Conference

An engineer by profession, Seth is an experienced business leader having worked in five industries, in four continents over three decades, including the world’s largest oil refinery.

As Head of Liddell Power Station during the crucial years before its closure, Seth led a team committed to performance, safety and environmental excellence, record generation from an ageing power station, and the respectful transition of all Liddell employees.

Seth is currently Head of Hunter Energy Hub, leading the transformation of AGL’s Liddell and Bayswater site into a low emissions integrated industrial development.

Seth is also Chair of AGL’s Hunter region Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Passionate about partnering with organisations to build effective, inspiring and sustainable places of work, Stacey founded Seed People Consulting in early 2014, partnering with organisations to make a difference in how work is experienced.  Her team has now grown to a boutique group of organisational development specialists, based in Newcastle, NSW.

With more than 20 years experience in specialist and generalist human resources ranging from leadership development and coaching, managing change, and building a high-performing teams, Stacey has extensive experience in in-house and consulting HR.

​Stacey has held senior positions in private and public organisations, including Hunter TAFE and Insurance Australia Group (IAG), and now has the privilege of working with a diverse range of organisations, including the Department of Regional NSW, NSW Treasury, Anglicare, Macquarie University, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service and Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group.

As Director of Entrepreneurship at the University of Newcastle, Siobhan Curran leads enterprise skill development and new venture programs that are open to anyone from the Hunter region regardless of their affiliation to the University. The I2N has supported more than 120 teams to accelerate their high-impact businesses, helping to create new jobs and diversify the region’s economy.

James MacDonald is a Director at NewyTechPeople, Newcastle’s leading technology and engineering recruitment company that helps companies and talent connect and thrive. Throughout his career he has invested in multiple tech startups and has placed hundreds of tech professionals locally into jobs that have allowed many companies to build and develop their teams.

Lex has been entrenched in the ownership and operation of energy supply to large transport/logistics businesses in Australia and the US for 27 years  Lex understands the fundamental costs of running a transport business and was the key driver behind the electrification business model.

Born in Sydney and bred in Newcastle, Dan Cox started his journalism career delivering newspapers as a teenager. He grew up in a very medical family but chose to study communications and marketing. Since then he’s worked in marketing and public relations for a Hunter-based charity, and in 2008 he took on a role as a broadcast journalist with the ABC. He co-hosts Breakfast on ABC Newcastle with Jenny Marchant from 5.30am to 9am each weekday. Away from work he’s a dog lover, rampant reader, intrepid traveller, wedding singer and coffee snob.

Trent is currently the Managing Partner at Melt Ventures and Director at The Melt.

Trent has invested into over 100 companies over the past decade and has a passion for advising and investing in early stage businesses.

Prior to establishing Melt Ventures, Trent founded Slingshot where he oversaw investment programs and helped drive the innovation strategy for over 30 large corporations such as QANTAS, HCF, Lion Nathan and Caltex.

Trent is currently Chair of ASX listed Camplify, Trent also founded ASX Listed QMASTOR Ltd (QML:ASX), a technology, software and service company.

Dr Nathaniel Bavinton has been researching, planning and implementing urban and social innovation for over twenty years. His industry, government and academic experience sits at the intersection of urban strategy and dynamics, innovation and technology, and social behaviour.

Nathaniel is an Associate Director at the interdisciplinary consultancy Urbis, working in the Smart and Sustainable Places team within urban planning. He is focused on the complex challenges of creating technology and data-enabled places, and innovative, sustainable, and future-focused cities, communities and organisations.

Previously the Innovation and Futures Manager at the City of Newcastle, where he led the city’s multi-award-winning smart city program, alongside economic development and sustainability. He has a longstanding interest and history with the revitalisation and transition of Newcastle and the Hunter innovation ecosystem.

Nathaniel sits on the boards of the Australian Smart Communities Association (ASCA) and Hunter If. He is vice-chair of the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s NSW Resilience, Net Zero and Smart Cities Committee.

Claire founded Launchpad9 out of a commitment to real progress and a drive to challenge the status quo in how organisations proactively plan, innovate, deliver and grow. With the Launchpad9 team, you are guaranteed an approach that challenges and supports you and your team to uncover new and better ways to think, work and deliver results.

As a well-regarded innovation consultant and coach, Claire’s approach to strategy development and execution is holistic, helping leaders and their organisations leverage networks, balance customer and business value, and embrace new technologies like GenAI.

Hailing from Kilkenny, Ireland, Claire has over twenty years of experience in innovation and strategy development, from high tech startups to economic bodies to large corporates, enhancing their strategic and operational outcomes.

In prior roles, Claire worked with cutting edge high-tech start-ups and European research commercialisation centre in Ireland, including an acquisition journey with Red Hat.

Her other hats include, and Board Member of Hunter iF and being a proud judge for the Annual National #tech diversity awards which celebrates organisations that champion DE+I in creating a thriving technology workforce.

At the heart of Claire’s work is a deep commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion as cornerstones for regional development and innovation. Her approach views DEI as more than policies, but as essential strategies that fuel growth, creativity, and social advancement.

