Festival

Passionate advocate for sustainable solutions, specialising in recycling plastic manufacture. Dedicated to transforming waste into valuable resources, I strive to reduce the environmental impact of plastic production. Fostering innovation, I work towards a greener future by promoting circular economies and sustainable practices, one plastic item at a time.

Dr Mobin Nomvar is the Founder and CEO of Scimita Ventures, a leading technology and commercialization firm that employs proprietary methodologies to rapidly innovate and commercialize the technology. He is a recognized voice in driving innovation for societal benefit. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, a Master’s degree in Energy Systems Engineering, and a PhD in Engineering and Science.

Aside from being a rugby tragic, and an expert at collecting sporting injuries, Liam is also Chief Commercial Officer at SAPHI – a team of emerging technology experts hell-bent on providing clients with the tech-agnostic solutions they need to do things smarter.

His team is no stranger to navigating the complex world of hardware and software, having orchestrated Australia’s largest smart green infrastructure project, the world’s first underground explosive delivery system, machine vision systems for infrastructure utilisation tracking and advanced drone systems for mine remediation, just to name a few.

His team’s philosophy? If it doesn’t exist yet, let’s build it. If it does exist, let’s make it better.

Based out of Newcastle, Yannick founded renewable energy advisory firm “YZ Consulting” in 2020. After spending over a decade in the renewable energy space in Europe, South Africa and Australia he felt it was time to bring this knowledge to his new home in the Hunter region.

Yannick is a renewable energy all-rounder with a strong background in business development, project management and technical assessments.

At YZ Consulting, Yannick helps business owners / financial investors and project developers get the best value out of their engagements with renewable energy. Over the last few years Yannick has worked with clients such as Transgrid/Lumea, University of Newcastle, Yurika/EnergyQueensland, Milltech Steel, SwitchDin, BayWa RE, Komo Energy, Rheinmetall and many more.

As the former head of commercial solar PV at specialist engineering consultancy Clean Technology Partners, Yannick once 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 scoping services for large scale solar, wind and storage projects.

Previously, as technical project manager at energy utility EnBW and later Germany’s largest wind energy developer & operator WPD, Yannick had developed expertise in project development for onshore wind projects in Germany and South Africa.

Yannick is passionate about making a contribution locally and is involved in several start-up incubators as a mentor (including I2N, Energylab and Startupbootcamp), keeping his finger on the pulse of renewable energy innovation in Australia and internationally.

Yannick is also the co-founder of Newcastle’s most popular renewable energy networking event “Renewybeers”.

In his spare time, Yannick loves to explore the outdoors and spend time surfing / cycling / running and being out and about with his family and friends.

Alex McClung is the founder of Traversal Labs; he helps industrial companies set and reach their automation goals, facilitating the implementation of novel machine learning and robotics technologies.

He has a decade of experience building autonomous robots, seven years experience with Machine Learning. His specialty is Machine Perception; enabling machines to see.

Joshua Leask is an accomplished AI professional and entrepreneur, with a diverse background in defence, industrial IoT, FinTech, banking, mining, and software design/development. He has a strong educational foundation, including study towards a Graduate Certificate in Applied AI, an MBA, and an honours degree in Software Engineering. His unique blend of technical expertise and business acumen makes him an invaluable partner for businesses seeking AI-driven growth and innovation.

Ria O’Donnell is a renowned educator, business owner and author with over 20 years’ experience in training and development. She holds several degrees focusing on technology and education. Her extensive knowledge and expertise in developing cutting-edge training experiences that drive large organisations, have made her a sought-after speaker at various conferences.  

Ria’s passion for education and technology led her to study the effectiveness of online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic. In recognition of her expertise and accomplishments, Taylor and Francis have published Ria’s first book titled Transformative Digital Technologies for Effective Workplace Learning. She takes pride in her continuous and lifelong learning, which has enabled her to stay up to date with the latest trends and innovations in education. 

Aside from her academic pursuits, Ria has also made significant contributions to the corporate sector, where she works as a consultant in the learning and development space. Her early career as a classroom teacher has equipped her with a deep understanding of the learning process, which she leverages to create engaging and effective training programs for diverse audiences. 

Ria is excited to share her insights and experiences in the upcoming Hunter Innovation Festival and hopes to inspire fellow educators and learners to embrace the challenges and opportunities of digital learning. 

