Speakers
WQAC 2025
St George, 19-20 August
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Shanna Whan AM
CEO and Founder - Sober in the Country
Shanna Whan AM is the founder and CEO of Sober in the Country, a grassroots charity that's pioneered radical social impact across the outback over the past decade through a straightforward and effective message we can all support: that it's always #OK2SAYNO to booze.
Shanna is an Order of Australia medalist recognised in 2025 for her 'significant contributions' to rural community health. She was named the National Australian of the Year (Local Hero) winner in 2022 and the national winner of Marie Claire's Advocate of the Year in 2022.
After almost losing her own life in 2014 to alcohol addiction, she devoted herself and her second chance to 'being the change' she saw was so desperately needed in the outback.
FEDERAL ADDRESS
Hon Kristy McBain MP
Minister for Emergency Management and Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories
Kristy McBain proudly grew up on the NSW Far South Coast, and she is the first woman to represent Eden-Monaro.
Since being elected in 2020, Kristy has built a formidable reputation as a plain spoken, hard-working local member who advocates with all levels of Government and all sides of politics to get results for her constituents.
A former Mayor of the Bega Shire Council, Kristy advocated day and night for people through the darkest days of the Black Summer Bushfires in 2019-20.
Kristy studied law at the University of Canberra and as the first person in her family to go to university, she is passionate that all kids get the chance to go to university or TAFE and have the opportunity to build their careers and lives in the regions as she has done.
Senator the Hon Anthony Chisholm
Assistant Minister for Regional Development; Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry; Assistant Minister for Resources; and Deputy Manager of Government Business in the Senate
Anthony grew up on the north side of Brisbane attending Wavell State High School and went to Griffith University earning a Bachelor of Arts. Whilst doing this and throughout his working life, Anthony has maintained strong community involvement through his work with charities from his local community on the north side of Brisbane.
Anthony was elected to the Senate in 2016, and is committed to providing a strong Labor voice for working people throughout the state.
In a big, decentralised state like Queensland, Anthony is passionate about ensuring that affordable healthcare and a quality education is available to all people in Queensland, no matter where they live.
Anthony is also focused on fighting for regional Queensland, as he believes that the conservatives have taken them for granted for far too long.
Senator Susan McDonald
Shadow Minister for Resources and Northern Australia and Senator for Queensland
From growing up on her family’s cattle property in North West Queensland to running a business in South-East Queensland, Susan has a deep appreciation of the issues affecting Queenslanders across the state.
Raised near Cloncurry, Susan was educated by Correspondence School and Mt Isa School of the Air before attending boarding school in Brisbane and studying commerce and economics at the University of Queensland.
A qualified accountant and mum to three kids, Susan also ran a chain of butcher shops for six years, responsible for over 100 staff across five stores, before being elected to the Australian Senate for Queensland.
Susan is based in Townsville, making her the Coalition’s northernmost Senator in Queensland.
Susan is the Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia, roles in which she will be able to help grow our country’s most productive regions and industries for the benefit of all Australians.
Susan was elected to the Senate in May 2019 as a member of the Liberal National Party and sits in the Federal Nationals party room.
Susan also held roles in the previous Coalition Government as Special Envoy for Northern Australia and Chair of the Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee.
Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP
Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations
Jarrod Bleijie has called the Sunshine Coast home for more than 30 years. Jarrod and his wife Sally have grown up on the Sunshine Coast. They are now raising three children Taylor, Madison and Jasper with their rescue dog Bobo. He is a passionate local and believes Queensland’s best days are ahead of it.
Jarrod was born in Griffith, NSW to Pieter, a fuel tank truck driver and Christine, a full time Mum.
At age 7 he and his family packed up and moved to the Sunshine Coast with his Uncle Lindsay Cooper (Coop) who owned and operated the Ettamogah Pub (Aussie World) at Palmview.
Jarrod attended Caloundra State School and Caloundra State High School and served as High School Captain. When he was young, his parents were in small business and owned and operated a camping store in Caloundra.
It was at this young age Jarrod got a sense of the values of hard work and personal responsibility which he saw exhibited every day in his parents, values which he holds dear to this day and which in part inspired him to run for public office.
