SPEAKERS

Hon Don Punch MLA is the Minister for Regional Development; Disability Services; Fisheries; Seniors and Ageing; Volunteering, and has been a member of the Legislative Assembly since 2017, representing the seat of Bunbury.

Don migrated to Australia from Manchester in 1971, attending high school in Manjimup and Collie.

Prior to entering politics, Don studied psychology and social work at the University of Western Australia, and later completed an MBA at Edith Cowan University. He has worked throughout regional Western Australia as a social worker and as a Senior Executive in the public sector.

In 1998, Don became CEO of the South West Development and assumed responsibility for many aspects of the South West region’s social and economic development, including projects such as the renewal of the Manjimup town centre with an emphasis on food based tourism, the renewal of the Bunbury water front and the redevelopment of Busselton airport. He continued in this role until resigning to contest the seat of Bunbury for WA Labor in 2016.

After being elected in 2017, Don was appointed to the WA Methamphetamine Task Force and the Community Development and Justice Standing Committee.

His passion for blending social and economic development and commitment to creative design and emerging technologies characterised his work in the south west, and will continue to guide his Ministerial agenda.

David was born in Northam, Western Australia and proudly calls himself a country boy at heart. After being educated there he trained to be a drama teacher and commenced his teaching career in Three Springs before moving to Mandurah in 1988. David has always had a deep interest in the local communities he has lived in and in 1994 was elected to the City of Mandurah Council and served the Council for seven years, the last four as Deputy mayor, before his election to the State Parliament in February 2001.

David was re-elected as Member for Mandurah in 2005, 2008, 2013 and 2017. He was Minister for Child Protection, Seniors and Volunteering, Youth and the Peel Region from 2006 to 2007 then as Environment Minister, Minister for Climate Change and the Peel Region from 2007 to 2008. In March 2017 David took on the ministerial portfolios of Local Government, Heritage, and Culture and the Arts. After the 2021 election, he was sworn in as Minister for Tourism, Culture and the Arts and Heritage. In December 2021 David took responsibility for the Culture and the Arts, Sport and Recreation, International Education and Heritage portfolios.

David’s passions include the arts, the environment, education, youth and community development. He is particularly interested in looking at how we can create opportunities for those people in our community who, for whatever reason, find themselves marginalised or isolated. Linked to this is a desire to develop a strong sense of identity for Mandurah. This desire to develop community and create a more cohesive approach to community concerns was his main motivation to stand for Parliament.

David has been an active participant in the Mandurah Arts sectors for many years and still performs in his annual Christmas Charity Show at the Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, which raises money for a Performing Arts Fellowship. The Fellowship supports local young people from the Peel Region who are pursuing careers in the Arts.

Jaysen Miguel was elected Mayor in 2021 after being a long serving Elected Member and Deputy Mayor. He was elected on a platform of experience, passion for Bunbury, change and reconnecting with the community.

Since then, the City of Bunbury Council has made a number of strategic improvements including providing clear organisational objectives, introduced fundamental changes to rating, instilled budgetary discipline and reduced operational costs, reduced the number of Committees and shifted operational focus to more facilitative.

  Jaysen was born and raised in Bunbury and holds a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Accounting and has worked as an experienced Accountant for several years with a local Accounting Firm and in his free time he enjoys playing golf.

Catherine de Fontenay commenced a 5 year term as a full time Commissioner with the Productivity Commission in July 2019. Catherine was reappointed for a further 5 year term commencing July 2024. Catherine completed a PhD in Economics at Stanford University and taught at Melbourne University, NYU and UNSW. Her research has been published in a number of international journals. At the Commission she has led inquiries and research into innovation, higher education, supply chain resilience, the productivity of the service sector, small business access to finance, and other topics.

Dr. Merriden Varrall is the Lead for Geopolitics at KPMG Australia. In this role, she helps businesses understand and navigate the complex global geopolitical environment. Merriden provides business-relevant insights into global, regional, and local geopolitical trends and works with clients to develop strategies and solutions to identify and mitigate risk, and maximize opportunities.

A former UN diplomat based in China, Merriden is a sought-after commentator on geopolitics, East Asia, China’s foreign policy, and Australia’s bilateral relationship with China.

From 2014-2018, Merriden was the Director of the Lowy Institute’s East Asia Program. She is currently a Non-Resident Fellow at Lowy. Before joining the Institute, Merriden was the Assistant Country Director and Senior Policy Advisor at United Nations Development Programme, China, where she worked on China’s role in the world, focusing on its international development cooperation policy. Prior to that, she worked for the Australian Government Treasury and the Department of Family and Community Services.

