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SPEAKERS

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Meet our speakers!

Hon Peter Malinauskas MP

Premier of South Australia

Hon Susan Close MP

Deputy Premier of South Australia

Martin Haese

Chair, Premier’s Climate Change Council

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
PANELLISTS
MODERATORS
WELCOME TO COUNTRY
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Abigail Forsyth

CEO, KeepCup

Tim Jarvis AM

Environmental Scientist & Explorer

Conference Dinner Keynote Speaker

Jon Dee

Social Entrepreneur

Dr Guy Debelle

Chair, Funds SA

Ms Sarah Barker

Managing Director, Pollination Law

Craig Reucassel

Radio and television presenter, War on Waste

PANELLISTS

Lord Mayor
Jane Lomax-Smith

Lord Mayor, City of Adelaide

Karlene Maywald

South Australian Water Ambassador, Managing Director Maywald Consultants Pty Ltd

Professor Nicola Spurrier

Chief Public Health Officer, SA Health

Angela Evans

Mayor, City of Charles Sturt

Commissioner
Cameron Baker

Chair of the South Australian Skills Commission

Craig Holden

Chair, State Planning Commission

Chris Daniels

Chair, Green Adelaide Board

Emeritus Professor Simon Maddocks

Chair, Primary Producers SA

Susan Jeanes

Chair, HILT CRC

Brenz Saunders

Presiding Member, Alinytjara Wilurara Landscape Board

Larry (Lye) Hock Ng

Board member, Board of Architects (Singapore); Urban Renewal Authority (Singapore)

Dr Jon Gorvett

Chief Executive, Environment Protection Authority

Davina Rooney

Chief Executive Officer
Green Building Council of Australia

Susie Smith

CEO, Australian Industry Greenhouse Network

Pavlo Smoliy

CEO, Trellis Technologies

Tori Dixon-Whittle

CEO and Founder, Food South Australia

Professor David Lewis

Executive Dean, Faculty of Sciences, Engineering & Technology
University of Adelaide

John Adley

Deputy Secretary, SA Unions

Dr Tim Richards

Principal – Climate Policy & Advocacy
BHP 

Patty Therrios

Head of Strategy and Sustainability, 
Adelaide Airport

Mel Squire

Head of Sustainability & ESG, BAE Systems

Jodie van Deventer

Chief Operating Officer, AI Group

Tennant Reede

Director, Climate Change and Energy, AI Group

Alexandra Kelly

Zero Emissions Delivery Lead, IKEA

Ben Wallace

Partner in Charge, Policy, Economics & Public Impact, KPMG

Karien Erasmus

Director, ESG and Climate Services

Julian Marchant

ESG Program Manager, Wine Australia

Brad Lemmon

CEO Recycling & Waste, ResourceCo

Nick Palousis

Founder & CEO, 2XE

Brendan Beck

General Manager, Australian Energy Producers

Mark Pickard

Managing Director, Hallett Cement

Wendy Fennell

Managing Director, Fennell Forestry

Naomi Downer

State Director SA & NT, Verian

Nick Hutchinson

General Manager, Fleurieu Milk

Anoop Thakur

General Manager – Procurement & Sustainability (APAC), Orora Limited

Ben Owen

Chief Strategy Officer and General Manager of Home and Energy, RAA

Ken Long

Regional Sustainability Manager SA & VIC, Lendlease

Kathryn Bellette

Executive Director Science, Climate and Programs, EPA

Francesca Muskovic

Director, National Policy, PCA

Damien Breen

Operations and Sustainability Director, Celsus

Brad Scott

Director, Transmutation

Louisa Rose

Winemaker & Head of Sustainability, Hill-Smith Family Estates

Dr Natalie Doran-Browne

Principal Scientist
Integrity Ag Melbourne

Frances Carter

Group Sustainability Advisor, TFI

Rachel Brdanovic

Sustainability Consultant, Tandem Energy

Kate McCabe

Finance Director, McCabe AgCo

Simon Roycroft

Manager Future Fuels, Refueling Solutions

Jacob Potter

Associate
dsquared Consulting

Dr Mihai Neagoe

Logistics Technology Consultant, Foresion

Daniel Panic

Director, Corporate Services, Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network

Amba-Rose Atkinson

PhD candidate, Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network

MODERATORS

Stacey Lee

Radio presenter, 5AA

Sanj de Silva

Director, Strategic Communications, Flinders University

Penny Schulz

Livestock Technical Specialist, SA Drought Hub, University of Adelaide

Daniel Bennett

Principal, People Movement and Place, Aurecon

Susie Smith

CEO, Australian Industry Greenhouse Network

Kimberley Wanganeen ​

Kimberley Wanganeen ​Consultancy

Kat Heinrich

Director and Principal Consultant
Rawtec

Craig Wilkins

National Director,
Murray Darling Conservation Alliance

Conference Dinner MC

Ariella Helfgott

Director of Foresight and Strategic Learning, World Energy Council

Nicole Halsey

Director, URPS

Tiahni Adamson

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Manager, Bush Heritage Australia 

WELCOME TO COUNTRY

Jack Buckskin

Proud Kaurna, Narungga, and Wirangu man

Kiera Kartanya Fitzgerald

Proud Kaurna and Narungga woman

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CONFERENCE
INFORMATION

South Australia’s
Industry Climate Change Conference

8 – 9 May 2025
Adelaide Convention Centre

Privacy Statement

CONFERENCE
ORGANISERS

All Occasions Group
12 Stirling Street
Thebarton SA 5031

Contact Information
conference@aomevents.com
(08) 8125 2200

Hon Peter Malinauskas MP

Peter Malinauskas is the 47th Premier of South Australia.

Adelaide born-and-bred, Peter studied commerce at the University of Adelaide and has dedicated his working life to raising the standard of living for everyday South Australians.

He was elected to State Parliament in 2015, became Labor Leader in 2018 and was elected Premier of South Australia in 2022.

Peter is leading a government which is getting things done for South Australia, with a strong focus on the state’s prosperity for today and for the long term.

Beyond his official duties, the Premier’s greatest loves are his wife Annabel, their four young children and the mighty Port Adelaide Football Club and the Adelaide Uni Blacks.

Hon Susan Close MP

Susan Close is the Deputy Premier of South Australia and the Minister for Climate, Environment and Water; Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science; and Minister for Workforce and Population Strategy.

Susan has been the Member for Port Adelaide since 2012.

Before entering parliament, Susan was an executive in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and played a key role in the establishment of the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary as a community advocate. She previously worked at the University of Adelaide managing student services and holds a PhD from Flinders University.

Martin Haese

As an entrepreneur, educator and former Lord Mayor, Martin Haese builds bridges between environmental and economic priorities.

Martin has Chaired the Premier’s Climate Change Council since 2018, providing independent advice to the Deputy Premier and State Cabinet on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating and adapting to climate change.

He has spoken at COP21 in Paris in 2015, the World Cities Summit in Singapore in 2018, COP28 in Dubai in 2023 and COP29 in Baku in December last year.