During school, Jarrod worked between his parents camping store and KFC. While studying law at university, he continued to work at KFC and also had some early morning starts at a chicken abattoir.
He graduated from Caloundra State High, and then the Queensland University of Technology with a Bachelor of Laws, working locally as a lawyer to provide for his young family and specialising in commercial and property law.
Jarrod was then elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly as the Member for Kawana at the 2009 State Election, aged 27, and since then has held a number of Ministerial and Shadow Ministerial portfolios.
In the LNP Government from 2012 to 2015, Jarrod served as Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, overseeing the introduction of tough new laws to combat the rising threat of criminal motorcycle gangs around Queensland. At the time, these laws were often referred to as the toughest in the country. He is also known for championing the construction of the $1.8 billion Sunshine Coast University Hospital which he proudly turned the sod on in 2012.
Following the 2024 state election, Jarrod was appointed as Deputy Premier of Queensland, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations in the Crisafulli LNP Government.
In his portfolio, Jarrod has been tasked with exploring opportunities for new industries and economic growth across Queensland, delivering infrastructure that benefits communities across the State. He has spearheaded the appointment of the Games Independent Infrastructure Coordination Authority to conduct a 100-day infrastructure review in preparation for the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, ending nearly four years of chaos and indecision from the previous Labor Government.
Jarrod is also leading the State Government’s activation of housing supply, chairing the Cabinet Housing Ministerial Taskforce Cabinet Committee, charged with unlocking church and charity-owned land to alleviate the housing crisis and deliver the Government’s commitment to build 1 million new homes by 2044.
As the Deputy Premier and a Minister in the Crisafulli LNP Government, Jarrod is committed to delivering the Fresh Start that Queensland needs and is part of a united team taking strong action on youth crime, cost of living, health and housing for all Queenslanders.
Hon Ann Leahy MP
Minister for Local Government and Water, and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers
Ann Leahy was born in Stanthorpe, raised on the family farm, educated via Distance Education and boarding school and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Science. She has a keen interest in aviation and spends her spare time competing in sheep dog trials with her two beloved border collies, Molly and Jess.
Ann has worked in the political sector for over 30 years. She is a passionate voice for the South-West fighting for doctors in local communities and better health facilities in the region.
Ann is a strong advocate for the agricultural, manufacturing, resources and tourism sectors across South West Queensland. She is passionate about ensuring the government's priorities are focused on plans to grow these industries whilst keeping the communities safe and enabling them to grow with more housing opportunities.
Ann was elected in 2015 as the Member for Warrego and is the first female Member of Parliament to win the state seat of Warrego since Federation. She advocates for communities across her electorate from the western parts of the Darling Downs to the South Australian border.
Ann has served as Parliamentary Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee. In 2017, Ann was appointed as the LNP Shadow Minister for Local Government. In 2020, Ann was appointed to the portfolios of Local Government, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers. Following her re-election in 2024, she was appointed Minister for Local Government and Water and Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery and Volunteers in the new Queensland Government cabinet.
Hon Dale Last MP
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing, and Minister for Regional and Rural Development
Born and raised in country Queensland, Dale has dedicated his career to serving regional communities.
Dale joined the Queensland Police Service in 1981 and was awarded the National Police Medal in 1988 for diligent long service to the community. He was appointed Officer in Charge of Townsville Police Station in 2000, leading frontline law enforcement in Queensland’s largest regional centre.
Following his service in the Queensland Police Service, Dale was elected to Townsville City Council, where he served as both Councillor and Deputy Mayor. In 2015, he was elected to the Queensland Parliament as the Member for Burdekin.
Dale is a fierce advocate for regional communities and rural development. His electorate of Burdekin is home to major resources projects and key transport infrastructure, including numerous mines and the Port of Abbot Point.
Dale lives on a small farm at Alligator Creek with his wife, two of his children and a menagerie including two horses and a pet pig called Honey.
Hon Brent Mickelberg MP
Minister for Transport and Main Roads
Brent Mickelberg is the State Member for Buderim and Minister for Transport and Main Roads.
Brent is a strong advocate for regional Queensland and ensuring every community gets their fair share, especially when it comes to better roads and public transport.