Merriden spent almost eight years living and working in China, including lecturing in foreign policy at the China Foreign Affairs University and conducting fieldwork for her doctoral research.

Merriden has a PhD examining Chinese foreign policy from Macquarie University, Sydney, and the Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam. She has a Master’s Degree in International Affairs from the Australian National University, and completed her undergraduate studies in international studies at the University of Technology Sydney. Her analyses have appeared in academic journals, as well as publications such as The Quarterly, The New York Times, Nikkei Asian Review, Foreign Policy, The East Asia Forum, and the Lowy Interpreter, among others.

Maria Rennie was appointed as His Majesty’s Consul General for Western Australia in July 2023. Maria has been a member of the British diplomatic service since 2002, working in over 25 British diplomatic posts overseas in a variety of roles. Most recently, Maria worked as the Deputy Consul General in Chicago helping lead the UK’s engagement across 14 states of the US Midwest and was previously seconded to the UK’s Home Office for Consular and Immigration roles in both Bogotá, Colombia and Miami, USA. As Head of the Crisis Training and Policy Team in the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s Crisis Management Department, Maria oversaw crisis training and bespoke crisis exercises across the UK’s global network. She also led the UK’s consular or operational response to over 35 international crises during that same 5 year period. As the UK government lead on coordination of support for victims of international terrorism she helped establish the Home Office’s cross-government Victims of Terrorism Unit in 2017.

Ms Rebecca Brown commenced as Director General of the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (JTSI) in September 2018. In this role, she is also Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Western Australia.

Ms Brown has overseen significant changes across JTSI to position the agency as critical to advancing the State Government’s key policy agendas, including growing local jobs, diversifying the State’s industry base and export potential and continuing to leverage the broader research, science and innovation community to advance outcomes for Western Australia.

Ms Brown has worked across both Federal and State government agencies in a range of senior roles across revenue and economic policy, social policy, resourcing and performance. This included overseeing the reform of the WA health system, including the establishment of a new governance model and the development of the Health Services Act 2016.

Ms Brown has an Honours Degree in Economics from the University of Western Australia and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Born and brought up in Aberdeen, Russell came home to head up the Chamber of Commerce in 2016 after a period of more than 20 years living and working in the ‘other’ North-east…. of England. During this time, he worked on a number of key development and regeneration projects that supported the reinvention of that region’s economy.

Immediately before returning, Russell was managing partner of a global marketing agency network based in Newcastle. Prior to this he had a spell as regional managing director for Reach plc’s North-east of England newspaper and digital division after founding and growing media, research and communications agency, Press Ahead, over a ten-year period.

Chambers of Commerce sit at the heart of local business communities across the UK and beyond. Offering unrivalled expertise, networks and connections and bringing thousands of companies of every size and sector together to thrive and grow. And AGCC is the largest Chamber in Scotland and one of the most active and influential in the land.

Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber is known for doing and not just talking. The ‘go-to’ place when positive action is needed, acting as the voice of business, ensuring good stuff happens, delivering results and making a positive difference for the business community of our city region.

Russell also represents AGCC and its 1,200+ member companies on various Boards and development forums including Opportunity North-east, the NE Investment Zone Steering Group and the Regional Economic Partnership to help realise the aims of the Chamber and his personal passion for making North-east Scotland an even better place to live, work, study, visit, invest and do business. Creating a place we can be proud of for future generations. Achieving collectively what we could not individually.

Professor Peta Ashworth is the Director of Curtin University’s Institute for Energy Transition. She is a renowned expert in energy, communication, stakeholder engagement, and technology assessment. Professor Ashworth has researched public attitudes towards climate and energy technologies, including wind, carbon capture and storage (CCS), solar photovoltaic, storage, geothermal and hydrogen, for almost two decades. An accomplished speaker and educator, she actively promotes energy literacy globally and contributes to policy briefings and educational events.

Prior to joining Curtin University, Professor Ashworth was the Director of the Andrew N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership, and Chair in Sustainable Energy Futures at The University of Queensland (UQ). She was also Chair of the Queensland Hydrogen Taskforce and is a member of CSIRO Hydrogen Mission Advisory Board. Professor Ashworth brings over thirty years’ experience working in a range of senior management, consulting and research roles.