Martin is the Special Envoy to Singapore and Southeast Asia for Trade and Investment for the Government of South Australia where his work is focussed on investment attraction and trade support.

Martin is the also the Executive Chairman of Infinity Ventures, a private investment company based in South Australia.  

Abigail Forsyth

Abigail is a leader in the global campaign to promote sustainability. Known worldwide for its bright, bold and instantly recognisable reusable cups, KeepCup is a global campaign for reuse. Since launching the world’s first baristastandard reusable cup in 2009, KeepCup is now embraced by reusers the world over, diverting millions of single-use cups daily.

KeepCup is in business for better – a certified B Corporation, living wage employer and member of 1% for the Planet, donating at least 1% of global revenue to environmental causes.

Following a successful career as a solicitor Abigail and her brother Jamie set up their own chain of cafes across the city. Alarmed by the amount of disposable packaging being wasted, Abigail started her search for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious way to serve food, and the concept of KeepCup soon became a reality.

Abigail has been honoured with an Order of Australia Medal in the General Division, for her years of outstanding service to sustainable design on the Queens Birthday list for 2021.

Abigail has opened offices and warehouses in Australia and the UK, and set up hub operations in the USA to service growing consumer demand in over 76 countries around the world, but the business has stayed loyal to its roots. KeepCup’s HQ is located in the Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill, where Abigail lives with her family.

Tim Jarvis AM

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Environmental scientist and adventurer Tim Jarvis has worked in sustainability for over 30 years and currently provides strategic and practical sustainability advice to government and a range of corporate organisations and advocacy groups.

Tim is founder of The Forktree Project, Global Ambassador and Governor of environmental NGO WWF, Southern Ocean Ambassador to Save Our Marine Life and a Vice President of Flora and Fauna International. He received the Order of Australia in 2010 for services to the environment, community and exploration and was South Australian of the Year 2024, and is Professor of Leadership Practice at Edith Cowan University.

Tim is passionate about finding pragmatic solutions to major environmental issues related to climate change and biodiversity loss and uses his expeditions, films, books and public speaking engagements to promote thinking in these areas.

Jon Dee

Jon Dee is an award-winning social entrepreneur, broadcaster and campaigner.
With 38 years experience, Jon is a high-profile expert in the field of business sustainability. In 2020, he was called “the leading Australian figure in sustainability and the environment” by Michael Liebreich, the founder of Bloomberg New Energy Finance.

Jon started the Australian arm of the international RE100 renewable energy initiative. Between 2019-2023, he headed up all RE100 operations in Australia.
In his RE100 role, Jon recruited Australian companies with a then market cap of
$650 billion. Within Australia, 112 major companies are now members of RE100 –
all of them are going 100% renewable with their electricity use. As part of the RE100 push, Jon hosted the Energy Insights video series where he interviewed international business leaders about their push to go 100% renewable. His first video for this series featured Jon interviewing Apple global sustainability chief Lisa Jackson about Apple going 100% renewable. Click here to view this video.
Within Australia and overseas, Jon has given hundreds of keynote speeches. He also MC’s events and consults to companies on efficiency, sustainability and change management. Jon also runs the ‘Smarter Futures’ business sustainability channel on Twitter. The channel features sustainability solutions and a strong focus on clean energy and the electrification of transport and society. 

Guy Debelle

Dr Guy Debelle is Chair of FundsSA and Board Member of Tivan and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation. He is also an adviser to the Investment Committee of Australian Retirement Trust, chair of the advisory board at Famille Capital and honorary professor of economics at Adelaide University.

Guy was the Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia for six years. After leaving the RBA, Guy worked at Fortescue Future Industries as CFO. He graduated with a Bachelor of Economics (Honours) from the University of Adelaide and has a PhD from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Sarah Barker

Sarah Barker is a Managing Director at Pollination Law and leads the climate and sustainability risk governance team. She was previously a Partner at the Asia-Pacific’s largest commercial law firm, MinterEllison. Sarah has more than twenty-five years’ experience as a corporate lawyer, and is regarded as one of the world’s foremost experts on climate change governance, finance and liability risks. Sarah brings the practical perspective as an experienced non-executive director, having recently completed two terms on the board of one of Australia’s largest pension funds.

She is Co-Chair of the World Economic Forum’s Global Futures Council on Climate & Nature Governance, teaches the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership’s non-executive directors’ programme and AICD’s Climate Governance programme, and sits on the ASFI Taxonomy Technical Expert Group.

Sarah is ranked in Band 1 by Chambers (Asia Pacific) and is recognised in the Best Lawyers Guide in both the Corporate Law and Climate Change Law areas of practice.

Craig Reucassel

Craig Reucassel is an Australian writer and comedian who is best known for his
work with The Chaser and for going through your bins on The War on Waste.

He and some friends started the satirical newspaper The Chaser which went on to
TV shows like CNNNN and The Chaser’s War on Everything.

Craig has hosted two series of the award winning War on Waste documentary and
is currently making a third.

He has also hosted climate change documentaries Fight for Planet A and Big
Weather.

In 2020 he Directed the movie Big Deal, which looked into the issue of money in
politics in Australia.

Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith

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Dr Jane Lomax-Smith is a Pathologist with a career in research and clinical medicine. She trained in London and has worked in Boston and Adelaide where she gained a PhD in immunology.

Jane has run hospital departments and private practices including her own. She is a staunch supporter of conservation of heritage buildings and Adelaide Park Lands. She has held elected office as a City Councillor, Lord Mayor and as MP for the City when she was also Minister for Education and Tourism.

She has written Commonwealth and State Government reports on funding for universities and the future of Leigh Creek. She is Chair of the Don Dunstan Foundation, which researches and promotes ideas on a range of social justice issues and has previously been Chair of the Teachers Registration Board of South Australia and the South Australian Museum.

Karlene Maywald

The Hon Karlene Maywald is dedicated to sustainable management of water in a climate challenged world and improving access to water for all.  Karlene is the Managing Director of Maywald Consultants and holds a broad portfolio of Board positions including Chair of the CRC for Solving Antimicrobial Resistance in Agriculture, Food and the Environment; Chair of WaterAid Australia; and a Trustee of WaterAid International

As South Australia’s Water Ambassador, she is focused on water policy advise, international water diplomacy and supporting Australian water businesses to improve export opportunities.

Karlene was formerly a Member of the South Australian Parliament, the Minister for Water Security and Chair of the National Water Commission.

Professor Nicola Spurrier

Professor Nicola Spurrier is the Chief Public Health Officer for the Department for Health and Wellbeing, being appointed in 2019. The Chief Public Health Officer is responsible for statewide preventative health activities including the identification and management of communicable diseases. Professor Spurrier’s role includes advising the Minister and the Chief Executive of SA Health about proposed legislative or administrative changes in relation to population health. Professor Spurrier specialises in developing and implementing policies and programs across child health, obesity prevention and Aboriginal health. She also has extensive experience in health protection and promotion, public health partnership and health diplomacy activities.

