Featured Speakers

Lanie Chopping

Lanie Chopping is Director General of the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries and is currently leading the organisation to achieve the State Government’s objectives and commitments for fostering a cohesive, prosperous, vibrant and healthy Western Australian community. She hopes to do this by strengthening the organisation so it can lead the public sector in community focused service delivery.

Prior to her current role, Ms Chopping gained extensive experience in leadership and citizen-focused roles across WA’s public and non-government sectors. This includes Ms Chopping being appointed the Commissioner for Consumer Protection at the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.  

She has also held senior positions at the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the Economic Regulation Authority, and the West Australian Council of Social Service.

Tim Bray

Tim Bray is the Assistant Coordinator, Strategic and Consumer Policy overseeing Energy Policy WA’s work program on customer and retail policy, contribution to national energy policy, whole-of-government initiatives relating to energy, and the regulation of emerging energy service models. Tim has extensive experience in the energy sector across both the public and private sector. This includes policy, economic regulation, market design, network service provision, energy productivity and the evolving distributed energy space.

Nicola Brischetto

Nicola Brischetto is the Property Council of Australia’s Western Australian Division’s Executive Director. Nicola is a passionate advocate for the modernisation of WA’s planning system, delivery of more homes and diversification of the state’s economy. Prior to joining the Property Council of Australia, Nicola built an extensive career in government, consulting, education and the media. This experience enables Nicola to skilfully navigate complex policy and regulatory work, making her a powerful advocate for reforms that matter to WA.

Michelle Reynolds

Leanne Halliday

Leanne Halliday is a chartered chemical engineer with over 20 years’ experience in the energy sector. Leanne has design, commissioning, project management and sales management experience across the UK, Asian and Australian markets. She has worked for Third Party Assurance provider LRQA for over 12 years, focusing her experience and expertise on helping industry to assure safety and quality across the supply chain. Leanne is currently LRQA’s Global SME for Hydrogen and engaged on Hydrogen projects globally. She is a member of various Australia Standards and ISO Hydroegn related working groups. Leanne is currently based in Western Australia where there is significant potential for the development of a green hydrogen market for export.

Darren Mottolini

Dr. Michael Page

I'm a chemical pathologist (a medical specialist working mainly in a diagnostic laboratory, overseeing the quality and interpretation of blood testing requested by other doctors to diagnose and monitor a wide range of diseases), lecturer and researcher with a special interest in cardiovascular disease, including lipid disorders and hypertension. I also serve as President of Australian Medical Association (WA) and Chief Executive Officer of Clinipath Pathology.

Prof. Kate Brooks

Kate is the Head of School for Curtin University School of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS). Kate is an expert in scoping and delivering projects of strategic importance to business, government and universities. Kate values building relationships and networks and has a knack for connecting interesting people to start conversations that generate new ideas. She is also passionate about STEM and skilling up Australia’s workforce for a digital and sustainable world and has a keen eye for what's on the horizon in terms of new opportunities and challenges. Kate has PhD in astrophysics and spent the first part of her research career in Chile working for the European Southern Observatory and then the University of Chile before moving to Sydney to accept the CSIRO Bolton Research Fellowship. Kate was elected President of the Astronomical Society of Australia for 2011, 2012 and was awarded the CSIRO Chairman's Medal in 2015 for her contribution to Australia's involvement with the SKA telescope. Kate's career roles include State Director for the WA Life Sciences Innovation Hub (a collaboration between federal and state governments); Lead Advisor Research for Murdoch University, Innovation Manager for Wesfarmers (WESCEF); and Deputy Head of Operations for CSIRO Astronomy and Space Science. In her most recent role with the Federal Government's Entrepreneurs' Programme, Kate provided business transformation consultancy to Australian companies with annual revenue up to $100mil. Kate also holds a Grad Cert in Innovation & Commercialisation and is a member of several Advisory Boards for universities and not-for-profit organisations. Kate has also lectured for Murdoch University's MBA Global program.

Rebecca Tomkinson

Rebecca Tomkinson is the Chief Executive Officer of The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of Western Australia (CME), the peak resources sector representative body in Western Australia. Immediately prior to joining the CME Rebecca was the Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Flying Doctor Service in WA. In her early career Rebecca worked in local, state and federal government before transitioning to executive roles in the corporate and community benefit sectors. She is also an active board member with a long standing interest in the development and delivery of governance structures. Raised in regional WA, Rebecca is deeply committed to the social and economic development of the state and the promotion of its unique and critical role nationally and globally.