Nick is a dynamic leader with a rich history of driving impact across various sectors, from grassroots movements to global organisations. His diverse career has spanned roles where he has launched new digital ventures of national significance with Australia Post through to leading global efforts at the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris, focusing on revenue diversification and global partnerships to support the business transition to net zero.

Nick’s career has seen him involved with Australia’s renewable energy transition, collaborating with grassroots movements and observing how private capital is mobilising to enable new projects. His commitment to public benefit is reflected in his contributions to the Australian Red Cross and the development of innovation strategies for public financial services firms.

Through these experiences, Nick has come to understand that meaningful action happens at the local and regional levels. Now serving in local government as the Director of Sustainable Economy and Communities at the Augusta Margaret River Shire, he is committed to the new models of leadership required to address and meet the grand challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, ensuring that the solutions to global issues are rooted in local resilience and innovation.

Nick holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Hon) from the University of Adelaide, and is a leadership fellow with the Intersticia Foundation.

Ashley is responsible for the Commission’s Infrastructure and Lands portfolio, acting as Chief Executive Officer when required. He brings more than 25 years of experience in regional development at State, Federal, local government and the not-for-profit sector levels to his role leading the delivery of key infrastructure and lands projects across the South West region.

At the Commission, Ashley oversees the multi-agency Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project, coordinating across partner agencies to unlock long-term economic and social benefits for the region in the delivery of the three-stage program of works. Ashley also plays a key role in unlocking industry through critical development projects including the Busselton Margaret River Airport.

Trevor Cochrane is a West Australian father of 4 sons and is based in Kalamunda WA. With degrees in science and business from Curtin University, the College of William and Mary and La Trobe University, he runs 2 companies, Guru Productions and The Garden Gurus Design, Landscape and Construction Company. Guru Productions is based in Subiaco and produces content for corporate, commercial and broadcast purposes. In 2024 the company will produce over 100 episodes of 8 different TV series filmed across Australia and internationally in 8 different countries and places including Antarctica, The Philippines, Japan, Argentina, Egypt and Singapore. Guru Productions employ a unique formula in telling stories that positively educates

Trevor is a member on the board of the Back on Track foundation which provides education support for kids with cancer.

Chris is a Luritja man from Central Australia. He is an experienced senior executive and strategy advisor with expertise in Indigenous economic development, asset management, corporate strategy and infrastructure construction over a 25-year period. Chris was formerly the Managing Director of Impact IP, and has held positions with leading companies including state-owned electricity utility – Horizon Power, international strategy consulting firm – Boston Consulting Group and  Australian mining and civil engineering contractor – Henry Walker Eltin. Chris holds an MBA from Melbourne Business School and a Bachelor of Engineering (Mining) from the University of Queensland. Chris also the chair of CASSE Australia and board member of Australians Community Foundation and Desert Knowl­edge Aus­tralia.

Mike assumed the role of Group MD of Blue Ocean Marine Tech Systems in September 2021. BO-MTS services the offshore energy and defence sectors in Australia and UK, utilising disruptive long endurance uncrewed autonomous underwater vehicles fitted with an array of mission-specific sensors.

Prior to joining BO-MTS, Mike was based in the UK as the Western Australian Agent General, promoting WA, throughout the UK, Europe and Israel, as a great place for investment, trade, research and development, education, training, and tourism.
Mike had a 32-year naval career including command of three submarines and the Fleet Replenishment ship, HMAS Success. His last role in the RAN was as the Head of the Australian Submarine Group and the Senior Defence Officer in WA. He retired in the rank of Commodore in 2005.

Awards include the Conspicuous Service Cross, the Australian Service Medal (Special Operations clasp), the Defence Force Service Medal (three bars) and the Australian Defence Medal.
Mike has a wealth of experience in Marine and Defence Industries, previously holding senior executive roles with L3 Nautronix, Raytheon and Civmec.

He is currently a Director of Parkerville Children and Youth Centre. Past Board roles include Non-Executive Directorships with the Pilbara Ports Authority and Dampier Port Authority; Deputy Chair, Governing Council of Challenger Institute (now South Metro TAFE); member, WA State Training Board; Chair, Steppingstones Child Development Centre; member, Menzies Australia Institute Advisory Board, Kings College, London; and member, Britain Australia Society Advisory Board.