Professor Spurrier is a dual qualified medical specialist, public health physician and paediatrician, with 32 years’ experience within SA Health including 13 years in the Department for Health and Wellbeing.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Professor Spurrier has been instrumental in South Australia’s effective virus response and continues to take a personal focus on the health and wellbeing of every South Australian.

Mayor Angela Evans

Angela was elected as a Councillor in the City of Charles Sturt in 2006 to 2014 and then elected as Mayor in November 2014, a position she will hold until 2026. During her tenure, she has overseen significant redevelopment projects including the Henley Square Precinct, the $110 million Port Road Drainage Project, and the delivery of two integrated community centre and library facilities at Ngutungka West Lakes and Ngutungka Henley.

Demonstrating her commitment to sustainability, she’s led Council through the 2019 Declaration of a Climate Emergency and Climate Change Response Plan (2024-2034) to guide efforts to mitigate climate risks and adapt to environmental changes. Other initiatives include the establishment of the joint Materials Recovery Facility alongside the City of Port Adelaide Enfield, the transition of Council-owned buildings to solar, and the introduction of the community renewables program, providing residents with sustainable options for the future.

Angela’s committee involvement is vast, including roles on the Gender Matters Panel, the Greater Adelaide Region Organisation of Councils, the Central Adelaide Waste and Recycling Authority and the Climate Emergency Australia Strategic Advisory Group. She was also the President of the Local Government Association (LGA) of South Australia from 2020-2022.

Angela currently serves on the Premier’s Climate Change Council and the Green Adelaide board. She was awarded the 2023 Joy Baluch Award celebrating women making a positive difference in their council and community.

Commissioner Cameron Baker

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Commissioner Cameron Baker has more than 20 years’ experience in the Vocational Education and Training sector. He was appointed as South Australia’s Skills Commissioner in July 2023.

Economic, social policy and workplace safety imperatives underpin Cameron’s work, which sees him engage daily with industry associations, employer bodies, unions, co-regulators and training organisations.

As the former Acting Victorian Skills Commissioner, Head of Apprenticeships Victoria, Deputy CEO of Manufacturing Skills Australia and General Manager – Skills and Engagement at the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), he is well-versed in the regulatory and training needs of existing and emerging industries.

An accomplished strategic operator, Cameron was also a Commercial Director at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) and held various educationally-focused appointments over 10 years of service with the Department of Defence.

Chris Daniels

Professor Christopher Daniels has been an incredible force in popularising nature and nature education in South Australia. The university academic and government scientist has communicated science for 4 decades. He started fortnightly backyard wildlife segments on ABC in 2003 and, since 2007, presented many community programs on urban environmental science.

Whilst having been an ecological physiologist of international standing for over 3 decades, his primary area of interest now is in citizen science, community outcome driven science and ecoliteracy. Chris also works with a large number of allied education delivery organisations including the Marine Discovery Centre, Cleland Wildlife Park, the SA Museum (Board member) the Junior Field Naturalists and Nature Play (ex-board chair) to improve community connection with nature.

Christopher was a driving force in Adelaide becoming a National Park City and also works with the Arts to promote conservation. Christopher has written 11 award winning books (and 1 DVD) including a children’s book, Koala, produced a musical theatre show on koalas, delivered comedy for the Adelaide Fringe with South Australia’s Science Media Centre, and advocates for numerous South Australian nature authors.

Now chair of the Green Adelaide Landscape Board, and a member of dozens of other Environmental Boards and committees, Christopher received a Doctor of Sciences from Adelaide University in 2019 and was a finalist for SA of the year (2022). He holds adjunct professorships at the University of South Australia and Adelaide University.

Emeritus Professor Simon Maddocks

Professor Maddocks is the Independent Chair of Primary Producers SA, the peak industry body representing the interests of South Australia’s primary producers and the state’s member of the National Farmers Federation (NFF). He is a member of the NFF Economic Policy and Farm Business Committee, the SA State Bushfire Coordination Committee, and a member of the ElectraNet Consumer Advisory Panel. With a PhD and international research career in reproductive physiology and immunology, he has held senior positions at SARDI as Chief Scientist, Livestock Systems, and Director of Science Partnerships; he was the first Director of Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus, was Head of the Department of Animal Science, and for a period also Director of the Waite Institute. A Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and the Australian Institute of Agriculture, he recently completed an extended term as President and Vice Chancellor of Charles Darwin University (2014-2020) where he is an Emeritus Professor and was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science.  He remains an active primary producer with a farming property in the lower mid-north of South Australia growing cereal crops; this property includes some 30Ha of native remnant vegetation. At the community level, he is a Director of Walara Inc which runs residential aged care facilities in Hamley Bridge, Balaklava and Riverton. He is an amateur beekeeper, and a proud grandfather to four very active young South Australians.

Brenz Saunders

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Brenz Saunders was appointed as the Presiding Member (Chair) of the Alinytjara Wilurara (AW) Landscape Board in 2024. With ancestry linking him to the Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning people, he grew up surrounded by culture and family in Ceduna. Brenz learned from the example of leaders in his community about his responsibility as an Aboriginal person to not only protect and preserve culture and Country, but to work towards being a strong advocate and leader of change for the future. Brenz has broad experience in governance roles, including as current Chair of Tauondi Aboriginal College, Far West Coast Investments and Indigenous Energy Australia, Brenz also serves as a Board Director of the Adelaide Crows Foundation and Country Arts SA Foundation. With a deep commitment to environmental management and Aboriginal intelligence integration, Brenz’s aim is to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of the unique and diverse landscape of the AW region as well as more broadly the state of South Australia.

Larry (Lye) Hock Ng

Larry Ng is currently the Board Member of Board of Architects and the Honorary Fellow of the Urban Systems Institute of The University of Hong Kong. He is the former Group Director of Urban Redevelopment Authority, the national landuse planning and conservation authority in Singapore. He is also the former Commissioner General, Singapore Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai UAE and the former Prize Secretary, Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. The Prize is a biennial  international award that honours outstanding achievements and contributions to the creation of liveable, vibrant, and sustainable urban communities around the world. The Singapore Pavilion won a Gold Award for the Architecture and Landscape category at the Expo 2020 Dubai UAE.

As the Registrar, he chaired the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Architectural Services from 2006 to 2009 and was instrumental in the setting up of the ASEAN Architects Council which he chairs from 2022 to 2024.

He was actively involved in the World Cities Summit (WCS) since its inauguration in 2008 and served as the Managing Director from 2012 to 2017.

Larry has extensive experience in the planning, design, and implementation of public housing in Singapore. In his long career with the URA and HDB, he has been involved in the master planning of new towns, urban design, and supervision of various types of projects and promotion of architectural excellence.

He was also invited as one of the jury members and speakers for the launch of the new international award in Oct 2023. The Bay Awards was inaugurated in Oct 2024 in Bilbao. The concept is to inspire a revolution in urban innovation and the awards look at four main categories of Economy, Ecology, Society and Strategy.

Dr Jon Gorvett

Dr Jon Gorvett has led the South Australian EPA since May 2023.

