Meet our Speakers

Govenment leadership Panel

CHIEf Minister andrew Barr MLA

Andrew Barr is a long-serving political leader with deep roots in Canberra and a strong focus on progressive policy and economic reform. With extensive experience across key portfolios including planning, education, housing and treasury, he brings practical insight into city-building, infrastructure and inclusive growth. His leadership has helped position Canberra as a forward-thinking, globally recognised city, with a clear focus on sustainability, innovation and creating vibrant, liveable communities for the future.

Steph Cook MP

Steph Cooke is a dedicated regional leader with a strong commitment to advocating for rural and regional communities. With a background spanning business, community engagement and public service, she brings practical insight into the challenges and opportunities facing regional areas. Her hands-on approach, deep local knowledge and focus on delivering real outcomes reflect a clear drive to support resilient communities, strengthen essential services and ensure regional voices are heard.

HON DR Andrew Leigh MP

Andrew Leigh is an economist, author and public policy leader with a strong focus on productivity, inequality and economic reform. With a background in academia and government, he brings deep expertise in evidence-based policy and the role of competition, innovation and community in shaping stronger economies. His work explores how thoughtful policy design can improve fairness and opportunity, offering an informed perspective on building a more inclusive and resilient future.

the next phase of regional innovation & Industrial Growth

PROF Hon BILL Shorten

Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra

   Keynote speaker

Bill Shorten brings a rare combination of national leadership experience, policy insight and a strong commitment to education-driven regional growth. With deep experience spanning politics, advocacy and higher education, Bill offers valuable insight into leadership, reform and the future of regional Australia

EDWINA beveridge

Director Blantyre Farms

   Panelist

Edwina Beveridge is a progressive agricultural leader combining business expertise with sustainable farming innovation at Blantyre Farms near Young. Her practical experience in renewable energy, waste reduction and regional food production makes her a compelling voice on the future of sustainable agriculture in regional Australia.

   Panelist

Petr adamek

CEO Canberra Innovation Network

Petr Adamek is a leading voice in innovation and entrepreneurship, bringing more than 20 years of international experience in building startup ecosystems and driving economic growth. Petr’s practical, systems-based approach offers valuable insight into how regions can foster innovation, support emerging businesses and create lasting social and economic impact.

Building the Regional Workforce of the Future

Dr Nigel Palmer

Keynote Speaker

Dr Nigel Palmer brings extensive expertise in skills, education and workforce policy, with more than 20 years’ experience connecting industry and tertiary education. In his role with Business NSW, he offers valuable insight into how education and training can better meet the needs of regional employers and communities.

Senior Policy Manager, Business NSW

Jason Darney

Panelist

andrew edwards

Jason Darney is a respected vocational education leader with a strong track record in building workforce capability across regional communities. His practical expertise in designing responsive training pathways, combined with a deep commitment to community engagement and culturally safe learning environments, makes him a compelling speaker on developing future-ready workforces and driving long-term regional prosperity.

Panelist

Andrew Edwards is a workforce and skills specialist with deep expertise in Australia’s transition to a net zero economy. With a strong background in workforce analysis and policy development, he brings practical insight into emerging skills needs, transition pathways for workers in fossil fuel sectors, and innovative approaches to training delivery.

Director, Jobs & Skills Australia

A/Chief Student & Community Officer, TAFE NSW

Panelist

matthew ralph

Matthew Ralph is an experienced workforce training leader with a strong focus on building skills in the transport and construction industries. Matt’s practical expertise spans driver and plant operator training, workforce development and continuous improvement, while his active involvement in community engagement and career pathway promotion makes him a valuable voice on developing skilled, job-ready workforces in regional Australia.

Training Manager, Divalls Earthmoving and Bulk Haulage

Regional Investment Ready – now, next, later

Brendan Smyth

Keynote Speaker

Brendan Smyth brings extensive experience in government, economic development and international engagement. His broad perspective across business, education and government positions him as a trusted authority on building strong partnerships and driving economic opportunity.

Commissioner for International Engagement Office - ACT Government

paul west

Panelist

David Lillo-Trynes is a passionate advocate for regional innovation, focused on strengthening connections between founders, investors and ecosystem leaders. With a background in global partnerships and technology, he brings practical insight into scaling innovation, applying data-driven solutions and building trusted networks that unlock opportunity for regional economies.

Panelist

Will Kanavan

Paul West is a passionate advocate for growing, cooking and sharing food, with a strong focus on connecting people to community and country. With a background spanning media, education and hands-on horticulture, he brings practical insight into sustainable living, backyard food production and the power of local networks.

Panelist

William Kanavan is an experienced energy and infrastructure specialist with a strong background in offshore operations, marine construction and port logistics. His focus on connecting offshore energy, renewables and supply chains highlights the significant opportunity for regional hubs to drive future growth and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

Managing Director, Pentarch Offshore Solutions

Co-Founder, Grow It Local

Dave Lillo-Trynes

Co-Founder, Invest Rural

Vibrant Populations & Liveability

Brad Cam

Keynote Speaker

Brad Cam is a highly experienced local government leader with a strong commitment to regional development and community outcomes. His extensive governance experience and long-standing involvement in key regional organisations reflect a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional Australia, and a clear focus on driving positive, lasting impact.

General Manager, Mid-Western Regional Council & Chairman for Housing Plus

Jennifer Macquarie

Panelist

Professor Jacki Schirmer

Jennifer Macquarie is an experienced property and housing leader with a strong focus on delivering diverse, sustainable housing solutions in regional communities. Her work spans both private development and not-for-profit governance, alongside active community leadership, reflecting a holistic approach to housing, local economies and long-term regional wellbeing.

Panelist

Professor Jacki Schirmer is a leading researcher in environmental governance and regional wellbeing, with a strong focus on the social dimensions of resilience in rural communities. She brings extensive sight into how factors such as natural resource management, climate events and connectivity shape community wellbeing. Her expertise highlights the critical link between environment, health and liveability, offering an evidence-based perspective on building stronger, more resilient regional communities.

Director, WellRes Unit, Health Research Institute – University of Canberra

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President, Robertson Business Chamber

Panelist

ashlee berry

Ashlee Berry is an experienced advocate and leader with a strong background in the property and construction sectors. With expertise spanning law, industry representation and policy, she brings practical insight into planning, housing and the critical role of investment in shaping thriving communities. Her experience working closely with industry and government positions her to drive meaningful conversations around place-making, economic growth and the future development of the Capital Region.

ACT & Capital Region Executive Director, Property Council of Australia