Claire finds balance and inspiration living with her eclectic family of humans, horses, and dogs.

Matt Brown is Loop Organics Regional Manager in the Hunter Valley, maximising the organics processing at the Ravensworth Composting Facility and producing custom made composts and soil amendments for Mine rehabilitation programs, Agriculture, Landscaping and Biosolids land application. Matt’s experience includes embedding Safety, Environment, & Sustainability in business practice, and the development and resourcing of risk-based science driven programs.

Matt holds a Bachelor of Natural Resources and is an active member of the Australian Organics Recycling Association.

Graham Nelmes is the General Manager Customer, Place and Operations at the High Speed Rail Authority. In this role, Graham leads the development and implementation of customer, operations planning, and maintenance, as well as integrated transport and place outcomes for the Newcastle to Sydney connection and across the high speed rail network.

Stephen has a proven track record in engineering and product leadership, building teams and commercializing advanced technologies on a global scale. He was part of the executive team that scaled Myriota, Baraja, Cochlear and Finisar. His GM experience in construction is an asset to scale plant and engineering operations.

Kara Sullivan is the Founder of Guts Creative and a Brand Strategy Director with 20 years experience working on local, national and global brands including CSIRO, United Nations, Deloitte, Ampcontrol, Hunter Medical Research Institute and University of Newcastle. 

Kara started Guts Creative in 2015, an award-winning branding consultancy which gives clients the courage to change the world. Guts has won three national awards working with bold, brave organisations which push boundaries and challenge the status quo. 

Her marketing experience has taken her to Shanghai to help local businesses develop marketing strategies and to Sydney where she was once shushed backstage at fashion week by Helena Christensen. She is happiest at home in Newcastle where she loves helping local innovators punch above their weight by building global brands to take on the world (whilst still fitting in a morning surf). 

Dan Canham is a strategist and innovator with over 20 years of experience in developing business strategy and innovative solutions to help businesses take on the world. 

Dan has worked in-house as Head of Brand at Samsung (in Australia and Korea) and Head of Innovation at IAG and TAL. He has also consulted with leading brands like Westpac, Suncorp, Telstra, Optus, DEXUS, adidas and UTS. 

As the Founder and CEO of Tomorrow Strategy Co, Dan helps businesses have no regrets and his vision is to be the secret sauce for global innovation.  

He has built a reputation as a thought leader in the fields of strategy and innovation, with an energizer bunny style passion for helping mid-market companies seize opportunities and unlock their hidden potential. 

Todd McHenry is Head of Communications at  MCi Carbon (MCi), an Australian clean tech platform transforming carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into building materials and other valuable industrial products for the circular economy. With over a decade of expertise in communications and marketing, Todd has previously held key roles at the industry-leading animation studio Animal Logic and the southern hemisphere’s largest horticulture wholesale market, Sydney Markets. 

A Master of Economics graduate of the University of New England, Todd is an active member of the Economic Society of Australia, the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA), and the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). Todd has been honoured with the Macquarie University Judyth Sachs Prize for his impactful work with the NGO Restless Development India and is an advocate for sustainability and circularity. 

Fay Calderone is a force to be reckoned with in the field of employment law, boasting over 20 years of experience as an employment lawyer and strategic advisor to top-tier employers. A partner and national chair of the Diversity, Inclusion, and Wellbeing Council at one of Australia’s largest commercial law firm Hall&Wilcox, Fay’s influence extends far beyond the boardroom or courtroom to shaping policies and an approach to leadership that fosters safe, healthy, and respectful workplaces.

She’s a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and a trusted voice in the media, where she shares her expertise on creating inclusive environments. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion is driven by a personal commitment to equity in the workplace, grounded in profound professional and personal insight and experience.

Fay’s visionary perspective is not just about navigating the law but about leading the change towards more humane and thriving workplaces. Her book, “Broken to Safe,” reflects her deep understanding of the challenges leaders face and offers practical solutions for creating cultures where all employees can flourish.

Isabel is the inventor of EM Energy’s hydrogen technology and has a background in chemical and environmental engineering. She was featured in Forbes Magazine as a leading entrepreneur in 2022. Isabel was also a finalist at the Ocean Impact HP Incubator competition in 2021 for her work on EM Energy. Isabel is the Head of Research at EM Energy.

Chris is a third-time founder, having previously co-founded Terrain Solar and Firm Power, which were acquired by AGL in 2024. Chris has a proven track record in building businesses, scaling teams and funding innovative business models in the clean energy space. Chris serves as the Managing Director of EM Energy.

Sam, founder and CEO of FarmLab, is passionate about making farming more sustainable. With experience in both agriculture and military logistics, he brings a unique mix of skills to the table, helping drive innovation in the agtech space. Under Sam’s leadership, FarmLab has become a recognized name in the industry, known for improving sustainability and productivity on farms. He’s all about using tech to build a greener future for farmers worldwide.

Mark has over 25 years of experience leading environmental agencies and consultancies, and now a biotech startup.   