Dr Gorvett was previously Deputy Chief Executive of the Department of the
Premier and Cabinet (DPC), leading DPC’s policy engine room, including Cabinet
Office, Strategy and Policy, Data Analytics and Intergovernmental and Diplomatic
Relations. As DPC’s head of intergovernmental relations he led the coordination
of State and Federal responses to COVID-19 the bushfires of 2019–20, and the
River Murray flood response.

Before migrating to Australia, Dr Gorvett spent 10 years in the UK Government,
working in environment, housing, local government and climate change roles. His
final role for the UK was in the diplomatic service as the UK’s lead negotiator
with the EU on climate change, negotiating legislation and regulations including
the operation of the EU’s carbon Emissions Trading System.

Davina Rooney

Davina Rooney is the Chief Executive Officer of the Green Building Council of Australia.

A property professional with a passion for sustainability, Davina has led the Green Building Council of Australia since 2019. As a qualified engineer, Davina worked on large-scale construction projects in Sydney and London, and spent nearly a year building an award-winning school in the Himalayas. She devoted a decade to driving sustainability at one of Australia’s largest diversified property companies, Stockland, which culminated in Stockland’s recognition as the world’s most sustainable property company. Now leading a member organisation with 550-plus members with a combined value of $46 billion, Davina brings together practical knowledge, on-the-ground experience and a systematic approach to champion leadership in sustainable design and construction. Davina works with government and industry to advocate for supportive policy and transform complex supply chains. Building on a strong legacy of leadership, Davina is elevating the GBCA’s reach and impact into new markets. Davina is on the Board of Evolve Housing and the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council, as well as Chairing the Sustainable Procurement Roundtable for the Sustainable Built Environment National Research Centre. The property industry has recognised Davina’s leadership with multiple awards.

Susie Smith

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Susie Smith is a leading Australian climate change executive. She is a board member of the Climate Change Authority, the independent statutory agency responsible for advising the Australian Government on climate change policy and emissions reduction targets, and the SA Premier’s Climate Change Council. Susie is also the Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Greenhouse Network – a leading forum for discussion on climate change, providing information in the consideration of national and international policy and the role industry can play in the urgent transition to net zero emissions. She has contributed to climate policy nationally and internationally as a member of the Australian expert panel examining low-cost abatement (King Report, 2020), the IGU’s group of experts on methane emissions, the IPCC taskforce meeting on fugitive emissions, the Global Reporting Initiative sustainability reporting guidelines for industry, the multinational leadership group for industry transition meetings, and the Clean Energy Regulator’s corporate emissions reduction transparency reporting reference panel.

Pavlo Smoliy

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Pavlo is the CEO at Trellis Technologies, a Lot Fourteen based, pioneer and leading Software as a Service, driving the digital transformation of mixed format data, critical to underpinning organisations performance disclosures around environment, climate and broader sustainability performance.  

With Trellis’s launch from Adelaide in 2018 and Pavlo’s subsequent joining in 2023, Trellis is scaling rapidly to now integrate, validate and interpret 1000’s of data forms for over 28,000 facilities across Australia and New Zealand. 

Prior to Trellis Technologies, Pavlo has spent most of his career in Management Consulting at Big Four firms, working on large scale business transformations in Europe and Australia. He has a degree in Economics, Finance & Management from Queen Mary, University of London as well as a Chartered Accountancy qualification from ICAEW.

Pavlo leads a Apart from his role as a CEO, Pavlo is also a Non-Executive Director and a Board Member at Dnister Ukrainian Credit Co-operative

Professor David Lewis 

Professor David Lewis is an accomplished Chartered Chemical Engineer and an influential leader in academia and industry. He currently serves as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology at the University of Adelaide and is Pro Vice-Chancellor (elect), Engineering for Adelaide University.

David’s extensive career spans diverse industries, including petroleum, mining, automation, hospitality, and defence, giving him unparalleled expertise in risk management and business operations. His leadership acumen is reflected in his ability to drive innovation, inspire teams, and foster impactful partnerships.

Passionate about education and leadership, David champions mentoring, inclusiveness, and empowerment to develop future leaders and engineers. His academic vision emphasises quality, efficiency, and safety in teaching and research practices. A prominent researcher, David focuses on pioneering sustainable technologies that enable the decarbonisation of industrial processes, with a current emphasis on the sustainable manufacture of semiconductors and recycling of e-waste. He also chairs key forums at the university, ensuring strategic alignment and collaboration across faculties, furthering his commitment to environmental sustainability and academic excellence.

David Lewis is a trailblazer whose career seamlessly integrates leadership, innovation, and a dedication to global progress.

Tim Richards

Tim is Principal – Climate Policy & Advocacy at BHP where he focuses on climate change risk, policy and the broader sustainability macroenvironment within the Group Sustainability and Social Value team. Tim joined BHP from OZ Minerals where he was Group Manager Government Relations & Sustainability for the past four years. In this role, Tim led OZ’s approach to sustainability, including decarbonisation, sustainability reporting, and sustainability strategy.

 

Prior to these roles, Tim has held similar roles in large corporates including as environment manager for the Qantas Group and Sydney Airport.

 

Tim has a PhD in environmental science from the University of Adelaide, is a graduate of the American Chamber of Commerce’s AmCham Global Leadership Academy and the McKinsey Rising Leaders Forum, and holds qualifications in science and natural resource management.

Patty Therrios

Patty Therrios is the Head of Strategy and Sustainability at Adelaide Airport Limited (AAL) and oversees Sustainability, Strategic & Business Planning, Aviation Fuel, and Continuous Improvement & Assurance. With over 11 years of experience in the aviation sector, she also serves as Chair of the Australian Airports Association Sustainability Working Group. Passionate about driving sustainable change, Patty actively collaborates with industry, academia, and government stakeholders to advance the uptake of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and support the development of domestic SAF production across Australia.

Before stepping into her current role, Patty spent eight years as Enterprise Risk Manager at AAL. A graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course and a Certified Practicing Risk Manager (CPRM), she brings over 25 years of experience in risk management, strategy, governance, resilience, and compliance. Her expertise spans multiple sectors, including aviation, financial regulation, banking, defence, and local government. In 2017, Patty was honoured as ‘Risk Professional of the Year’ by the Governance Risk and Compliance Institute.

Mel Squire

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Mel Squire is a qualified environmental and sustainability scientist with over 30 years’ experience, predominantly in the consulting, mining and chemical manufacturing sectors. Mel joined BAE Systems Australia in 2022 as Head of Sustainability & ESG and reports directly to BAE Systems Australia’s Chief Operating Officer, Darren Kirkby. Though relatively new to the Defence sector, the sustainability themes and skills requirements remain the same. Mel completed her Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science at Monash University in 1993.

Jodie van Deventer

Jodie van Deventer is the Chief Membership and Operations Officer of Australia’s peak industry organisation, Australian Industry Group.

Ai Group represents the interests of more than 60,000 businesses employing more than 1 million staff from traditional, innovative and emerging industry sectors. Jodie joined Ai Group in 2021 as its Head of South Australia.