Mike holds a BA (UNSW) and a MMgmt (MGSM), a Grad Dip Applied Science (Technology Management) and a Diploma of Maritime Studies. He is a Graduate (with Distinction) from the US Naval War College (Newport, RI) and a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Benn joined White Spark Pictures in 2019 and since that time has led the strategic, financial and commercial aspects of the business, in addition to driving its advanced technology capabilities. Following the considerable commercial success of White Spark Picture’s proprietary, patent-pending Surround Sync technology – a ground-breaking development set to revolutionize the delivery of mass shared experiences for VR and immersive content – the company launched a standalone tech business in 2023, also called Surround Sync, which Benn leads as Managing Director and COO. Benn’s background in accountancy, finance, and commercial contracting and more specifically his in-depth experience in project management, capital raising and financial risk management, means he is well placed to help both White Spark Pictures and Surround Sync on their respective international growth trajectories.

Brad is currently Deputy Chair of Pilbara Ports Authority and is a Director of Brisbane Airport, Canberra Airport and MATES in Construction, a suicide prevention charity. From 2007 to 2016, he was Chief Executive Officer of Perth Airport Pty Ltd. Brad has more than 30 years’ senior executive experience in underground mining, airports and seaports. Previous roles included CEO of Cairns Port Authority and CEO of Powercoal Pty Ltd.

Jens has been Managing Director since AMGC’s inception. He brings extensive experience from overseeing large manufacturing operations in Australia and Europe. Jens served as Managing Director of Airbus Group Australia Pacific and Airbus Helicopters. Before his eight-year appointment to Australia, Jens spent six years in Germany with the former European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), today known as Airbus Group. He was Head of the CEO’s office in Germany, and before that in charge of Soldier and Parafoil Systems within the Defence Division. Previously, Jens spent two years in Athens where he established and managed the Eurofighter Office of DaimlerChrysler Aerospace, one of the three founding partner companies of EADS. He began his career with Daimler-Benz AG in January 1996.

Danny is passionate about connecting with the community at all levels.

He has a background in senior leadership positions and is currently the Plant Manager of the large Laminex wood products plant in the South West.

He is also President of the Bunbury Geographe Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chair of The Engineering Industry Advisory Group at UWA, a Board Member of the Forestry Industries Federation WA and a member of the Regional Development Council WA.

He is a ‘Fellow’ of Engineers Australia in recognition of services to the profession and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Phil Hearse is Chairman and Founder of International Graphite.  He is a metallurgist who has worked in a diverse range of minerals applications including copper, graphite, gold, nickel and alumina. After undertaking feasibility studies in graphite for many of the ASX and LSE listed graphite companies, Phil in 2018 founded International Graphite with the vision of establishing western alternatives to the domination of China in the downstream processing battery anode industry.  International Graphite has established Australia’s first graphite qualification scale processing facility in Australia at Collie, and has proven up its Springdale graphite resource near Hopetoun in southern Western Australia to be the second largest in Australia.  Phil’s vision is for the Springdale mine to supply graphite concentrates to the Collie downstream processing facility putting Western Australia firmly on the map as a key player in the battery anode industry.

In 2003 Mr Erich Hofmann was appointed Managing Director of Hofmann Engineering Pty Ltd. The company was founded by his father (John) and by his Uncle (Erich) in 1969. Erich has been involved and grown with Hofmann Engineering since its humble beginnings in a small backyard workshop when he was 5 years old.

After graduating in 1986 from The University of Western Australia with Honours in Mechanical Engineering, specialising in gear design and manufacture, Erich spent a few years honing his skills by working with some of the World’s leading gear manufacturers in Germany, Switzerland and USA. Using some of the skills learnt from this trip, Erich developed Hofmann’s gear manufacturing capabilities to being one of the largest gear manufacturers in this part of the world.

Erich has been invited to participate in numerous Government Committees including Future Manufacturing Industry Innovation Council, Manufacturing Leaders Group and Resource Sector Supplier Advisory Forum and many more.

Hofmann Engineering provides specialised engineering services to Australian and International industry leaders. With a commitment to continuous quality improvement and a belief that innovation and technological change is the essence of survival, Hofmann Engineering is continually developing and refining new processes and methodologies as an integral part of the business.

Hofmann Engineering is also dedicated to training and has an ongoing commitment to Apprentice and Engineer training. We have a dedicated apprentice and engineer training programs that encompasses the most advanced manufacturing technologies that utilizes industry 4.0 systems.