He has helped Rhizocore grow at a rapid rate since launching in Australia in 2024. A Scottish start-up backed by Mike Cannon-Brookes’ Grok Ventures. Rhizocore aims to become the world’s premier provider of fungi to industries like farming, restoration and forestry, which will plant billions of trees in coming decades as reforestation becomes a key weapon in the race to net-zero. 

By creating native fungi pellets in labs Rhizocore’s innovative technology is restoring underground networks of forest to supercharge tree growth and survival rates by 20%. 

From his early career developing the Kosciuszko National Park Plan of Management to his work as CEO of Eco Logical Australia, he’s led numerous large-scale conservation and restoration projects across various industries, delivering innovative outcomes and empowering teams of professionals along the way. 

As a seasoned expert in environmental restoration, biodiversity conservation, ecological research and impact assessments in his discipline as an environmental planner Mark is passionate about empowering scientific professionals to achieve significant conservation outcomes whilst advancing their personal skills and confidence to achieve enduring ecological results. 

More info on Rhizcore here. 

Steve is passionately curious and has a diverse background spread over more than 30 years in science and technology.  Experience in code cutting, big budget project management through to clean energy applications of ionising radiation and materials science. He has also studied digital technology in agriculture and Intellectual Property.

Steve has the much sought after ability to effectively communicate complicated topics to a lay audience.

He is actively engaged with all levels of national and international governments and Standards bodies. He’s done International patent development and ‘defence’ in a clean energy technology. International media interviews and even a couple of professional photo shoots, landing a full colour magazine front cover!

He has worked for one of the largest corporations (GE in the Jack Welch days) and small businesses with less than a dozen staff. Management ranging from small teams up to divisional level.

All this means he has an example or ‘war story’ for almost any occasion!

In founding XELTA Consulting, Steve helps Start-Ups and Scale-Ups avoid the traps and get some tips to succeed in the brutal R&D sector.

When not solving the world’s energy problems, Steve enjoys designing, building and flying kites and perpetual solar planes. He has built some interesting (small scale) robotics platforms and a radio telescope. Steve also loves exploring and camping in the outdoors… and chasing ‘glamour’ fish.

Jordan Freeman, a Digital Transformation Lead and Co-Founder of Ariel Community, focused on using technology to foster social inclusion for people with disabilities across Australian communities. With over 10 years of experience leading digital transformation projects for both national and multinational companies, Jordan is passionate about leveraging digital innovation to drive meaningful change. Through Ariel Community, Jordan combines a love for technology with a mission to create a more accessible and inclusive world.

Paul is a chartered professional engineer with over 22 years’ experience across the rail industry, including international project and multi-million dollar scope delivery. He specialises in providing solutions to client challenges and solving difficult project problems. Paul is passionate about rollingstock and the Hunter, listing the delivery of Newcastle Light Rail in his hometown as a career highlight. He understands what a project like High Speed Rail will mean to the region.

Rob is a commercial Solicitor and Director with a demonstrated history of successfully working in business across multiple industries, particularly the legal services industry, advising companies from ASX listed to SME. He is also a director of SEATA Holdings, developer of scalable patented technology that can produce green hydrogen, produce quality biochar, deconstruct PFAS to below limit of detection all with no harmful emissions at very low temperatures, from any carbonaceous feedstocks. www.seatagroup.com.au.

A food obsessed Norwegian, proud mother, and lousy-but-enthusiastic dancer, Lena is also a commercialisation specialist deeply committed to advancing climate tech. As the Business Development Manager for the Trailblazer for Recycling and Clean Energy (TRaCE), she helps businesses collaborate on R&D with universities. Their aim is to get clean tech out of the lab – into global markets, easier and faster.

Lena is a true generalist with several languages under her belt. Her professional journey spans two decades across Europe, Middle East, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, from salmon harvesting to 3D spatial analytics. Since arriving in Newcastle in 2017, Lena has immersed herself in the Hunter region’s innovation ecosystem. As a board member of Eighteen04 and the lead of the HIF Clean Energy Action Summit, she dedicates herself to nurturing the Hunter climate tech community. Driven to make a difference, Lena harnesses her extensive experience to drive collaboration and form partnerships that support a flourishing climate tech ecosystem.

Dr Fell is a PhD physicist with 30 years experience in research, industry, academia and CSIRO, including photovoltaics, photonics, thin films, surface science and ion beam technology. In 2005 he founded CSIRO’s photovoltaics research program, still operating commercially as PV Performance Laboratory, the only accredited PV measurement facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

Chris is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a Former Chair of the Australian Photovoltaics Institute and a Conjoint Lecturer at University of Newcastle. He is also Australia’s representative on the IEC international standards committee for photovoltaic modules and liaison between IEC and ISO standards for solar energy measurement.

Marcus Dawe is a climate thought leader, serial tech entrepreneur, board member and Chair based in Canberra, Australia. Marcus is CEO and co-founder of MCi Carbon, an award-winning Australian clean technology platform transforming CO₂ emissions into building materials and other valuable industrial products for the circular economy.