Danielle has spent the last ten years working for WesTrac across both the New South   Wales   and   Western   Australian   dealerships.   Having   grown   up   in   a Caterpillar/Hastings Deering supported mine in Papua New Guinea, she’s been a passionate brand advocate for most of her life and is proud to be part of the Caterpillar Dealer community today. Danielle joined WesTrac in a Marketing and Communications capacity in 2012 and was appointed General Manager in 2015. Since then, she has had the opportunity to lead a variety of different functions including strategy, transformation, product support and now, operations. Today,  Danielle  is  proud  to  lead  a  team  of  incredibly  hard  working,  passionate  and  highly  skilled  technicians, coordinators,  administrators  and  people  leaders who are collectively responsible for supporting WesTrac’s customers in the building, rebuilding and servicing of their machines. All while staying safe, engaged and customer focused.

Christopher Levi is an academic stroke neurologist, Fellow of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Science, Executive Director Research and Innovation HNELHD and Director of the John Hunter Hospital Health and Innovation Precinct (JHHIP). He is Conjoint Professor of Medicine University of Newcastle and between 2017-2021, was Professor of Neurology at University New South Wales and Executive Director of one of Australia’s Advanced Health Research and Translation Centres – the Sydney Partnership for Health Education Research and Enterprise (SPHERE). In prior roles in the Hunter he established Hunter New England’s Acute Stroke Services and Stroke Research Group, pioneered tele-stroke care in NSW, led the roll out of acute stroke units across NSW, established the HNE Research and Translation Directorate and NSW Regional Health Partners Centre for Innovation in Regional Health. He continues his own research career in stroke and concussion with clinical academic appointments at John Hunter Hospital, University Newcastle and University of Western Sydney focusing on new avenues for stroke recovery and concussion care. An experienced partnership leader in innovation and applied research, he is currently establishing the foundational elements of the JHHIP including the establishment of the University of Newcastle School of Medicine and Public Health on the Precinct and the establishment of the Health Innovation Living Laboratory. He is leading HNEs learning health system strategy supported by research and innovation driving towards clinical and commercial translation with the ultimate aim of the Precinct becoming a major contributor to business attraction and economic growth in the Hunter. 

As a Senior Management executive with over 20 years of experience in the Australian Logistics and Automotive industry, Edwin has been able to use his wide expertise in applying change strategies to rapidly build businesses and increase the results for several major Logistics companies, vehicle manufacturers and with his own consulting business.

 Warwick commenced with the University in January 2023. He was formerly the Director, Knowledge Exchange at UNSW. Warwick has over 25 years’ experience leading university research and commercialisation initiatives, including heading the bid team from UNSW/ Newcastle for the Australian Trailblazer for Recycling & Clean Energy. He also has significant private sector experience with NCR Australia Pty Ltd, and as a former Commercial Advisor for BHP Engineering.

Sandy Thomas is a proven marketing, communications and creative leader. She honed her marketing skills in general insurance for 17 years, then ran her own graphic design and marketing consultancy for 5 years and for the past 11 years has been the Marketing Manager for the Hedweld Group of Companies. Established in 1980, Hedweld is now a world leader in the design, manufacture and export of mining equipment and agricultural innovations, all created in their Singleton based advanced manufacturing facility – ensuring manufacturing stays strong in the Hunter Region.

Klaus is the CEO, Founder & Managing Partner of Dreamoro Group (https://www.dreamoro.com.au/), which includes Dreamoro Ventures (early stage venture capital – pre-seed to Series A) and Dreamoro Studio (specialist technology and commercialisation team). With over 35 years of technology industry experience, and a former tech founder himself, he grew and listed his health tech business on the ASX, which serviced thousands of healthcare businesses and facilitated over 18m healthcare appointments online, and led it as CEO for 12 years (including 7 on the ASX) before exiting the company to create Dreamoro.

The Dreamoro Group includes Dreamoro Ventures, a specialist venture capital firm led by a team of C-suite executives (public and private market) and experienced investment managers, that is also associated with a technology and commercialisation team, Dreamoro Studio, to support founders building leading Healthtech and Digital Media & Entertainment companies that aim to deliver a positive impact on our community, people’s lives and the planet.

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 team development, to technical specialisation in Employee Relations, Stacey has extensive experience as 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.

Mika Koelma is the co-founder of Hey Zomi, Australia’s first reusable menstrual disc designed and manufactured in Melbourne. Her desire for a more sustainable and lifestyle-centric menstrual solution inspired her and her sister, Zoe Fehlberg, to launch the Newcastle-based company earlier this year.

Mika’s background in education, creative industries and health has allowed her to transfer skills across industries and into Femtech innovation. Hey Zomi is finding solutions to support menstruators to gain better access to menstrual health education and life changing menstrual care products, including the Hey Zomi disc.

Hey Zomi has scaled rapidly within the Australian menstrual care market. Since April this year, sales have doubled monthly with projections to reach an ROI of 220% by January 2024.