He has worked as a stockman, bank manager and financial analyst, and served as an infantry soldier and officer in the Australian Defence Force including a deployment to Afghanistan.
Brent was first elected to Parliament in 2017 and from 2020 held the portfolio of Shadow Minister for Employment and Training, Small and Family Business, and Open Data.
Nikki Boyd MP
Shadow Minister for Local Government and Water
Shadow Minister for Fire, Disaster Recovery, Emergency Services and Volunteers
Nikki has dedicated her working life to looking after others and fighting for a fair go for everyone in our society – particularly those who are forgotten about or marginalised.
From her early working life as an Early Childhood Educator to her recent career campaigning for the rights of workers in Queensland – Nikki is about standing up with those who need it most. These are the values she brings to being the member for Pine Rivers.
Over the last decade Nikki has advocated for thousands working people including Early Childhood Educators, Aged Carers, Health Professionals through her work with her union, the United Workers Union.
Now Nikki brings her campaigning experience and passion for a fair go for all to standing up and fighting for a better future for the community she cares about – Pine Rivers.
Her previous ministerial portfolios include: Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services from 18 December 2023 - to 27 October 2024 and Assistant Minister for Local Government: 12 November 2020 - 17 December 2023.
Cr Samantha O’Toole
Mayor - Balonne Shire Council and Chair - SWQROC
In 2016, Cr O’Toole was elected as a Councillor at Balonne Shire Council and was elected Mayor in 2020 and 2024. Cr O’Toole has been instrumental in delivering ground-breaking and life changing projects across the Shire for over almost two decades, involving partners from Federal, State and Local government levels. She’s passionate about rural communities and has a goal to make Balonne Shire more liveable, while providing and pursuing opportunities to ensure future generations have a positive future in the bush.
Jarib Branfield-Bradshaw
Youth Support Officer – Paroo Shire Council and 7NEWS Young Achiever of 2025
Jarib is a proud Aboriginal youth advocate raised in rural Queensland, where he’s seen firsthand how strong leadership and community connection can change lives. His work centres on creating culturally safe spaces for young people -especially those navigating systems that weren’t built for them.
In 2025, he was awarded the 7NEWS Young Achiever Award for Connecting Communities & Family Safety, following recognition as Paroo Shire’s 2024 Young Citizen of the Year, 2024 Young Australian of the Year for Warrego and recipient of the 2024 Darling Downs Child Protection Award for a significant contribution to a young person’s life.
Jarib represent Warrego in the YMCA Youth Parliament, and has been selected for leading programs including the Queensland Indigenous Youth Leadership Program (QIYLP), Youth Ambassadors QLD, and Fullaship 2025.
”I bring lived experience, frontline insight, and a systems-thinking approach to everything I do - whether it’s engaging youth who’ve fallen through the cracks, contributing to state policy, or mentoring the next generation of leaders in remote communities.
I’m always open to meaningful collaboration - especially with people and organisations working to make their impact real, not just symbolic.”
Sandy Gillies
Chief Executive Officer – Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) &
Adjunct Professor, Murtupuni Centre for Rural and Remote Health, James Cook University
Sandy, a proud Gunggari woman born and raised in outback Winton, embarked on her health career as a nurse in Charleville.
With a focus on rural and remote primary health care, she navigated vast distances and limited resources, garnering invaluable experience. Driven by a passion for improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, Sandy transitioned into roles as an Aboriginal Health Worker and later assumed senior positions with the Queensland Mental Health Commission and the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council.
In 2017, she joined WQPHN, leveraging her expertise in strategic planning, project management and leadership to become its Chief Executive Officer in 2021. As the first Indigenous CEO among 31 Primary Health Networks across Australia, Sandy continues to spearhead initiatives aimed at advancing healthcare accessibility and outcomes for all, especially those in remote and very remote communities.
Alexandra Donoghue
Clinical Psychologist & Occupational Therapist Rural Psych Practice Principal
Alex lives and works in rural South West Queensland. She has been practicing in mental health for over 30 years. Alex works with people of all ages, from children to seniors. She has a Masters in Clinical Psychology and a warm disarming manner.