Marcus has been leading the MCi team since 2013, when first founded by the consortia of GreenMag Group, Orica, and the University of Newcastle.

After the first IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report was released in 2007, firmly identifying CO2 emissions as a root cause of our rapidly climate change, Marcus was a first mover in developing a range of solutions to address the major global challenge of emissions reduction and avoidance.

Marcus has secured continuous funding from Australian state and Federal Governments, and industry partners and investors, for its ongoing development. This includes a world first pilot plant completed in 2018 and an industrial demonstration plant underway with a Commonwealth CCUS (Carbon Capture Use and Storage) grant secured for AUD$14.6m in June 2021.

Marcus is leading MCi and its team of 40 staff based in Newcastle, Canberra, and Sydney into the US$6T marketplace for carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) solutions. In 2022, he was included in The Australian’s inaugural Green Power Players List, alongside MCi Chief Operating Officer Sophia Hamblin Wang.

Marcus focuses his activities on developing and supporting ventures that provide Australia with a global innovation edge, employing strategy, design and systems thinking. Marcus is chair of several organisations and advises on government committees, boards of start-ups, scientific & non-for-profit boards & committees.

In 2023, Marcus was awarded the ACT Chief Minister Pearcey Award, the Wholistic World Innovation Prize and received special mention at the AmCham Alliance Awards. He is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD).

Dr Stephen Craig is the Mission Lead for the Smart Energy Mission at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.

Stephen has more than 25 years of experience in applied research, strategy development and commercial innovation in systems engineering, digital technologies, and communications. Prior to joining CSIRO, Stephen led the national centre of excellence for Digital Engineering at Boeing Defence Australia, and he was Head of Strategy and Business Development at a spatial data analytics start-up.

Stephen received his PhD in climate system modelling from Stockholm University. He spent many years in Sweden in leadership roles in mobile communication systems research, development and optimisation at Ericsson before returning to Australia in 2015.

Tania Jones is an ESG and Sustainability executive with more than twenty-five years’ experience with global organisations and management consulting practices.

She has extensive experience in strategy development; ESG, sustainability, community, and stakeholder engagement; organisation change management; and business process improvement and transformation.

As Manager Sustainable Development at Green Gravity Tania plays a key role to ensure the company accelerates the transition to clean energy and delivers meaningful social and environmental impact. Green Gravity is an energy storage technology development company, headquartered at the UOW Innovation Campus in Wollongong, that repurposes legacy mining assets to store renewable energy at grid scale.

Often described as the ‘energy in the room’, Megan is an award-winning, multi-qualified businesswoman and experienced executive board member with a niche for turning ideas into reality. In 2023 The Australian Newspaper recognised Megan as one of Australia’s Top 100 Energy Players and Megan was also a finalist in the Clean Energy Council Awards.

Megan is a Founder and Director of Circular PV Alliance, Australia’s first peak industry body focused on the solar energy circular economy. Megan is regularly invited to industry events in Australia and around the world, recently as a sessional keynote and panellist at the inaugural Middle East and North Africa Solar Conference in Dubai.  In 2022 Megan was awarded the Cresswell Prize by the EESA, a technical society of Engineers Australia, and was a guest speaker at the EEA conference in New Zealand in 2023. As one who believes in taking personal action to inspire change, Megan established Avid Advisory to bring life to new innovations and ideas in the circular economy, infrastructure, and renewable energy sectors and create new pathways for First Nation’s participation in the energy transition.

Dr Chad Renando is A/Director for the Rural Economies Centre of Excellence at the University of Southern Queensland, CEO of Startup Status mapping and measuring the Australian innovation ecosystem, Chair of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Australia, and co-founder of Ready Communities, a two-year place-based program supporting rural and regional impact. Current initiatives he is involved in include innovation and policy mapping for the Queensland Decarbonisation Hub, evaluating long-term impact of rural leadership programs, building capacity in Australian peak bodies, and supporting collective impact approaches for regional transition. With a background bridging industry, government, and academia, Chad’s focus is on community-led approaches for practical solutions to address systemic challenges.

Joe Williams is a Wiradjuri/Wolgalu 1st Nations Aboriginal man born in Cowra, raised in Wagga NSW having lived a portion of his life as a professional athlete. Joe played in the National Rugby League for South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers and Canterbury Bulldogs before switching to professional Boxing in 2009. As a boxer Joe was a 2x WBF World Jnr Welterweight champion and also won the WBC Asia Continental title.

Although forging a successful professional sporting career, Joe battled the majority of his life with crippling mental health challenges. Throughout this road of challenges, Joe felt his purpose was to help people who struggle with similar obstacles. On the back of this, Joe founded mental health & wellbeing organisation, The Enemy Within in 2014. Joe’s autobiography titled Defying The Enemy Within.

In 2017 Joe was named as finalist for the courage award in the National Indigenous Human Rights Awards, 2018 awarded the Suicide Prevention Australia Life Award & In 2019 Joe was awarded Australia’s highest honour in the Mental Health field, announced as a co winner of the National Mental Health Prize.