As an Executive Director of Hofmann Engineering, Erich Hofmann has steered the business units such as Energy, Mining, Manufacture, Defence, Aerospace, Rail, Sugar, Cement and others. With green energy we have been involved with Wind, Hydro, Tidal, Wave and Solar.

As Managing Director, Erich has worked hard to keep Hofmann Engineering strong in a very competitive market environment and since taking over in 2003 he has orchestrated the companies continual growth and purchase of additional branches (most with workshops attached) in Australia; including Melbourne, Bendigo and Newcastle and internationally in Chile, Peru, Canada, India and China. This now sees half of our products exported around the world.

Erich is a long term member of the AGMA (American Gear Manufacturing Association) and has presented gear technology and engineering papers at international conferences worldwide.

Dr Parwinder Kaur is an award-winning scientist, a passionate leader and positive role model as a mother, and a professor in science for the next generation of diverse scientists to pursue their passion for science and discovery. She leads cross-disciplinary biotechnology research investigating Earth’s biodiversity and natural environments to ensure sustainable futures. She uses her expertise to reach people in new ways, connecting them with their surroundings. Through her diverse research teams, such as DNA Zoo Australia, she harnesses STEM to achieve maximised impact. In doing so, she believes this will help us tackle the bigger issues we as society are facing, bringing about solutions through fresh thinking rather than following usual norms.

• Her noteworthy achievements include receiving the prestigious “Science and Innovation Award” from the Australian Academy of Sciences in 2013, winning Microsoft’s AI for Earth award in 2019, being recognised as a finalist for WA Innovator of the Year in 2022, earning the esteemed Australian Sikh Woman of the Year for Excellence in 2023, Achiever of the Year 2024 and Swan Scientist of the Year 2024 award. She has also been inducted into the WA Women Hall of Fame in 2023. Notably, Dr. Kaur is an adept science communicator, an entrepreneur in the biotechnology sector, and an ardent advocate for gender equity.
• Her influence extends to various awards and accolades, including being a Superstar of STEM, a winner of Women in Technology WA Tech+ Star in 2022, the recipient of the AmCham Alliance Award in Biotechnology in 2023, a finalist for Trend Setter of the Year, and an ambassador for GirlsXTech internationally. In addition of being a Scientist, Dr. Kaur served as one of three esteemed panel members for the Diversity in STEM taskforce with the Office of the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science in Australia, working diligently to bridge the diversity gap in STEM. Additionally, appointed as the Special Advisor by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science, and Innovation, Government of Western Australia, contributing to the development of the 10-year Science & Tech Plan.
• In her role as a co-presenter on Innovation Nation TV on Channel 9, Dr. Kaur shares her expertise, charisma, and profound passion for science and innovation, captivating audiences and igniting inspiration in the upcoming generation of innovators. Her steadfast commitment to scientific excellence and tireless advocacy for inclusivity render her an inspirational icon for both aspiring scientists and dreamers alike.

Jonathan is Director Policy and Engagement at the First Nations Clean Energy Network and is an experienced leader, lawyer, advocate and strategist who has worked for over 20 years across the private, public and community sectors, and alongside First Nations people and communities across Australia. He has led an array of significant commercial negotiations, major projects, and test cases on behalf of Traditional Owners, and has worked on numerous community and economic development initiatives and economic inclusion policies and projects. Jonathan is a Global Fellow with the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity and holds an Arts and Honours degree in Law from the University of Melbourne and a Masters of Laws from the University of Dundee.

As WALGA’s Executive Manager of Policy, Nicole spearheads policy development and advocacy across critical areas such as environment, waste, emergency management, community development, planning, building, and economics. 

Nicole joined WALGA in 2017 as Policy Manager, Environment and led WALGA’s COVID-19 response during the pandemic before being promoted to the Executive Manager role in 2022.

With a wealth of experience, Nicole has navigated diverse roles in the Commonwealth Public Sector in Canberra and WA, including serving as Director of the WA office of the Commonwealth Department of the Environment where she was instrumental in progressing regulatory reform across WA, NT and SA. Nicole also held senior roles at the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Trained as an Economist, Nicole is passionate about leveraging government and public policy to achieve economic, social, and environmental goals for Local Governments and their communities. 