Prior to this, she was the Chief Executive Officer of the Committee for Adelaide, ran a successful branding and communications business, held senior executive roles in Government and private industry and was a journalist for the BBC in the UK.

Jodie serves on a number of Boards including the Premier’s Climate Change Council.

Karien Erasmus

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Karien is a sustainability professional with a career spanning almost 20 years focussed on sustainability policy, implementation and monitoring and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Karien has advised the boards and C-suite level executives of several major global mining, manufacturing, freight and financial services companies on integrating sustainability as part of business strategy and formulating practical risk management plans related to climate change.

As a Director with RSM, Karien co-leads the ESG and climate services team in Perth. She assists clients in developing fit-for purpose sustainability strategies and carbon inventories as well as identifying, managing, and monitoring climate risks and related mitigation and adaptation strategies.

Hailing from South Africa, Karien has worked on several key South African national government policy initiatives related to carbon offsets, climate risks, national reporting and the socio-economic impacts associated with climate adaptation planning.

Karien is considered a technical specialist in her field and has for most of her career, formed part of professional working groups related to sustainability. She was an elected member to the international Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) working group and currently serves as an elected member to the South African Institute for Chartered Accountants’ (SAICA) Technical Sustainability Committee. In addition, she is a frequent panellist, speaker and commentator on sustainability issues ranging from the energy transition, sustainability disclosure and climate change adaptation.

Karien holds a Master’s Degree in Development Practice which focussed on the relationship between leadership and global issues such as climate change, energy, health, economic inequality and natural resources. Her thesis was published by Springer in 2022 and considered the role of responsible leadership in terms of greenhouse gas target setting in developing economies.

Qualifications

  • Global Association of Risk Professionals: Sustainability and Climate Risk Certification
  • MPhil in Development Practice
  • Bachelor of Honours Sustainable Development
  • GRI certification – reporting, materiliaty and stakeholder engagement
  • Certified Carbon Footprint Analyst (Global Carbon Exchange)
  • Diploma: Ecological rehabilitation and mine closure
  • Diploma: Community Development

Current Associations:

  • SAICA Sustainability Technical Committee
  • CA ANZ Sustainability Committee
  • AMEC Environmental and Water Committee

 

Thought Leadership:

Julian Marchant

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Julian has successfully supported some of Australia’s most recognised brands to plan, implement and execute emissions reduction initiatives.

At Wine Australia, Julian leads the delivery of projects that help the sector to reduce emissions, increase business profitability and prepare for emerging sustainability requirements.

With a background in agricultural research, environmental management and in-house sustainability and consulting roles, Julian has experience working across a range of sectors and organisations and applies this experience to guide change.

In 2022 and 2023, Julian spearheaded the Australian Wine Sector Emissions Reduction Roadmap, establishing an emissions reduction target of 43 percent by 2030.

Brad Lemmon

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Brad Lemmon is CEO of the Recycling & Waste business at ResourceCo, one of Australia’s leading industrial recycling businesses.  With a diverse group of operations across Australia and South East Asia, ResourceCo is a pioneer in creating effective circular economy outcomes. From providing landfill diversion solutions for construction, demolition, soil, commercial or industrial wastes, to the production and supply of a wide range of high-quality construction materials or alternate fuels, ResourceCo sees waste as an opportunity.

 

Brad’s journey into sustainable manufacturing springs from over 30 years’ experience in the construction materials and mining services industries, operating and leading a diverse range of functions and roles, including commercial, operational, strategy and international trade.

 

Having led some of Australia’s largest cement and lime manufacturing facilities, Brad’s direct experience provides deep insight into the challenges faced by large, energy and emission intensive industries, as they navigate the path to decarbonisation and sustainable manufacturing.

 

Brad is a non-executive director of Papyrus Australia (ASX:PPY), the developer of a world-first sustainable technology that converts banana plantation waste into fibre and biodegradable food packaging products.

 

Brad is also Advisory Board Chairman, on behalf of Mayur Resources (ASX:MRL), supporting the Central Cement & Lime project in Papua New Guinea in the development of nation building cement and quicklime production facilities, with a key focus on sustainable production achieved through effective process design and technology.

Nick Palousis

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Nick is an engineer, CEO, entrepreneur and proud father of three daughters.

As the Founder and CEO for 2XE, Nick has spent 20 years working with over 1,000 businesses and governments to help them pursue ESG and net zero emissions with the best possible holistic return on investment. He has worked with clients across almost every major industry and government sector, and currently works with some of Australia’s most recognised brands. 

Nick has spearheaded 2XE’s rapid growth as a highly-regarded Australian ESG and net zero consulting firm, with an expanding footprint in New Zealand, Canada, US and Switzerland.

Nick is a recipient of a national British Council Eureka Prize, an ADC Australian Leadership Award and was an advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Driving Sustainable Consumption Project. Under Nick’s leadership, 2XE received a Climate Change Leadership Award from the Premier of South Australia, and was named the 2024 SA Telstra Business of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability. 

Nick was also selected as the 2024 Net Zero Business Advisor Ambassador for the National Net Zero Careers campaign, funded by Boundless Earth (Mike Cannon-Brookes’ philanthropic venture).

Brendan Beck

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Brendan Beck oversees Australian Energy Producers policy program including oil and gas policy and operations, environment and exploration, energy markets, climate and net zero, and decommissioning. Brendan has over 20 years of experience working on oil and gas, energy and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), both in Australia and globally.

Prior to joining Australian Energy Producers, Brendan held senior roles with the World Bank and International Energy Agency. At the World Bank he was instrumental in establishing CCUS programs in Nigeria, South Africa, Timor Leste and elsewhere. His World Bank role also involved low-carbon hydrogen – assessing domestic production and use opportunities in various countries
and regions around the world. At the International Energy Agency, Brendan focused on road mapping the role of CCUS in global climate mitigation efforts as well as supporting the development of CCUS legal and regulatory frameworks globally.

Brendan has a Bachelor of Engineering from the Australian National University and a Masters of Economics from the City University of London.

Wendy Fennell

Wendy Fennell owns and manages Fennell Forestry, a South Australian based softwood harvest and transport company, with a history spanning over 34 years. Wendy is an influential Forest Industry Leader and is driven by her passion for harvesting and delivering high quality timber products in a productive and safe work environment. She completed her Bachelor of Accountancy at the University of South Australia and during her 32-year tenure at Fennell Forestry has won multiple industry awards, including Business Women of the Year in 2015, GTTIA Environment and Sustainability Award in 2023 and the SARTA Road Freight Innovation Award in 2024.

Wendy has resided as the Chair of the Forestry Industry Advisory Council of SA, is Vice President of the Green Triangle Contractors Group, and is a Board member of South Australian Road Transport Association. She also holds a position on the Freight and Supply Chain Strategy Committee with the State Transport Minister.

Of the many achievements Wendy has, the most recent have been working with State Government to change heavy vehicle licencing legislation and her electric log truck trial, the first of its kind in Australia.

