Michael Manikas

Michael is a proud Biripi and Worimi man, descendent from the Cook and Syron families. He is passionate about sustainability and improving engagement and participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly in the built environment.

Michael is General Manager of DLG SHAPE, an Aboriginal fitout and construction services specialist operating nationally. He was appointed to the position in 2019 with the goal to make a serious impact on reconciliation and increase employment and business opportunities for Indigenous people.

Michael has almost 30 years’ experience in the construction and not-for-profit space, including as CEO of the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and a member of the executive management team at the Green Building Council of Australia. 

He currently holds advisory positions with Western Sydney University and UTS, plus is the Deputy Chair of Property Council of Australia’s NSW Diversity & Inclusion Committee.