Patrick Seares

Patrick Seares joined the Westport Program as Managing Director in 2021. Since then, he’s led the planning for the transition of container trade from Fremantle to Kwinana including transport planning, infrastructure design for port road and rail, commercial frameworks and extensive environment, science and community programs. 

Patrick has previously been an executive in the water and environment portfolios working with industry and government to improve sustainability, planning, business improvement and strategy, been the CEO of a complex marine research joint-venture, and as a consultant to the UK government on program management and water planning. 

Dr. Chris Jones

Dr Chris Jones is the current president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association. Formed in 1973 by a group of scientists and engineers, the AEVA's goal was to advance the case for full electrification of transport in Australia, and continues to serve as a friendly forum for the dissemination of information and knowledge around EVs and adjacent technologies. Driven by a desire to see all Australians benefit from electromobility, Chris views high-quality electric mass transit and dedicated infrastructure for active transport as essential measures for reducing emissions in the transport sector."

Liam Cubbage

MATES in Construction WA CEO - Liam possesses a Bachelor of Psychology with post graduate studies in Health Service Management: Policy, Ethics and Law as well as Executive Management and Leadership. With over 17 years’ experience in the not for profit and community services sector Liam has held operational, leadership and governance roles in suicide prevention and postvention, family support services, youth services, post prison release services, counselling and, drug and alcohol support programs. Having delivered programs across metropolitan and regional Western Australia, including remote First Nations Communities throughout the Pilbara, Liam has attained a strong and diverse understanding of the breadth of challenges faced by WA communities. Liam has been an integral member of the MATES WA team for the past 10 years and in his current role aims to ensure that the psychosocial wellbeing of individuals and families in the WA construction sector remains a key priority for government and industry stakeholders. Liam is passionate about fostering bipartisan and holistic approaches to suicide prevention while ensuring quality and meaningful interventions are available to those in need.

Sarah Hussein

Sarah Hussein is a passionate and visionary entrepreneur, co-founder of Industrial Metaverse, a virtual reality (VR) workplace training company based in Perth WA , specialising in simulated ‘difficult conversations’ in topics such as Suicide Prevention, Sexual Harassment Intervention, Domestic Violence, Psychological Safety, Emotional Intelligence & Mental Wellness. Her diverse career spans roles such as Biosecurity Detector Dog Handler, Drone Pilot and Head of People & Operations, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to excellence. As a Certified Metaverse Expert, Sarah is committed to revolutionizing workplace training through the use of VR technology. In addition, her training as a Mental Health First Aider reflects her dedication to creating not only innovative solutions but also supportive, resilient work environments. Combining technical expertise, leadership, and empathy, Sarah is a driving force in the training and VR industries, propelling Industrial Metaverse to new heights of innovation and impact.

TBA

Rick Brooks

Rick has an accomplished track record spanning three decades, having spearheaded transformative initiatives in People, Process, and System management, navigating complex corporate, political, and industrial landscapes. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including Government, Resources, Energy, Utilities, Defence, Manufacturing, Construction, and Community Service. He is adept at rallying teams towards shared objectives, cultivating and perpetuating cutting-edge practices and cultures within both established and emerging organisations on a national and global scale. Rick’s influence has played a pivotal role in reshaping organisational, community, and governmental perspectives on innovation and change. Leveraging data-driven decision-making methodologies, He has achieved substantial shifts in the mindset, behaviour, and actions of individuals and groups. Currently Regional Manager - Southern Perth, Goldfields and Esperance with AusIndustry, Rick is also the Chair of Sexual Health Quarters and has been an Independent Director with Derbarl Yerrigan Aboriginal Health Services.

Craig Doyle

Across multiple industries in northern Australia, Craig Doyle has extensive executive, operational, and project funding experience. He served as CEO of Gladstone Ports Corporation between 2013 and 2016 and as Executive General Manager of Australia’s largest sugar producer, Wilmar. Craig was also the Global Technical Head for Wilmar’s international sugar operations. Former CEO of Mackay Regional Council for nearly five years, Craig understands the needs of regional communities and key infrastructure requirements. Based in Cairns, Craig commenced in the role in June 2022.