In 2023, Joe founded the Our Way Academy Pty Ltd, working in schools to create a better now for First Nations young people. Our Way Academy creates a culturally responsive environment for students to learn and thrive through belonging, values and behaviours.

Joe currently doing a PhD in Indigenous Knowledges at the University of Melbourne.

Joe’s dedication to creating a sustainable future through renewable energy remains steadfast, rooted in his deep sense of responsibility to both his country and the environment as a First Nations man.

Matthew has first class honours degree in physics, majoring in photonics and has over 15 years of IP experience. Matthew practices primarily in the fields of physics, electrical engineering and computer technologies, specialising in lasers, optical fibres, photovoltaic devices, medical devices and various optical network devices for the telecommunications industry. Matthew also has a keen interest in the fields of nanotechnology and near-Earth space technology which has exposed Matthew to the importance of computational analysis of complex systems and problems. Matthew also has a strong knowledge in quantum mechanics from his university studies and has practiced in the field of quantum optics.

Matthew has expertise drafting, prosecuting and defending patent specifications across a broad range of technologies, including optical and electronic telecommunications, quantum optical systems, control systems, computer vision, driver monitoring technology, consumer electronics, machine learning, augmented reality, neuroscience diagnostic and rehabilitation systems, gaming technologies, HVAC and building management systems and various other computer-implemented technologies.

Electronics engineer, innovator, and problem solver with over 25 years of experience in machine electronics.

Norman holds a Master’s Degree in Electronics Engineering from the University of Cape Town. He began his career at General Electric as a design engineer, where he gained a deep understanding of good design practices and rigorous systems. Transitioning into sales, he served as Product Manager and later Director of the Semiconductor Division at Avnet Electronics. His time at Motorola, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, further exposed him to both best and worst practices across thousands of small and medium-sized manufacturers.

After relocating to Australia, Norman founded Hummingbird Electronics, a company known for pioneering innovative solutions in the automotive electronics sector. Hummingbird experienced substantial growth and was acquired by advanced manufacturer REDARC Electronics in 2015.

In 2019 Norman co-founded Senquip Electronics with the vision of creating versatile IoT devices for monitoring and controlling vehicles and industrial equipment. Today, Senquip’s mature product line is extensively used in industries such as utilities and mining to monitor lighting plants, generators, pumps, and other diesel and hydrogen machinery.

Since 2021, Ryan has been dedicated to solving critical issues in the flooring industry while addressing Australia’s waste plastics challenge through the commercialization of Echidna Strip. As a third-generation carpet layer, his trade background has profoundly influenced his entrepreneurial journey and passion for hands-on problem-solving. Ryan believes in the immense potential of Australia’s future and the importance of empowering the next generation with a positive, proactive mindset and a strong connection to country.

His commitment to tackling national challenges is deeply intertwined with his appreciation for the Hunter region’s rich industrial heritage.

Tim joined Australian Business Growth Fund (ABGF) from Barclays Investment Bank, where he worked on numerous high-profile sponsor backed Australian buy out transactions. Prior to this he worked in various banking roles in the UK and New Zealand, and started his career as an Officer in the New Zealand Army. Tim leads the ABGF Origination Team. Tim has experience in all aspects of merger and acquisition transactions, including origination, structuring and transaction execution. He graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) and Bachelor of Arts (Politics and Philosophy)

Viv Jayachandran is the Managing Director of Jaegersoft, a leading software engineering consultancy based in the Hunter Region. Jaegersoft provides bespoke solutions that empower businesses in agriculture, engineering, mining, and manufacturing to overcome complex challenges, scale operations, and drive innovation. The company specialises in the rapid development of advanced digital applications, ranging from process automation solutions to IoT data intelligence platforms.

A Newcastle local for over 20 years, Viv is deeply committed to advancing the region’s technological landscape. He is passionate about STEM education and career development, with a focus on preparing the next generation for a tech-driven future. Dedicated to transforming visionary ideas into cutting-edge products, Viv seamlessly integrates technology with business strategy to drive growth and operational excellence

Yannick is a renewables all-rounder with a strong background in both commercial and engineering aspects. He holds a Master’s degree (Dipl.-Ing.) in engineering from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). Yannick founded renewable energy advisory YZ in Newcastle, after he had spent over a decade in various management roles within the renewable energy sector in Europe, South Africa and Australia.

In a previous role as Head of C&I solar PV for specialist engineering consultancy Clean Technology Partners, Yannick led a team of engineers and project managers to advance the uptake of solar PV in Australia. Having joined in its early stages, Yannick played a key role in growing the business significantly. Later on, as Head of Sales, Yannick focused on services for large-scale solar, wind and storage projects.

As a technical Project Manager at Germany’s largest wind energy developer and operator, WPD, Yannick had previously established expertise in project development for onshore wind projects.