Wendy’s expansion into emerging markets also saw the development of her Monarto independent log yard and transport facility in 2022 and her investment in expanding her fleet of high productivity AB-triple vehicles, reducing freight movements and emissions across the state.

Wendy is a mother of two boys and resides in Mount Gambier with her family.

Naomi Downer

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Naomi is a proud and passionate South Australian, and after stints both interstate and overseas, the pull back home was just too strong. She leads Verian’s South Australian business, providing evidence and advice to shape policy, programs and communications that impact South Australian businesses and communities. Naomi consults across state and federal government on a variety of topics. This includes a strong focus on supporting utility providers with understanding customer perceptions and priorities to track performance and guide decision making and investment. Outside of work, Naomi spends her time on equestrian pursuits with her young family and loves to enjoy our amazing local produce, in particular Haigh’s.

Verian Group, State Director, SA & NT

Nick Hutchinson

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Nick Hutchinson is the General Manager of Fleurieu Milk Company, bringing over 15 years of experience in the dairy industry. Under his leadership, the company has grown into a leading example of sustainable and ethical dairy production in South Australia. Nick has been instrumental in driving initiatives that reduce environmental impact, including the expansion of Fleurieu Milk’s glass bottle reuse program, which has eliminated over 265,000 plastic bottles to date.

With a deep understanding of business operations, supply chain management, and regional food production, Nick has successfully navigated the challenges of a competitive industry while staying committed to local sourcing and quality assurance. His expertise in stakeholder engagement, innovation, and strategic planning has helped Fleurieu Milk strengthen its position as a trusted brand known for its high-quality dairy products and sustainability efforts.

Passionate about the future of the dairy industry, Nick continues to advocate for practical solutions to reduce waste and improve environmental outcomes.

Anoop Thakur

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Anoop Thakur is a seasoned business leader with extensive experience driving sustainability, commercial and operational transformation in the manufacturing sector. Holding an engineering degree and an MBA specializing in supply chain and finance, Anoop Thakur has successfully led initiatives at the intersection of innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

At Orora, a leading beverage packaging manufacturer, Anoop Thakur played a pivotal role in reducing carbon footprints while ensuring operational resilience while orchestrating a transition of one of Australia’s largest energy-consuming companies to renewable energy. Anoop’s expertise in strategy and financial acumen enabled the seamless integration of sustainable energy solutions, optimizing both cost and performance. Anoop Thakur has been instrumental in doubling the recycled content in glass production at Orora, championing circular economy principles and resource efficiency.

Passionate about leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, Anoop Thakur is committed to building a more sustainable industrial future. With a proven track record in large-scale transitions and operational excellence, Anoop continues to influence the industry through innovation, leadership, and a results-driven approach.

Ben Owen

Ben Owen joined RAA in January 2023 as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) and General Manager Home & Energy. He is passionate about making a difference for RAA members by working closely with executives and their teams to drive RAA’s strategy, innovation, data, and next growth business of Home and Energy.

With nearly 20 years’ experience in senior leadership roles across the financial services sector, Ben has a successful track record in formulating, developing, and executing enterprise-wide strategy, business planning, innovation, and transformation. He has led scale teams across some of Australia’s largest banks and, prior to joining RAA, Ben was State General Manager, Consumer and Business Banking at BankSA and Westpac SA & NT.

Ken Long

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Ken is motivated to help facilitate a positive quality of life for human and ecological communities through sustainable and regenerative built environments.

Ken is the Regional Sustainability Manager South Australia and Victoria for Lendlease and a recognised advocate for sustainable built environments. With qualifications in Architecture, Sustainable Design and Ecologically Regenerative Design, Ken facilitates a holistic system thinking approach to design problems. Ken’s professional experience traverses organisational sustainability and net zero advisory and technical sustainable design consultancy for developments of all scales. This includes carbon accounting, business ESG strategy, project design optimisation, building performance simulation, biophilic design integration, green building ratings and life cycle analysis. Alongside his professional career advancement, Ken is very active in advocating for sustainable built environments within the South Australian development and design industry.  As the Chairperson of the Adelaide Sustainable Building Network, Ken helps facilitate opportunities for professionals and general public to engage with concepts of sustainable design and be inspired to implement them.

Kathryn Bellette

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Kathryn has a background in science, education and policy and is Executive Director of Science Services, Climate Change and Programs at the EPA. 

She has spent over 35 years working at the interfaces of environment and development and science and policy in both environment and development portfolios of government. She has held membership of boards, ministerial advisory committees, tertiary education advisory committees and development assessment panels for over 30 years.

Brad Scott

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Brad Scott, hailing from rural Queensland, embarked on a diverse career path that led him to become a prominent figure in sustainable innovation. Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Brad served as a Captain in the Australian Regular Army and a corporate executive. Brad and his wife of 35 years, Narelle sold the family home and all their possessions in 2017 to travel Australia.  Their travels led them to Robe, South Australia, where in 2018, Brad’s passion for environmental sustainability inspired him to establish a recycling and manufacturing business. 

Drawing upon his degree in Chemistry and love of engineering he crafted machines from scrap metal, old ovens and car jacks to transform plastics into valuable products. Transmutation now produces a diverse range of products.  This includes homewares from Breadtags and Wheelstops from Dulux powder coating waste and agricultural waste.

Brad is an innovator in the sustainable building, circular economy and recycled materials areas and he commercialises his innovations through impressive collaborations. 

Brad also founded the Australian Micro Recyclers Association, fostering collaboration among small-scale recyclers to strengthen the circular economy domestically. His leadership has positioned Transmutation as a pioneering force in sustainable innovation, exemplifying how micro-recycling operations can be both viable and impactful.

Louisa Rose

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Louisa Rose is a leading figure in the Australian wine industry, known for her commitment to sustainability, innovation, and fine winemaking. Since joining the Hill-Smith family in 1992, she has played a pivotal role in shaping their winemaking philosophy, becoming Head of Winemaking in 2006 and now serving as Head of Sustainability and Brand Ambassador.

Renowned for her work with Yalumba and Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Louisa has championed natural yeast fermentation, low-input winemaking, and the exploration of new grape varieties and rootstocks. Her leadership has influenced industry-wide sustainability efforts, including her role in developing the national ‘Sustainable Winegrowing Australia (SWA)’ program. Under her guidance, all Hill-Smith Family Estates wineries and vineyards, as well as 99.5% of their growers, achieved SWA certification ahead of the 2023 vintage.

Louisa is a respected voice on industry boards, wine show panels, and climate action initiatives. She leads Hill-Smith Family Estates’ sustainability committee and is a board memeber of the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA).  She is also the Australian and New Zealand Ambassador for IWCA. Passionate about reducing carbon emissions, she actively collaborates across the industry to ensure a sustainable future for wine. Her contributions have earned her multiple “Winemaker of the Year” accolades and global recognition, including being awarded the Degree of Doctor of the University of Adelaide (honoris causa) in 2024.