Nicole also serves as the executive sponsor of WALGA’s Reconciliation Action Plan Committee and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

First elected to the Augusta Margaret River Shire Council in 2017, Julia grew up and was educated in Manjimup where her family were original settlers. Julia served as Deputy Shire President from 2017 until October 2019 and again 2021 until October 2023 and was the first popularly elected Shire President in the AMR Shire. Julia is a grass roots politician. She has a background in the wine industry, agriculture, auditing, hospitality, and bookkeeping.

Julia is dedicated to advocating and addressing climate action within The Shire of Augusta Margaret River through collaboration with local organisations, businesses, government departments and various community groups.  She recognises the profound need for immediate and long-term solutions to the changing climate.  It has been suggested local governments have the capacity to influence activities that contribute up to 50% of our national greenhouse gas emissions, supporting her belief that meaningful climate action begins at the local level.  Julia is passionate about grassroots community engagement, promoting sustainability to the broader community and inspiring others to embrace renewable energy.

A deep commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in Julia’s advocating work and supported by the Shire’s Climate Action Plan, which encourages the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable practices within the organisation and the wider community.  The current Plan and the developing complementary Climate Change Adaptation Plan has a strong position on climate change locally and specific planning to transition to net zero.

Julia hopes to inspire and influence regional communities to lead the way in climate adaption and resilience and believes that local government plays a key role in bringing communities and businesses along the journey to a cleaner future. She continues to advocate to the State and Federal Government to ensure investment in renewables, accelerating positive change and contributing to a sustainable future for all.

Jason is the South West Regional Officer for the Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME).

As the CME’s face on the ground for the region spanning the South West and Peel, Jason provides ongoing advocacy and support to an impressive and diverse portfolio of member companies.

A former journalist, Jason was previously deputy editor at the Kalgoorlie Miner where he spearheaded the daily masthead’s mining and political coverage.

A passionate regional advocate with wide-ranging interests, Jason sees himself as a relationship builder providing a conduit between the industry and stakeholders to help ensure the resources sector maintains a proactive, engaging and resilient relationship with its host communities.

Jason is also an ex-officio committee member of the Bunbury-Geographe Chamber of Commerce & Industry and sits on several community liaison committees within the resources sector.

Jason holds a first-class honours degree in journalism from the University of Brighton.

David grew up in the Gippsland region, before joining the Westpac Bank as an Economics Graduate in 1988, based in Hobart. He spent 12 years in the Finance and Banking sector, including seven of those years working for Westpac’s affiliate and subsidiary operations in countries throughout the Pacific region.

In 2000 he moved to local Government, after being appointed General Manager for Break O’Day Council in Tasmania. He spent 3 years in this role, followed by 3 years as General Manager Corporate Services, Mildura Rural City Council and 5½ years as CEO for the Barossa Council in South Australia, where he was also a member of RDA Barossa.

David returned to the Gippsland region after being appointed CEO of Wellington Shire Council in January 2012. As well as holding a degree in Economics, he holds post graduate qualifications in Management and is a Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Foundation in South Australia.

Malinda Nixon has broad experience in public sector management, and as general manager and chief executive of the public and private sectors.

She was the chief executive of CinefestOz Film Festival from March 2009 to May 2023. CinefestOZ is a not-for-profit film festival organisation located in the southwest region of Western Australia, screening Australian features, documentaries and short films.

Mike Nolan is Executive Leader – Energy & Resources at GHD with over 25 years of experience in operations and business development within the LNG, oil and gas, energy, metals, and resource sectors. Starting his career as a process metallurgist at BHP’s Port Kembla steel works, Mike’s career has since encompassed diverse roles, both as an operator and contractor, across ironmaking, DRI, iron ore, alumina, LNG, power, and oil and gas. His experience spans leadership roles in operations and systems to strategy and business development.

In his current role at the global consulting firm GHD, Mike is focused on driving business growth and building client relationships in the mining, green steel, and critical minerals sectors. Based in Perth, Western Australia, Mike holds a Master of Business Administration from Curtin University and an Associate Diploma in Metals Technology from Wollongong Institute of Technology.

Listiana Operananta joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1997 after pursuing career in several Indonesian medias. Born in Bandung, Listiana completed her undergraduate study in International Relations from Parahyangan University in 1994. While serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she earned her master’s degree of Political Science from University of Indonesia in 2000.
Prior to her current position as Consul General of Indonesia in Western Australia, Listiana was the Director for Information and Media at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Listiana Operananta was previously assigned at the Indonesian Embassy in London and Wellington, responsible for economic affairs, as well as information and social cultural affairs.
Listiana is married to Aldrian Munanto, and blessed with two daughters, Adristi Audra Bintarti dan Brianna Anindita Sidra Munanto.