Yannick is passionate about making a contribution to his community and is involved in several start-up incubators as a mentor, keeping his finger on the pulse of the renewable energy industry in Australia and internationally. Yannick is also a board member at Eighteen04, Newcastle’s longest serving clean-tech hub.

Dr Steve Mitchell is the Engineering Manager of Ampcontrol Electromotion where he leads a team of engineers focussed on reducing the emissions of mobile machines. He has both Bachelor and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering and has co-authored over 35 international research publications. Prior to his current role, he was a lecturer in Electrical Engineering at the University of Newcastle where he taught student cohorts in both Australia and Singapore. His technical career has been built on over 30 years of experience designing innovative electrical and electronic hardware for use in power, marine, mining, rail, and research applications. Dr Mitchell is passionate about developing technologies for our new energy future. An area of particular focus for the past 6 years has been in the development of marine hybrid power system technology with the goal of reducing maritime emissions and enhancing the boating experience without trading off vessel performance.

Alan joined Stebercraft Pty Ltd (now Steber International) in 1976, starting on the production floor in fibreglass laminating, carpentry, and boat building. By 1978, he became General Manager. He has since trained over 150 shipwright apprentices, emphasising workplace safety.

As a Boating Industry Association of NSW Board member, Alan helped establish the “50-point safety check” for boaters, working alongside the Marine Industry Mechanical Repairers Association. He has also spoken at numerous marine conferences, including Marine Rescue and AMSA.

Alan has been President of the Tinonee Rural Fire Service for 10 years, earning a long service medal. He serves on several marine industry boards and committees, such as the Australian Standards Committee and Commercial Vessels Advisory Group.

Steber has built several vessels for Marine Rescue NSW, Sydney Water Police, and the NSW Police Department under Alan’s supervision. He continues promoting safety at sea, ensuring vessels meet full industry standards.

Alan has overseen the manufacture and refit of over 350 large boats, personally delivering more than 300. He also provides crew training for each vessel, including Marine Rescue and Police vessels. He is an accredited shipbuilder, authorised safety technician, and recipient of the Commonwealth of Australia Centennial Medal for his contributions to the marine industry.

Jeremy boasts over 20 years’ experience in Senior Management and Executive roles within multinational and ASX-listed engineering services companies, within the mining, construction, steel, chemical and aluminium industries.

Since joining Morgan Engineering in 2019, Jeremy has helped lead continuous improvement projects and business strategy across all areas of business operations as well as people & culture.

Inspired by a commitment to excellence, inclusivity, integrity, and innovation, Jeremy has a deep respect for what he sees as the mutual energy and dedication every employee has for the business, and takes his responsibility as a leader seriously.

Jeremy’s track record of delivering superior results in sales, manufacturing, sales & service has no doubt contributed to Morgan Engineering’s recognition across many regional and industry awards – particularly around community engagement, innovation, and manufacturing/business excellence.

Jamie Condon is founder and Managing Director of SierraTek Global, a Control Systems engineering company that provides design and construct, installation and technical support services, consulting and turnkey solutions for the Agricultural, Resources, Processing, Manufacturing and Food and Bev Industries.

The SierraTek team consists of Electrical Engineers, Software Developers, Industrial Control Technicians, Electricians and apprentices that are passionate and dedicated to challenging the status quo and improving the efficiencies and profitability of their customers.

Jamie is born and bred from Narrabri in the North West of NSW, this area is in the heart of Cotton Country and some the most productive farming land in the world. This exposure to Agriculture and his acute awareness of opportunities to improve on traditional methods of farming and the processing of its commodities, is what inspired him to build a company to specialise in developing systems and innovative solutions for this incredibly important Australian Industry.

SierraTek today operates across the country and internationally servicing all industries. SierraTek’s main offices are located in Narrabri and Newcastle where Jamie continues to build their SierraTek Global team and development of their local and export opportunities whilst creating jobs in regional Australia.

Galina Mirzaeva (Senior Member, IEEE) received B.Eng (1990) and Ph.D. (1997) in electrical engineering from the South Urals State University, Russia.
From 2004 to 2010, she was a Senior Researcher with CRC-Mining, Australia.

Since 2010, she has been with the School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Newcastle, Australia, first as Senior Lecturer, from 2017 – as Associate Professor and from 2023 – as Professor.
Her research interests include electric machines and drives, power electronics, renewable energy applications and transportation electrification.

Galina had led numerous research projects focused on industry applications, including:

• predictive condition monitoring tools for MW-range DC and AC motors;
• mitigation of electromagnetic interference of power electronics drives in underground mining environment
• advanced power converter architectures for renewable energy applications;
• novel power system and control for more electric aircraft;
• novel electrical power system and power flow control for marine propulsion.

Oliver Johns is a rising star in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and robotics implementation at the multi-award-winning company SAPHI. With dual Honours degrees in Mechatronics Engineering and Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Oliver specialises in developing and implementing cutting-edge solutions for industry giants, universities, and government. It is in these sectors where his efforts have been directed towards blending emerging technologies in with legacy systems to improve environmental sustainability, workplace safety and industry efficiency. From his work on AI and its implementation into Industry 4.0 he has developed key insights into leveraging its abilities while navigating potential challenges.