Dr Natalie Doran-Browne

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Dr. Natalie Doran-Browne is the Principal Scientist at Integrity Ag and is a highly experienced Research Scientist with nearly 20 years of experience addressing the complex challenges of climate change in agricultural industries.

 

With a focus on regional, national and supply chain analysis of greenhouse gas emissions, Natalie’s expertise lies in developing innovative strategies for mitigating emissions, calculating the carbon balance on farms and advancing sustainable, carbon-neutral farming practices.

 

Natalie has collaborated extensively with farmers, industries, and organisations on farm production issues around climate, economic outcomes and carbon sequestration potential for various farming systems. She has produced valuable scientific research on agricultural sustainability, carbon accounting, greenhouse gas mitigation and sustainable land management.

 

A leader in her field, Natalie provides program management and technical oversight for impactful projects, demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing climate-related issues effecting the agricultural industry. She is a network leader for the Global Research Alliance on Agricultural Greenhouse Gases and is committed to international efforts that build climate resilience and supports effective climate action.

Frances Carter

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Frances is the Group Sustainability Advisor for Thomas Foods International. She is responsible for the strategic direction of the global entity’s sustainability across numerous areas, including GHG emission management, decarbonisation, circular economy, biodiversity and deforestation, modern slavery, and Australian and international reporting requirements.

Prior to TFI, Frances was Director of Asia Pacific for Conservation Capital where she engaged on numerous large-scale projects involving conservation area business planning, innovative natural capital financing and sustainable natural resource management in Asia, Africa and South America. She worked with a broad range of clients to create and protect resilient natural landscapes that support biodiversity, communities, and enterprise.

Frances is also an FCA who spent over ten years as a senior Chartered Accountant in auditing, agriculture, banking and funds management, and international development. In addition to her CA qualification, she has two international Masters’ degrees: Master of Science (Sustainability Management) from Columbia University in New York City, and a Master of International Business Administration from IE Business School in Madrid. 

Rachel Brdanovic

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Rachel has spent most of her life with an environmental focus, from talking to customers as a 15 year old checkout worker about the CFCs in their deodorant, to involvement in numerous environmental organisations, including currently as chair of Solar Harvest community energy co-operative.  After a long career in the federal public service in data analysis and risk assessment, Rachel founded Tandem Energy in 2010, with the aim of using data to create practical and sustainable change in businesses and organisations.  Tandem began with a focus on helping businesses identify cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions, and this is still core business, but the team now also works with clients on emissions reduction, climate resilience and broader sustainability issues.  Rachel holds a Bachelor of Maths and Computer Science and a Master of Sustainability.  She is also a Climate Active registered consultant and has developed emissions inventories for all sorts of businesses, ranging from small office-based businesses, to the Adelaide Festival and Royal Adelaide Hospital operations.  She’s passionate about making sustainability and climate action simple to understand and accessible for all decision makers. 

Kate McCabe

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Kate has over 25 years of experience in finance, economics, and accounting across the wine, agricultural, and food industries. She has held key leadership roles, including Corporate Treasurer at Yalumba Winery, Finance Director at McCabe AgCo, and Accounting Project & Systems Manager at Alltech Lienert Australia, where she led the region in their “Planet of Plenty” sustainability initiative.

Currently, Kate manages the function for her family’s grain production properties in South Australia and New South Wales, integrating sustainability and natural capital management into their agricultural practices. She also consults for government and industry organisations, providing economic analysis for sustainable agriculture projects.

Kate holds a Bachelor of Commerce, is a Certified Practising Accountant, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has also completed her Master of Global Food and Agricultural Business at the University of Adelaide, specialising in sustainable agriculture, resilience, and carbon accounting.

Committed to addressing the dual challenge of growing global demand for food while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change, Kate will share her insights on sustainability strategies, offering perspectives from both on-farm practices and industry-wide initiatives.

Jacob Potter

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Jacob is an Associate at dsquared Consulting with over 13 years’ experience delivering sustainability projects across public and private sectors. He specialises in strategic sustainability planning, focussing on decarbonising the built environment and embedding sustainability strategies into organisations.

 

Key experience includes working with over 30 councils across South Australia on emissions reduction plans, developing circular economy strategies such as South Australia’s Circular Economy Built Environment Action Plan, supporting the design of innovative buildings such as the Flinders Health and Medical Research Building (HMRB) targeting LEED and WELL Gold ratings, and conducting climate risk and opportunity assessments for organisations and buildings.

 

Jacob has collaborated with both small and large organisations to improve sustainability outcomes and decarbonise their businesses, including:

  • Undertaking energy and waste audits
  • Developing emissions inventories to prioritise reduction opportunities
  • Creating sustainability action plans
  • Helping businesses understand ESG reporting and mandatory reporting under the Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards
  • Assessing solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage systems, and managing solar PV programs
  • Evaluating electric vehicle transitions and EV charging requirements
  • Supporting energy efficiency and emissions reduction grant applications
  • Achieving Climate Active Carbon Neutral certification

Mihai Neagoe

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Mihai is the founder of Foreison, a consulting business that helps companies leverage their data more effectively to improve operational efficiency, reporting and reduce emissions.

During his PhD research, Mihai became increasingly aware of the vast amount of data most companies were collecting and how little those data were used to support business decisions. Recognizing the opportunity to turn data into actionable insights, he founded Foresion as a vehicle for change.

Freight and logistics are among the most challenging sectors to decarbonize, with emissions reduction often viewed as costly and complex. Mihai’s work focuses on bridging the gap between ambition and action by helping businesses implement data-driven strategies for improving efficiency and reduce their carbon footprint.

With over a decade of experience in logistics and emissions reduction, and a PhD in information systems applied in transportation, Mihai brings a unique blend of academic expertise and industry knowledge

Daniel Panic

Daniel has dedicated 30 years to SA Health, excelling in various service and support roles. Currently, as the Director of Corporate Services for the Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, he leads initiatives in climate change and environmental sustainability, integrating these principles into healthcare delivery for improved health and community outcomes.

Under his leadership, BHFLHN has implemented green building practices, promoted renewable energy sources, and enhanced sustainability efforts across all facilities. Collaborating with key stakeholders, Daniel drives impactful change and supports public health through environmental stewardship, setting a benchmark for other health networks.

A recent highlight is the Kangaroo Island Health Service (KIHS) in Kingscote becoming the first health care facility in South Australia to be fully powered by electricity. This was achieved by replacing gas-powered infrastructure with electric alternatives, making the transition cost-effective and reducing operating costs. This move is especially important on Kangaroo Island, where gas prices are higher, and aligns with the island’s reputation for unspoilt beauty and pristine natural landscapes.

This initiative underscores Daniel’s dedication to lowering healthcare services’ greenhouse gases and environmental impact.

Stacey Lee

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Stacey Lee is an award-winning journalist, and host of Afternoons on FIVEAA.
On her radio program she covers all things Adelaide and around the world from health, politics, property,the environment and cost-of-living to food, pets, the arts and local council matters.

Stacey has reported in various news rounds including politics, crime, sport and courts.