Alex began her career working with people more severely affected by mental health conditions. She worked in Intensive Psychiatric Care facilities in Sydney and a Forensic Unit and Challenging Behaviour Unit in London in the 1990s. After working overseas, she returned home to Australia working in various inpatient and community settings and drifted west, landing in St George, where she has run her private practice over the last ten years.
Alex is passionate about bringing quality psychological services to her backyard, rural Queensland.
Cr John (Tractor) Ferguson
Mayor - Bulloo Shire Council
Born in 1951 in Broken Hill, NSW, John grew up on various properties in the Channel Country west of Thargomindah. He commenced work as a grader driver with the Bulloo Shire Council in 1983.
In 1997 John started his own Apiary business. He has lived and worked in the region all his life. John is married to Peggy and together they have two daughters, Lisa and Tamie.
John has experience with Local Government, serving nine years as a Councillor on the Bulloo Shire Council. In 2004 he was elected as Mayor for the region and has held the position ever since.
Cr Ernie Camp
Mayor - Burke Shire Council
Cr Ernie Camp was elected to his fourth term as Mayor in 2024, following two terms as Deputy Mayor before 2012 and before that as a Councillor.
In all, Cr Camp has been involved in Local Government for 17 years. He is a Chair of the Australian Beef Association, as well as a member of AgForce, Gulf Cattleman’s Association, and NORTHBeef. He is a member of an implementation committee developing a new national grassfed beef representative body - Cattle Producer’s Australia - following on from recommendations by a senate committee into compulsory levies paid by the grassfed beef industry and is an inaugural Director of CPA. Cr Camp is a member of the Gregory Downs Jockey Club and has been race starter for many years. He is also a member of the Isolated Children’s Parents Association (ICPA), Gregory Downs Sporting Association and Southern Gulf NRM.
Cr Camp represents Council as a board member on the Riversleigh Community Scientific Advisory committee (RCSAC), North West Minerals Province Stakeholder Advisory Group (NWMPSAC), Isa Superbasin User’s Panel and is the Chair of Gulf Savannah Development.
Cr Peta MacRae
Mayor - Mount Isa City Council
Peta MacRae came to Mount Isa from Central Queensland in 1997 as a teacher and has embraced outback community life ever since.
She has worked in many positions within Education Queensland, has been involved in many community groups such as the Quamby Rodeo committee, Zonta, and Commerce North West, and, more recently, is chair of the Country Universities Centre Mount Isa board.
She has also served as a Councillor for Mount Isa City Council for 8 years, occupying the portfolios of sport and recreation, tourism and events, youth, community engagement, the pool, and the library.
Her passion for local government has led her to further study, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) course and an MBA.
Mayor MacRae’s priorities for the local area are strengthening the economy through encouraging diversity of business, growing our own through educational opportunities and professional development, and creating an appealing and livable city to attract residents and visitors alike.
Juliette Vicaire
Strategic Project Manager - Flying Whales
Juliette is the Strategic Project Manager for Flying Whales in Australia, a French aerospace company developing a unique airship capable of transporting heavy and oversized loads in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Based in Sydney, Juliette leads the company’s development in Australia, with a particular focus on establishing its first base in Mount Isa, Queensland.
With a background in strategy consulting and international business development, Juliette works closely with local industries and regional stakeholders to explore how the LCA60T airship can accelerate the delivery of major infrastructure projects, enhance access to essential goods and services in isolated communities, and provide a flexible, rapid-response logistics solution in times of natural disasters such as floods.
Professor Ben Lyons
Director, Southern Queensland Northern NSW Drought and Innovation Hub (Rural Economies Centre of Excellence) – University of Southern Queensland
Professor Ben Lyons is currently the Director of the Rural Economies Centre (REC) at the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ). Professor Lyons is an expert in rural and regional development, climate adaptation in regions, and regional governance. He holds a BA (Hons) and a PhD in agricultural economics from The University of Queensland.
At the Rural Economies Centre, he is involved in various regional community engagement projects such as Regional Drought Resilience Planning, Drought Resilience Leaders Development Program, Shaping Your Energy Future –which is focused on the economic, social, and ecological impacts of large-scale energy and renewables projects.
He has held many leadership and governance roles and is currently an advisory board member for the Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA) and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), and Chair of FSCo. Fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Lyons spent almost 18 years in China before returning to Australia to take up a role as the CEO at Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise – a regional economic development agency with significant resource and agricultural members.