Peter Ricciardello joined the Civmec Group in 2017, bringing with him over 25 years of extensive experience across large-scale manufacturing and construction projects. As a seasoned engineering professional and highly experienced manager, he plays a pivotal role in Civmec’s ongoing strategic growth. Peter is responsible for identifying and targeting new business opportunities, nurturing existing client relationships, strategic planning and growth initiatives, and overseeing tendering activities for the business.

Professor Cobie Rudd is the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) and Vice-President at Edith Cowan University (ECU) and is focused on increasing engagement opportunities in regional, rural, and remote Western Australia to better support the educational, research, community, and industry needs of the regions. As part of this portfolio, Professor Rudd also heads up ECU South West, including ECU’s Bunbury campus, the largest regional campus in Western Australia and a series of learning hubs.

Professor Rudd also leads ECU’s Athena Swan initiative, the only internationally recognised framework for gender equity, diversity and inclusion accreditation. She was welcomed as a CEO for Gender Equity in October 2021. In March 2023, she was inducted into the WA Women’s Hall of Fame.

She has served as a Non-Executive Director on over 14 boards of governance.

Professor Rudd holds the degrees of Bachelor of Health Science in Nursing from the University of New England, Master of Public Health from Queensland University of Technology, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Western Australia. Additionally, she is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Registered Nurse.

Satya Tanner is the CEO of LAUTEC Australia, a Danish renewables consultancy. She has a background of 16 years in the Royal Australian Air Force as a pilot and aeronautical engineer. Satya spent 10 years overseas in a variety of project management and senior management positions including three years in the aerospace industry in the US, and seven years in the offshore wind and oil and gas industries in Denmark. 

Satya has a keen interest in strengthening local economies through a focus on national resilience and energy system shifts. She is trained in futures thinking tools, with a particular focus on volatile uncertain contexts, and supports organisations with executive leadership coaching. Satya has a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering and a Master of Leadership. She is a Chartered Professional Engineer, Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Fellow of the Institute for Integrated Economic Research and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).

As the CEO of the South West Development Commission, Mellisa drives economic and social outcomes for the South West region. Key strategic initiatives progressed under Mellisa’s leadership include the preparation of a business case for a new terminal at the Busselton Margaret River Airport, a study and business case into the establishment of an Advanced Manufacturing and Technology Hub, the transformation of Bunbury’s waterfront, and the transition of Collie away from coal dependent industries to more diverse and sustainable industries of the future.

Mellisa has also been spearheading the hosting of a major international conference in the South West region to bring together heads of government, industry and research to discuss global trends around a clean economy. The event will showcase the region’s industry and infrastructure assets and specialist capability in innovation, research, manufacturing and the creative industries.

Mellisa has more than 30 years of experience in the public sector, including senior leadership roles in public policy in training, education, and state workforce development. She is a highly visionary and transformational leader who brings significant regional economic development experience and collaborative stakeholder networks to the position. Mellisa has previously held the CEO role at the Peel Development Commission where she was instrumental in laying the groundwork for the creation of the Peel Business Park. Prior to that she held the role of Managing Director of the Goldfields Institute of Technology and Manager of the State Training Board.

Experienced Mining Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the mining & metals industry. Skilled in Operations Management, Mining, Productivity Improvement, HSE Management and Executive Management. Strong operations professional across many commodities with tertiary qualifications in Mining Engineering and Metallurgy and frontline experience

Keith Wilks is Chief Executive Officer of Southern Ports, where he oversees the management of Western Australia’s three southern regional ports at Albany, Bunbury and Esperance.

Keith’s diverse career spans over three decades. He was formerly Chief Operating Officer at Southern Ports and has held executive, senior and advisory positions at the Port of Newcastle, Port Authority of New South Wales, and Svitzer. He also has extensive experience at sea and holds a Master Mariner certification, providing an exceptional understanding of the maritime sector and the evolving nature of the ports industry.

Named national Port of the Year in 2023 under Keith’s leadership, Southern Ports is uniquely placed to support the region’s growth, with the Port of Bunbury playing a key role in the renewable energy sector and the enablement of a clean energy future.

Keith holds a Bachelor of Commerce from UNE and a Diploma of Applied Science (Nautical Science) from the Australian Maritime College.