Skandha Ponniah has crisscrossed the world, living and working in the UK, the USA, India and Sri Lanka before finally settling in Newcastle, Australia. A Marketing Specialist by trade, Skandha’s expertise lies in translating organisational objectives into a language that consumers and stakeholders will understand and buy in to, using data-driven strategies.

Skandha’s 10+ years of professional experience has seen him direct a $5 million multi-donor development project that built and marketed the award-winning Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka, project manage the website redevelopment project for Ampcontrol that saw two finalist nominations at the 2024 Australian Web Awards, lead global B2C and B2B marketing initiatives for multiple innovative travel businesses, cut his teeth in London’s bustling banking sector and even be featured as a Sri Lankan travel expert in CNN and The Sunday Times (UK)!

Skandha is currently a Board Member of Hunter iF, the organisation behind the Hunter Innovation Festival, and an Account Manager at Zimple Digital, a Digital Marketing Agency serving diverse regional and national clients from its offices in Charlestown, NSW. Skandha holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy from the London School of Economics (UK).

Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin is the CEO and Institute Director of HMRI and also a leading expert in mental health research.

Her main research activity has focussed on the development and clinical trials of computer and technologically delivered treatments for people with mental health and substance use problems. Her aim is to bring high quality, evidence-based treatment for multiple health problems directly to the person – to ensure that the right person receives the right intervention at the right time.

Frances is the Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Women in Health Science Committee and is a member of the NHMRC Research Committee, reflecting her esteemed position in the medical research field.

Directing HMRI’s strategy as CEO, Frances ensures HMRI’s sustainability for future generations, leading a team of 1700 researchers, healthcare professionals and staff, dedicated to addressing critical health issues in our community.

Dr Jason Girkin completed a first-class research honours degree in 2011 in the Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, focusing on the role of early life viral infections, and the initial events of the host-response to virus infection, linking maladaptive innate immunity to the development of asthma.

After completing his honours degree, Jason went on to conduct PhD studies in Immunology and Microbiology. His thesis focused on the role of rhinovirus infection and novel molecular signalling pathways in asthma attacks and was the culmination of four original scientific journal article publications.

His PhD candidature was supported by the Australian Post Graduate Award scholarship and the Vice Chancellors Award scholarship.

Jason’s postdoctoral career has focused on innate immunity in the respiratory tract, antiviral responses and novel therapeutics for prophylactic treatment of viral-induced disease.

Jason’s contribution to this field has resulted in the clinical trials for the development of an immune-activating small molecule for the treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and Influenza.

Newcastle’s 2024 Citizen of the Year

For a kid who was fascinated by viruses – he found them “pretty cool but a bit scary” – to now be at the forefront of research that could help protect us from a range of respiratory viruses is the realisation of a long-held ambition for viral immunologist Professor Nathan Bartlett.

Professor Nathan Bartlett has dedicated over 20 years to viral immunology and the pathogenesis of virus-induced diseases, primarily viral asthma exacerbations.

He has developed and led the Viral Immunology and Respiratory Disease group for the University of Newcastle, located in Hunter Medical Research Institute.

His work has made internationally important contributions and led to the development of new therapies currently in clinical trials. This has been achieved through a strong record of collaboration with clinical researchers and translational research.

This has positioned the group favourably to utilise a variety of integrated therapeutic approaches (viral vaccine vectors, innate immune modulators, antibody/nanobody-based therapeutics, RNA interference, nanomedicines and small molecule-based drugs) and models (primary bronchial epithelial cell air-liquid-interface culture, donated lung sections, mice models of respiratory disease).

Dedicated medical researcher Professor Bartlett, who helped develop an effective preventative treatment for respiratory viral diseases including COVID-19, has been selected as Newcastle’s 2024 Citizen of the Year.

Dr Dara Sampson has 30 years’ experience working in social work, leadership, education and research.  She worked in direct practice for twelve years as a Senior Social Worker in Centrelink. Dara then moved into senior leaderships roles for eight years as a Business Manager in both Corporate and Business Integrity areas of Centrelink which developed her skills in managing organisational change, strategic planning, policy writing and evaluation. She was a lecturer in Social Work at the University of Newcastle and University of Sydney for over 10 years. The topic of her PhD and a recent book publication is the use of fiction in social work teaching. Dara is a Senior Research Manager in the College of Health, Medicine and Well-Being, University of Newcastle. She is Co-Director of Healthy Minds Program at Hunter Medical Research Institute.

Dr. Patrick Skippen leads Data Management and Health Informatics at Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI). With a background in Psychology (Honours) and a PhD in Neuroscience, he has extensive experience in managing clinical trial data and ensuring its accuracy and security.

After completing a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Neuroscience Research Australia in 2022, Patrick worked as a Trial Coordinator at Mater Oncology Research. He is a certified Good Clinical Practice expert and advises several national and international research groups on Data Management.