Brent Finlay
Managing Director - Finlay Agricultural Industries
Brent Finlay boasts over 40 years of experience in the agricultural sector, managing his sheep and cattle property, Cooinda, in South East Queensland’s Traprock region. He currently serves as the Managing Director of Finlay Agricultural Industries, providing strategic advice to a broad range of agricultural enterprises and projects.
Brent’s leadership roles include former President of the National Farmers Federation and AgForce Queensland, and a board member of the World Farm Organisation representing Oceania. His negotiation skills have been pivotal in addressing key issues like trade agreements and policy developments across multiple countries. Recently, Brent has chaired significant water projects like the Emu Swamp Dam and Bowen Pipeline project. He is also actively engaged in the renewable energy sector, not only hosting a large wind farm on his land but also advising landholder clients in negotiations with major energy infrastructure companies.
As a senior advisor to RELA, Brent is driven by a commitment to ensure landowners succeed in Australia’s transition to renewable energy. RELA leverages Brent’s extensive knowledge and experience to enhance its dedication to empowering landowners in the renewable energy transition.
Denise Brown
CEO - Outback Queensland Tourism Association
Denise Brown, known to many as ‘DD’ (a nod to her maiden name, Deveney), is Chief Executive Officer of Outback Queensland Tourism Association (OQTA). With 38 years in the industry, she is a committed advocate for Outback Queensland, its communities and operators.
As CEO, DD champions the region’s voice, securing timely investment in marketing, infrastructure and experience development. Her broad tourism background spans accommodation, inbound operations, Tourism and Events Queensland, aviation and cruise.
She oversees OQTA’s day-to-day operations, with a strong focus on member support and regional growth.
Barry Weare
Director of Operations - Cooee Traveller
Born and raised in Cairns, Far North Queensland, Barry has forged a successful career in tourism roles which has provided him with an in-depth knowledge of the sector. With a strong focus on strategy and building relationships, Barry has successfully negotiated collaborative partnerships between businesses and all levels of government, as well as community and local stakeholders. Barry has also worked with Traditional Owners in an array of settings, and in the community, mining and sporting sectors. Barry has represented the Australian Indigenous Tourism sector at domestic and international tourism trade shows and missions.
A keen cricketer, Barry has broad experience, having worked with Skytrans as Community Development Manager & Sales Executive implementing strategies for airline services to Queensland’s rural and remote communities. He has also worked in business development roles for the recreation, sport and mining sectors.
Barry has worked at the most senior level of management onsite at Wilpena Pound Resort and Glen Helen Lodge implementing strategy on the ground delivering record levels of social and financial performance. He has unique skills as a professional educator, long serving tourism operator, and for effective capacity building methods with local Traditional Owners and shareholders.
Mark Mason
Project Manager, Olympic Strategy and Legacy - Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise
Mark is the Olympic Strategy and Legacy Manager for the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise (TSBE). Mark is delivering a project targeted at identifying and capturing opportunities across the region that will stem from the delivery of Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Mark has been appointed to capture and develop these opportunities and to provide advocacy for the region in the lead up to The Games.
With games delivery experience gleaned from Sydney 2000 Olympics and London 2012 as well as observer status at the Paris 2024 Games Mark has a well-developed understanding of the development and delivery of an Olympic Games and a deep appreciation of the benefits Olympic Legacy can bring to the region. Mark also has a broad understanding of the mechanics of community development and the importance of balancing commercial activity and social cohesion to improve the liveability of the region.
Mark is actively pursuing opportunities for the region in agriculture, sports infrastructure, tourism, energy and community development that are linked to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. Mark played a key role in the development of the bid documentation as well as advocacy to all levels of Government, the International Olympic Committee, the Federation Equestrian Internationale and Brisbane 2032 Organising Committee for Toowoomba’s successful bid to host Equestrian events for Brisbane 2032.
Cr Tony Rayner
Mayor – Longreach Regional Council
Chair - RAPAD
Cr Rayner is a proud Longreach local having completed his primary and secondary education in Longreach before completing his tertiary qualifications at the University of Queensland (Queensland Agricultural College).