As well as hosting her own radio show, Stacey is the Vice President of the SA Press Club, and co-chair of the SA Mid-Winter Ball committee – which has raised more than $500,000 for South Australian charities.

She has previously worked at Channel 7, Sky News and the ABC and has reported from China, Korea, Canberra, Perth, Alice Springs and Hobart.

She has won various awards for her news coverage including the Max Fatchen Award for Best Young Journalist, Best Radio News Report and Best Business Reporting

Sanj de Silva

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Sanj de Silva is Founding Partner & Director of The Impact Initiative, championing the integration of sustainability and impact reporting to build stronger socially conscious brands across South Australia. Through strategic and data-led storytelling and partnerships, The Impact Initiative empowers brands to leverage their forward-focused sustainability journey to differentiate, influence and grow.

Sanj also serves as the Director of Strategic Communications at Flinders University and is a member of the university’s Sustainability Advisory Group. With over 25 years of global sustainability experience across different industries, she has been at the forefront of embedding sustainability into corporate strategies, producing audited sustainability reports for multinational brands.

Her journey in sustainability and corporate affairs has seen her take on pivotal roles, including her most recent position as Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at ResourceCo in South Australia, establishing a comprehensive sustainability strategy, implementing a robust governance structure, and producing multiple detailed sustainability reports.

Sanj’s commitment to aligning business objectives with global sustainability goals is evident in her close work with corporates and governments since the launch of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) in 2015. Her efforts have consistently aimed to create a better world for future generations.

Penny Schulz

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Penny runs a family sheep and cattle operation at Field in South Australia’s Limestone Coast region, with her husband Jason and their young family. She works off-farm as a Livestock Technical Specialist with the SA Drought Hub at the University of Adelaide, with her role focused on farmer adoption – an area of great passion for Penny.

Through her university roles and in her own consultancy business, Penny has delivered projects and lecturered in the fields of farmer decision making, agtech adoption, sustainable farming systems, livestock genetics and farm business management.

She also holds several board and advisory group roles including Chair of the Limestone Coast Landscape Board, Chair of the Landscape Board Presiding Member Forum, director on the NRM Regions Australia Board and a member of the Premier’s Climate Change Council.

Penny is passionate about having a positive influence on the next generation of agricultural professionals. This has included being actively engaged with PIRSA’s Stepping into Leadership Program for rural and regional women where she is a regular mentor, and also mentors students studying tertiary agricultural courses as they near graduation.

Daniel Bennett

Daniel Bennett is an award-winning urban designer and landscape Architect, with 25 years’ of national experience leading projects and teams on complex city shaping precincts, places, and public infrastructure.

He has completed major city and transport urban design strategies across Australia, with the aim of ensuring strategies are designed to facilitate better outcomes for people and places. He writes the occasional opinion piece on cities and Adelaide for Indaily, and has authored many submissions on a range of city and design issues to local, state and the Australian Government.

He is the current Chair of South Australia’s peak walking body, WalkingSA and is a past national and state president of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. He a Fellow of AILA and a passionate member of the Premier’s Climate Change Council.

Kimberley Wanganeen

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Kimberley Wanganeen is a proud First Nations woman, with family connections to Narrunga, Kaurna and Kokatha Nations.  She was born and raised on Boandik Country and has been living and working on Kaurna Country since 2006. 

Kimberley’s career spanned across SA Government Departments, non-Government organisations and non-profits, holding leadership roles that would guide and influence cultural practice and cultural safety.

In 2022, Kimberley founded Kimberley Wanganeen Consultancy to share her learnings and expertise with a broad range of organisations. With a commitment to best practice, Kimberley channels her expertise and passion for cultural safety and applies this to working with First Nations people, developing systems or advising workplaces and organisations on how to engage or implement processes that ensure cultural safety.

Kat Heinrich

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Kat Heinrich is a circular economy specialist with over a decade of experience working with government, industry, and the not-for-profit sector to advance circular outcomes. As a Director of Rawtec, she leads strategic projects that reduce waste and embed circular practices across sectors such as food, packaging, and textiles. 

Kat received the Women in Circular Economy Leadership Award from Green Industries SA and is known for her analytical approach, systems thinking and focus on practical results.

In this session, Kat will lead a conversation with sector leaders to unpack the benefits of the circular economy—exploring how circular approaches can cut costs, reduce emissions and build more resilient business models and communities.

Craig Wilkins

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Craig has worked in the areas of public health, social services, environmental change and politics for over 30 years in for-purpose organisations, in the public service and in Parliament House. For a decade he led South Australia’s peak environment body, the Conservation Council of SA, and is now the National Director of the Murray Darling Conservation Alliance – the leading national conservation advocacy voice for a healthy Murray Darling river system.

He straddles the insider/outsider divide as an appointed member of the Green Adelaide Board, Premier’s Climate Change Council, and Electranet’s Consumer Advisory Panel, while also leading and assisting community campaigns and movements for change.  He has a particular interest in how we must prepare our communities, systems and governance in a time of rapid climate change.  Craig is a passionate believer in collective altruism – people generously working together on behalf of others and the planet we call home.

Nicole Halsey

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Nicole is a Director of URPS, an Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth based urban and regional planning firm and is one of South Australia’s leading engagement practitioners and urban planners.

She is renowned for her proven ability to skilfully manage high-stakes, high-profile and often contentious projects in ways that reduce risk and build social licence.  Nicole’s combination of innovative engagement and critical strategic thinking expertise means she can help position projects for success.

 

A long-standing and valued member of the Premier’s Climate Change Council from 2011 to 2020, Nicole brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and political acumen to climate change and sustainability projects.

 

She is extremely well-connected and highly sought-after by all tiers of government and the private sector.  Her unique combination of skills helps clarify objectives and resolve complex issues in a truly collaborative way.

 

Nicole’s diverse project experience includes Climate Change Adaptation Plans, Regional Resilience Plans, Strategic Plans for governments, not-for-profit and private sector organisations, Access and Inclusion Plans, Public Health Plans, Community Plans and evaluation frameworks.

Jack Buckskin

Jack Buckskin is a proud Kaurna, Narrunga, and Wirangu man who has dedicated his life to the revitalization and promotion of Aboriginal culture and language. As the only person fluent in the Kaurna language—a language once thought to be extinct—Jack has played a pivotal role in its resurgence.

In 2008, he founded Kuma Kaaru, an organization that aims to educate both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people about the local language and culture. Jack and his team work with various organizations to strengthen relationships between Aboriginal people and the wider community, empowering young people to relearn their language and culture, fostering pride in their history, and inspiring others to do the same.

Kiera Kartanya Fitzgerald

Kiera Kartanya Fitzgerald is a proud Kaurna/Narungga woman who has grown up in the Adelaide Aboriginal community.

She is currently studying Early Education at Flinders University as she is passionate about education and looks forward to becoming a Primary school teacher in a few years. 

She is very proud of her culture, she enjoys being in community connecting but equally loves sharing culture within the wider community. She is also part of a contemporary Aboriginal dance group called Of Desert and Sea.