Patrick oversees over 1,500 research studies as the HMRI REDCap administrator and ranks 8th in Australia for his expertise. He also leads a skilled team that designs and manages databases for various research projects, including national registries and multinational studies.

He is a member of multiple professional organisations, including the Society for Clinical Research Sites and the Australasian Brain Stimulation Society.

Hunter Medical Research Institute 2023 Award for Research Excellence

Professor Zsolt Balogh is a global leader in trauma surgery and musculoskeletal research. He is the Head of Traumatology and Surgery at the University of Newcastle and Director of Trauma at John Hunter Hospital.

As an active trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, his expertise lies in managing complex injuries, resuscitating traumatic shock, and treating pelvic fractures. He also leads the Injury and Trauma Research Program at Hunter Medical Research Institute.

Professor Balogh has received prestigious awards, including the John Mitchell Crouch Fellowship and the Australian Orthopaedic Association’s Research Award. He was named Australia’s top Emergency Medicine researcher in 2020 and 2021.

With over 300 peer-reviewed publications and more than 25,000 citations, his research focuses on trauma care, including polytrauma, organ failure, and critical post-injury care.

He was also awarded the Hunter Medical Research Institute 2023 Award for Research Excellence.

Elaine Abery is the Principal of Unravelling Red Tape. Elaine has worked in and with the Associations sector since 2011. She worked for the Property Council of Australia, then was General Manager, Strategic Policy at Private Healthcare Australia before setting up Unravelling Red Tape to help a broader base of clients with government relations, policy and advocacy. Before that, she worked in law design at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), conducting regular consultations with the associations sector. Elaine’s favourite achievement while working for the ATO was having a formal complaint made against her for impersonating a government employee, as “no government employee is that happy”. Elaine is passionate about working with associations and government to inform and improve government decision-making and create win-win-win solutions… a win for the industry/profession, a win for government and a win for the Australian community

Dealings with Government are notorious for complexity, frustration, cost, feelings of powerlessness, inconsistency, opacity, and time consumption. Elaine Abery established Unravelling Red Tape to provide advocacy services to help businesses, charities, and individuals navigate and resolve these complications, develop high-quality collaborative government relations, and achieve better decisions and outcomes from government

Ross Kerridge is the popularly-elected Lord Mayor of Newcastle.

He became Mayor on October 2^nd 2024.  The next day, he and his wife Marion became grandparents!

He grew up in Newcastle. After finishing school he worked at BHP Steelworks as a labourer for three months before going to university, as did many of his school mates. ​He went to Sydney University and became a Doctor, and then a Specialist Anaesthetist after training in Sydney, England and Canada.

He worked as a senior anaesthetist for over 25 years at the busy John Hunter Hospital, and as an Associate Professor teaching and researching at the University of Newcastle

He has had an internationally influential career in medicine.  From 1989, Dr Kerridge led the establishment of the “Perioperative System” for care of surgical patients, which is now the generally accepted model of elective surgical patient care in Australia, and has been adapted internationally. Dr Kerridge was also part of the team that established the world’s first hospital ‘Medical Emergency Team’ (Rapid Response Team) in 1990. This has also been emulated internationally.

He has always had a passion for active involvement in community organisations and supporting action to build a better, stronger and dynamic community.

With some sadness, he ceased clinical work as a Doctor after becoming Lord Mayor. He hopes to continue some teaching of students and trainees. He feels that he is now looking after a new type of patient:- the community of Newcastle.

Dr Kerridge’s successful election campaign as an independent under the label ‘Our Newcastle’ was built on an extraordinarily enthusiastic group of keen volunteers.  The Key themes of the campaign were Community, People and Respect.

As Lord Mayor he intends to focus on ‘the things that matter’, bringing people together by building (or rebuilding) community identity, and building an ethos of putting the community first in everything that we do.

James is a dedicated professional with extensive experience in senior leadership roles within the transportation and engineering sectors. Currently serving as the Area Business Manager at United Group Limited, he oversees the Rail and Mining Component Solutions division with a focus on strategic operational management, he has a proven track record of driving organizational growth, enhancing market position, and fostering operational excellence.With a robust educational background, including a Master of Business Administration and certifications in asset management and competitive manufacturing, combining technical expertise with strategic insight.

Mariane is a Clinical Psychologist, Executive Coach, and Neurodiversity Specialist with a research focus on the protective power of meaning and purpose. She is passionate about exploring strengths-based approaches that enable people of diverse neurotypes to thrive. As a consultant, trainer, and coach, Mariane integrates inclusive design principles with neuroscience and psychology to help organisations unlock the potential of their diverse teams. Her clinical expertise, combined with her lived experience of ADHD, has made her a sought-after speaker on neurodiversity, inclusive leadership, creativity and innovation. Recognised as a World-Class Education Top Innovator by Uplink and Deloitte Global, Mariane is also the author of The IMPACT Mindset Theory & IMPACT Framework, co-founder of The Posify Group—a social enterprise supporting positive youth development—and host of Classroom 5.0, a podcast exploring the future of work, learning, and leadership.