He was elected Mayor in the 2020 local government elections after serving the previous four-year term as a Councillor on Longreach Regional Council.
Six years prior he was the Chief Executive Officer of RAPAD Employment Services Queensland (RESQ).
He has a career spanning 30 years as a senior executive within the Queensland Government including roles such as Executive Director for the Australian Agricultural Colleges, Assistant Director-General Department Primary Industries, Executive Director Employment and Economic Development, and Regional Director.
Councillor Rayner was elected as Chair of the Remote Area Planning and Development Board (RAPAD) following his Mayoral appointment and is also a Board Director for RESQ.
Jessica Reid
Chief of Staff to the President - Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee
Jessica Reid is Chief of Staff to the President of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organising Committee, which is responsible for organising and delivering every aspect of the Games.
Jessica’s career began in media and communications and has seen her live and work in locations around the world, including Australia, the UK and Asia-Pacific.
She started as a journalist and worked her way up to edit financial publications for Newsquest Media Group in London and across Asia-Pacific. She has also worked in a senior communications role at Allianz Australia, and consulted widely to private corporates and government entities on their communications, government relations and media strategies.
Jessica has worked for state and federal governments, advising Ministers, a Premier and Prime Minister. She was the Chief of Staff to the Minister for Home Affairs during the Covid-19 Pandemic, supporting the government’s management of the international border and helping to secure vital medical equipment to Australians.
She was thrilled to return to Brisbane - the city that she grew up in - to take up her current role with Brisbane 2032, supporting the delivery of an event that will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia.
Vic Pennisi
Chair – Queensland Local Government Grants Commission
Cr Vic Pennisi is an experienced advocate for regional communities. Born and raised in Stanthorpe, Queensland, Vic is committed to improving his region for now and for future generations.
He was elected to the position of Mayor for Southern Downs Regional Council in March 2020. This is on the back of previous public service, beginning in 2004 as a Councillor for the Stanthorpe Shire Council. He then served on the Southern Downs Regional Council as a Councillor, after amalgamation in the election in 2008.
More widely, Vic is known across regional Queensland through the success of his previous roles as Chair of Regional Development Australia (RDA) Darling Downs and South West, and his success as a State Director of Football Queensland which saw the implementation of the Womens League and the State League during his tenure. He is a praised conduit between grassroots communities and State and Federal politicians.
Vic boasts 23 years in the automotive industry and owned and operated a hardware store in Stanthorpe, providing him with incredible insights into small business. His time on the local Chamber of Commerce, together with his knowledge of agriculture, strengthened his understanding at a fundamental level for what is required to make regional communities thrive.
Vic is focused on strategic leadership and relationship building. During his time in regional politics, he was committed to driving economic development and seeking solutions for sustainable growth of the broad commercial sectors of Southern Downs. This included natural resources and water, agriculture, and tourism.
Vic is qualified enterprise facilitator and a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. In June 2022, he was awarded “Ordine Della Stella D’Italia” (order of the Star of Italy) by the Italian Government. In march 2025 he was appointed Chair of the grants commission.
Dr Anita Milroy
Senior Project Manager, Inspiring Australia Queensland / Advancement and Community Engagement - The University of Queensland
Dr Anita K Milroy is the Inspiring Australia Queensland Manager, at The University of Queensland, leading statewide initiatives that connect communities with science through inclusive, place-based engagement.
With a background in science communication and a passion for regional innovation, Anita will speak on the transformative potential of quantum technologies and their relevance to Western Queensland.
Her WQAC 2025 presentation aligns with the 2025 UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, celebrating a century of quantum breakthroughs and their future impact on society, sustainability, and regional development.
Dr Wade Naylor
Lecturer Physics, Mathematics & STEM Education – Australian Catholic University
Dr Wade Naylor is a Lecturer in the School of Education at Australian Catholic University, where he brings a dynamic blend of Physics, Mathematics, and STEM pedagogy to life in classrooms across Australia.
With a passion for demystifying science and improving student outcomes, his research dives deep into Physics Education Research (PER), using STEM Concept Inventories to uncover and address common misconceptions in learning. Currently a visiting senior researcher at the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Physics, Wade collaborates internationally to elevate teaching practices and student engagement in science. His recent work explores the experiences of international academics, adding a global lens to his educational insights.
