and energy decarbonisation transitions alongside cost of living pressures and geo-political and climate change impacts.
Pearl Ng | Vice President
Pearl is Head of Smart City, Innovation and Improvement at the City of Casey, leading the integration of smart technology, collaboration and innovation to enhance sustainability and resilience in the region.
Trained as an engineer at the University of Melbourne, she has worked across professional services, non-profit and government sectors.
Pearl is a recipient of the IBM Manager’s Choice Award and IBM Global Service Excellence Award, and is recognised as one of Science & Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM.
Mandy O’Toole | Treasurer
Mandy O’Toole is the City Sensing Lead at the City of Melbourne, where she leads the strategic development and delivery of the city’s sensor program, embedding sensing into service delivery to improve outcomes for the community.
Prior to Melbourne, Mandy led smart city initiatives at the City of Casey, delivering award-winning programs focused on digital inclusion, open data and city sensing.
With a background in Information Systems from the University of Melbourne, Mandy is a strong advocate for knowledge sharing and practical innovation across local government, and is committed to helping councils harness technology in ways that are purposeful and community-focused.
Ashlee Gardner | Secretary
Ashlee takes a holistic smart city approach, collaborating with stakeholders across government, education and the private sector, with a keen interest in communicating the value of smart cities to broader communities.
Starting her career in public and preventative health in Western Sydney, she brings a ‘people first’ lens to the role — committed to ensuring technology and innovation are always deployed to benefit the community.
Goran Babušku | Board Member
Goran is Smart City Lead at Stonnington City Council, working across industry, academia and government to apply emerging technologies and partnerships that support efficient operations, sustainable environments and liveable communities.
He guides teams on integrating smart technologies into major assets and capital projects — spanning smart parking, IoT sensor deployment, data analytics, smart lighting and smart metering.
His personal motto: “As technology leaders, we have a social responsibility to bring technology closer to the people.”
Harman Singh | Board Member
Harman is Global Smart Cities Lead at GHD Digital, advising senior stakeholders on smart technologies including IoT, data analytics, smart lighting and cybersecurity.
He brings over 20 years of global experience in executive and management roles across the US, Dubai, India and Australia.
Harman holds an MBA from London Business School, is a regular speaker on smart technologies and digital transformation, and sits on Standards Australia’s Smart City Systems committee.
Nathaniel Bavinton | Board Member
Nathaniel is an urban sociologist, social researcher and city strategist with over twenty years in urban and social innovation.
An Associate Director at Urbis within the Smart and Sustainable Places team, he focuses on technology and data-enabled places, innovative cities and future-focused communities.
Previously Innovation and Futures Manager at the City of Newcastle, he led the city’s multi-award-winning smart city program. He holds a PhD focused on the cultural, spatial and economic dynamics of cities at night.
Nick Muscat | Board Member
Nick is Smart City Project Officer at Maribyrnong City Council, where he integrates smart sensors, IoT devices and digital solutions to create more efficient, sustainable and liveable environments for local residents.
He leads the municipality’s public EV charging infrastructure rollout and works to bridge the gap between innovation and community needs.
Nick is passionate about data analysis and using evidence to drive informed, proactive decision-making.
— GOVERNANCE
ASCA is committed to strong governance, fiscal responsibility and delivering genuine value to members. Explore our strategic direction, annual reporting and the Reference Working Group.
Strategic Plan
ASCA’s four strategic priorities and the direction they set for the association through to 2026. → Learn More
Annual Reports
Year-by-year reporting on ASCA’s activities, membership, events and financial performance. → Learn More
Reference Working Group
A member-led group shaping ASCA’s direction – expressions of interest are currently open for the 2026 group. → Learn More