Peter Schreiner is one of two Industry Innovation Specialist in the advanced manufacturing, MedTech, Industry 4.0 and engineering sector at TAFE NSW. This exciting sector is rapidly evolving through digital technologies and converging with many other sectors.

Across our team we engage closely with industry to identify and address the skills needs of the evolving workforce.

With 25 years’ experience across a spectrum of tertiary education sector providers, Peter has worked as a technical teacher, educational administrator, curriculum project officer, and industry liaison in the manufacturing and engineering sector.

His career commenced as an apprentice toolmaker engaging with traditional and digital precision manufacturing processes over the initial 15 years of his working life. This included several years of university study in engineering and education and training.

In 2023, Peter has been awarded the inaugural International Sustainability Fellowship sponsored by the VET Development Centre. The fellowship will involve applied research into the energy storage sector, nationally, and internationally.

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.

Lance is the Director Investment and Innovation of the Liverpool Innovation Precinct. He leads the development and operations of an effective innovation precinct with a diversity of health-related public and private-sector organisations working across research, ideas development, commercialisation and education and serves on an Expert Advisory Group for the NSWIPC.

Dr Jessica Allen is a senior lecturer at the University of Newcastle in Chemical and Renewable Energy Engineering. She is also an Australian Research Council fellow with research targeting energy technology development including innovations in sustainable materials for batteries, carbon capture and use, hydrogen energy and zero emission manufacturing for green steel and aluminium. She leads the recently established the Electrochemical Engineering Laboratory at the Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources where she works closely with industry to assist with solving emission and energy challenges. Dr Allen strives to provide the community with leadership and hope in addressing the climate crisis. From pre-schoolers to retirees, TikTok to Parliament House, her work in the community is making a difference in how people understand new critical technologies.

With over 14 years of experience as a lawyer and leader, Michael has a passion for working with people who want to build a better future and address the big challenges facing us in health, infrastructure, and work. He is a GAICD that reflects my commitment to governance and strategy, a Master of Construction Law and is completing his MBA.

Michael is currently the General Counsel at Honeysuckle Health, a company that uses data, AI, and technology to deliver better health outcomes for individuals, businesses, and the community. In this role, he works with the leadership team to manage risk and strategy for the company and its related businesses, and to ensure it can achieve its purpose effectively. Michael is also the Managing Director at Law Possible, a consultancy that helps law and professional service firms redesign and reshape for the future, focusing on value creation, culture, and experience. Additionally, he is a founder and director at Mulch Ventures, a venture studio that builds, invests in, and grows businesses in health tech, legal tech, and climate tech.

Michael has previously advised and represented clients in various sectors, including construction, infrastructure, health, transport, agribusiness, food, and new energy, on a range of legal and commercial issues. He has also been a lecturer and academic at the University of Newcastle, where he taught and researched on topics related to the built environment and architecture. Michael has co-authored a journal article on dispute resolution in construction and engineering, and has been a finalist for the Young Business Executive award in 2015.

Adam Amos is an Australian Mechatronics Engineer and the founder of Robotic Systems, a specialised tech hardware design + manufacturer based in Newcastle, NSW.

Adam specialises in accelerating the journey from idea to prototype and into manufacturing of other businesses’ high value tech hardware products. 

Adam has led Robotic Systems to be recognised by Deloitte as being in the top 100 fastest growing hardware businesses in Australia Pacific region as well as being credited as original inventor on 4 patents for tech hardware.

Steve has a clear-eyed drive for new ideas in businesses at all stages that is focused on business creation and growth. He has been a Company Founder and Director building smart technology risk mitigation and risk management platforms and systems across Australia, Asia, and the USA. Much of his knowledge in business and understanding of it is thanks to lessons learned by teaching and advising hundreds of startups and business intenders.  As the CEO of The Business Centre, he leads a team of dedicated business advisers to create bespoke advisory services, business education and business acceleration programs focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and commercialisation.

Matthew currently manages the Product and Engineering group at Orica Digital Solutions – Digital Products. With 18 years of experience in the mining industry, Matthew has predominantly worked in Technology and Innovation. During this time, he has played a key role in the development and commercialisation of a wide range of products, including software, IoT solutions, vision systems, blasting systems, delivery systems, physics engines, cloud applications, and web-based analytics.

Steven Kennedy is the Vice President of Global Regulatory Affairs at Cochlear. Steven has worked with Cochlear for 20 years, holding positions in product development, manufacturing, quality and now regulatory. He holds a Bachelors Degree in Engineering and Masters Degrees in Statistics and Commerce.