Wade is driven by a commitment to making STEM accessible and meaningful, especially in regional and remote communities. At the WQAC meeting in St George, he’s keen to connect with local councils to explore how evidence-based STEM education can empower learners and support the future of Western Queensland.
Greg Hoffman PSM
Executive Officer - Western Queensland Alliance of Councils
Greg Hoffman PSM is one of Australia’s leading local government professionals with over 45 years’ experience working in State and local government across three states and the Northern Territory. He has held positions of CEO, Commissioner, Managing Director, policy analyst, advocate and industry representative. He most recently concluded eight years as Executive Officer of the North West Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils, where his focus was on the people, policy and politics of the State’s remote and productive North West Region.
As a foundation member of the Western Queensland Alliance of Councils (WQAC) Leadership Group, he has proudly ensured the growth and impact of united Western Queensland initiatives including the WQAC Assemblies, State and Federal election strategies, and the delivery of a nation-first Regional Housing Study and Local Housing Action Plans across the region.
Greg is passionate about regional Queensland and has devoted a lifetime assisting councils, regional bodies and communities to ensure their voices are heard and that they receive a fair return for the contribution they make to the State and national economies.
Greg holds qualifications in accounting, management, public policy, media and company directorship. He has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to local government having received a Public Service Medal in 1993 and a Centenary Medal in 2002 for his contribution to Australian society and government.
Jay Sindorff
Executive Director, Strategic Policy - Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
Jay leads the Strategic Policy team within CDSB who lead the development of data, digital and cyber security strategies, and policies for Queensland Government, and for the benefit of our customers and Queensland communities.
Jay is a strong advocate for better use of data and technology to help drive better digital outcomes for communities across the state.
Kristina Neylan
Executive Director Strategic Delivery - Department of Customer Services, Open Data and Small and Family Business
Kristina leads the Strategic Delivery team within CDSB who deliver digital economy programs for Queensland communities.
Kristina thrives on tackling some of the most challenging (and rewarding) areas for digital in our state, including regional digital connectivity, digital inclusion, digital adaption for small businesses, digital capability and employment, and Queensland’s First Nations Digital Service Centre program.
Rick Hospers
Regional Digital Development Officer - North-North West Qld
Rick Hospers brings a lifetime of regional insight and technical expertise to his role as Regional Digital Development Officer for North–North West Queensland.
Born and raised on cane farms in Mackay, Rick understands the connectivity challenges faced by regional and remote communities and is passionate about helping people adopt the digital tools and technologies they need to live well in today’s digital world.
Louise Gronold
Regional Digital Development Officer - Central West Qld
State Library Regional Digital Development Officer Louise Gronold has lived and worked in Central West Queensland for over 20 years.
Using her experience in regional economic and community development Louise is aims to raise digital literacy to help residents overcome remoteness while also showcasing what regional Queensland has to offer.
Cr Matt Burnett
Mayor - Gladstone Regional Council, President LGAQ and President ALGA
Mayor Matt Burnett was born and raised in the Gladstone Region with his family’s connection to the area extending six generations.
He is a former small business operator and qualified journalist, having his own newspaper, the Port Curtis Post, at the age of 19.
He has served in local government since 2000, including five years as Deputy Mayor prior to his election as Mayor.
During his time in local government, Cr Burnett served as Chairman of Technical Services with Gladstone City Council and as portfolio representative in Technical Services, Infrastructure Services and Town Planning with Gladstone Regional Council after amalgamation in 2008.
Cr Burnett represented Central Queensland on the Local Government Association of Queensland Policy Executive prior to his election as President in October 2024 and is also President of the Australian Local Government Association, as well as a Central Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (CQROC) director and Gladstone Local Disaster Management Group Chair/Recovery Coordinator.
Gareth Forde
Principal Engineer - All Energy
Gareth helps businesses to use innovative technology to develop industrial processes that are financially and technically viable whilst simultaneously reducing GHG emissions.
Gareth has been a Principal Engineer at All Energy Pty Ltd since 2014 and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the areas of Chemical and Environmental Engineering. Most recently, Gareth has developed industrial ecology projects including generating renewable thermal energy in a multi-fuel biomass boiler and designing export scale hydrogen and ammonia hubs.
Gareth is the longest serving Queensland based Registered Greenhouse and Energy Auditor (administered by the Australian Government’s Clean Energy Regulator), holds a BE(Chem) from the University of Queensland, a PhD(Engineering) from Cambridge University (UK) and is a Fellow of the Institute of Chemical Engineers.
Max Barnes
Process Engineer - All Energy
Max is a Senior Process Engineer at All Energy Pty Ltd, a Registered Practicing Engineer (Qld) in the area of Chemical Engineering and a Chartered Engineer. Max is internationally recognised as a water recycling and water treatment expert especially for processing and treating of food processing facility water. Max also has deep industrial energy knowledge including off-grid hybrid systems, energy storage and thermal energy systems. Max holds a BE(Process, Hons I) from the Queensland University of Technology and is a Member of the Institute of Chemical Engineers. Some recent accolades for All Energy Pty Ltd that Max was a pivotal part of the team for include:
Australasian Winner Institute of Chemical Engineers, 2024 Industrial Project for a multi-fuel biomass boiler, then went on to be Highly Commended (top 3 projects globally) at the international awards.
Telstra Business Awards QLD finalist 2024 "Promoting Sustainability" for works on digital twin design of green ammonia and low emissions H2 industrial facilities.
Global IChemE Awards 2023, Highly commended (top 3 projects globally) for a water recycling project for the reusing water in a red meat processing plant for cooling towers and stock watering.
All Energy Pty Ltd is a 100% Queensland owned and operated engineering company with international recognition of our advanced process modelling ("digital twins") for complex industrial facilities, renewable energy and water recycling expertise.
Justin Schultz
Director - Moonie River Renewables
Justin is an agricultural engineer and specialist project manager and has been a former Operations Manager of the St George Irrigation Area.
Justin is currently operating a cattle property and developing a feedlot facility near St George on the Moonie River with his wife and children. As an engineer he worked as a consulting engineer in the agricultural and mining sectors in intensive livestock and irrigation developments. The projects ranged from traveling irrigators for small dairy farms to the CSG industry delivering bulk water delivery systems for irrigators downstream of the water treatment plants. Project management included the construction of a bridge, pump station refurbishment, referable dam repairs and flood repair works to irrigation networks.
Justin’s passion is to deliver out of the box solutions to infrastructure projects. He loves living in St George and wants to see this community thrive and grow.
Dwayne Armstrong
Business Development Manager – Webster Timbers / Tambo Cypress Mill
Dwayne Armstrong is an American former sportsman who played American football and Australian Rules Football.
While in Australia he has represented recognised brands like National Football League (NFL), Dickies Workwear, American Apparel, Rocky Brands and Fanzones Technologies establishing a footprint across the Asia Pacific.
During the Covid pandemic came a change of industries. In 2022 and 2023, importing of timber was started out of Canada and Dwayne is currently bringing innovation to the timbers industries of Queensland as well as supporting the local timber business to grow in both national and international markets.
Troy Fraser
CEO - Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council
Troy Fraser is a proud Gangalidda man from Doomadgee, in the lower Gulf of Carpentaria. He was born in Brisbane, to a Gangalidda mother and Gangulu father, and is the eldest of three siblings.
Throughout his years working in local government and spending time both in and away from community, he has learned to value his community more and more, and is now trying to create a circular economy through economic development in Doomadgee, the last community on the Savannah Way.
Tom Vanderbyl
Principal - Badu Advisory Pty Ltd
Tom Vanderbyl has almost 40 years’ experience in water and natural resources strategy, planning, policy, management and allocation.
Based in Queensland, he provides strategic advice about regional, national and transnational water planning matters to government and private clients throughout Queensland and Australia, as well as in Vietnam, Cambodia, China, Timor Leste, Brazil, Kenya, Tanzania, India, USA, Norway and the UK. Tom is an Adjunct Principal Research Fellow in the Australian Rivers Institute within the Griffith University.
His pioneering work in the field of water planning was recognised by the Australia Day Council in awarding him a NRM Australia Day Medallion.
B.E. Civil (1st Class hons), MBA, FIEAust, MAICD