Piers is an entrepreneur, impact investor, and policy activist. Piers is the co-founder of EnergyLab, Australia’s largest platform from climate tech startups, and Boomerang Labs, Australia’s first accelerator for circular economy startups. He is a founding General Partner of Impact Ventures, a boutique impact venture capital firm with over 60 early stage invests in their portfolio. He has also served as a founding director of Climate KIC Australia and is a Governor of WWF-Australia. In his other life, he’s  a successful digital publisher who has led the teams from Betoota Advocate, The Daily Aus, Australian Geographic and Junkee Media.

Peter is an experienced senior executive with a record of driving change to deliver results. As CEO of Newcastle Airport including the Astra Aerolab development, Peter is leading his team to deliver long-term benefits to the Hunter, Central Coast and Northern NSW regions. Peter is passionate about growing the airport our region deserves, to be a key pillar in our region’s economic transition. Achieved through enabling large, sustainable economic benefits across inbound tourism, defence and other technology based industries at the Astra Aerolab precinct and new freight-related industries, including import and export. Newcastle Airport is on track to be international-ready in 2024 with both airfield and terminal works currently underway. The development ready Astra Aerolab and airport program of works provides a once in a generation opportunity for regional NSW, creating jobs and stimulating local economic growth.

Dr Dara Sampson has experience working in social work, leadership, and research for 30 years. 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. She recently completed her PhD, the topic of which is the use of fiction in social work teaching. Dara currently works as Academic Research Manager in the College of Health, Medicine and Well-Being, University of Newcastle. She is one of the Co-Directors of Healthy Minds Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute.

Josh is an accomplished industrial designer, with over 18 years of experience in the field. He holds a Bachelor of Industrial Design with Honours from the University of Newcastle and has spent over 10 years working in the fitting and machining trade.

Josh has a deep passion for helping people create thriving businesses that bring about positive change. He offers his clients a unique blend of skills in product design and manufacturing, as well as strategy, creativity, and innovation.

As the Managing Director of Design Anthology, Josh has an extensive track record of partnering with businesses across Australia, from local government to private and not-for-profit sectors.

Josh is committed to using his expertise to help his clients succeed, and he is always looking for new ways to help businesses thrive and grow in today’s rapidly changing marketplace.

Scott Lynch, APAM, Vice-Chair of the Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Gerontology Committee, Physiotherapist, entrepreneur, Business Hunter Young Leader of the Year 2022, Newcastle Business Club Young Leader of the year 2023, consultant and innovator is the Founder and Managing Director of Community Therapy.

Scott started Community Therapy in 2017 after seeing a need for better community allied health access in our region, with a mission to support and empower clients to live enriched and meaningful lives.

From one Physio in Belmont driving around town in a little red Toyota Corolla, to an expert team of almost 130 allied health professionals visiting over a thousand homes each week as the leading aged and disability allied health care provider in the region, it has been an immense journey.

As the CEO of BlueZone Group, Elizabeth leads a business that is focused on the development and delivery of innovative underwater engineering solutions in partnership with industry and customers in the Defence sector. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), a Diploma in Project Management and is a Certified Practicing Project Manager (CPPM) with the Australian Institute of Project Management. Elizabeth’s eye for detail has been invaluable in her other company support roles in quality, safety and IT. Elizabeth was the project manager for the SeaUrchin Marine Power Generator project in partnership with Element Energy Technologies. This project won the Engineers Australia 2012 Excellence Award. Elizabeth is also an excellent communicator, having held roles as associate lecturer and tutor at the University of Newcastle.

James is the founder of NTP, a community-driven recruitment agency expanding across the East Coast of Australia, as well as a partner in RemoteTechJobs, a growing platform that helps companies and talent connect and thrive in a remote-first world.

Throughout his career, he’s been an early stage investor in multiple tech-startups, and placed hundreds of tech professionals into jobs that has allowed companies from startups through to ASX listed companies to build and develop their teams.

Dr Nathaniel Bavinton is an urban sociologist, social researcher and city strategist who has researched, planned and implemented urban and social innovation for over fifteen years.

Nathaniel is an Associate Director at Urbis, and is focused on the complex challenges of creating technology and data-enabled places, and sustainable, future-focused cities and communities.

Previously the Innovation and Futures Manager at the City of Newcastle, he has a longstanding interest and history with the revitalisation and transition of Newcastle and led the city’s multi-award-winning smart city program.

He is currently a board member of innovation ecosystem connector Hunter If, and sits on the Urban Development Institute of Australia’s smart cities and sustainable built environment committee.

Nathaniel is really interested in how cities can be a more creative, connected, and socially diverse places. He believes that in an age of accelerating change, those cities that embrace the future will thrive.