Craig Randazzo

Craig Randazzo is a huge supporter of the GTO sector having just finished ten years as CEO of Skillset, a large GTO based in the Central West of NSW. During his time at Skillset, Craig set up the region’s first Special Assistance High School, Skillset Senior College, catering for young people in years 10 to 12 who are unable to complete their schooling in a mainstream environment. The College now has two campuses, Bathurst and Dubbo and has graduated over 550 students since inception, and employs 49 specialist teachers and support staff.

His latest enterprise has seen him assisting the not-for-profit sector as Principal Consultant with For Purpose Consulting. Craig has tertiary qualifications in Psychology, Education and Management and is passionate about the life-changing power vocational education and skill development can bring to young people.

Dr Elizabeth Knight

Dr Lizzie Knight is currently the Director of the VET Workforce Analysis team at Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA). This team is managing JSA’s VET Workforce Blueprint National Actions project to support the Foundational National Actions of the VET Workforce Blueprint. The project builds on the work of the JSA VET Workforce Study, which identified the need for accurate and consistent workforce data to strengthen Australia’s skills system. Lizzie joined JSA in 2023 and worked on the Early Childhood Education and Care Capacity Study after working as an academic most recently at the Mitchell Institute, Victoria University.

Her career has focused on equity of access to and in VET and higher education, drawing on her work as VET trainer, higher education lecturer and EFL teacher. She holds a Cert IV TAE, PhD in Educational Sociology, is a qualified Australian Career Counsellor and has Masters and Bachelor Honours degrees with a post-compulsory education focus. Her PhD and academic publications investigated the provision of institutional information and support for transition into post-school education and has published widely including two recent books about young people and career development.

Katie Dean

Professor Arnold Dix

Professor Arnold Dix is hailed as a hero around the world. Professor Dix’s unwavering bravery and expertise in handling critical situations catapulted him into the biggest feel-good story of 2023, the rescue of 41 miners in the Silkyara Tunnel collapse in the Himalayan Mountains in India.

Our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese honoured his efforts in Federal Parliament describing him as a truly great Australian.

Arnold Dix is not only a world renown tunnel engineering expert, he’s a Barrister, scientist and humanitarian.

Professor Dix made a promise that 41 trapped miners would all come home safely and he delivered.

An incredible man with an incredible story, Professor Arnold Dix.

Trevor Gauld

Trevor Gauld has extensive experience in leadership and management, coupled with a strong focus on creating productive, fair and healthy workplaces. He is deeply passionate about the opportunity lifelong learning provides to working people and is a constant advocate for improving access to quality apprenticeships and training opportunities.

Throughout his career Trevor has worked across the electrical industry in power distribution and transmission, maintenance, and construction, firstly as a tradesperson and later, prior to his appointment to Jobs and Skills Australia, through advocating for electrical workers as National Assistant Secretary of the Electrical Trades Union.

Trevor has led numerous bodies in advising on skills, training, and worker’s rights. He has held numerous Board Directorships and committee positions, providing strategic advice on skills, training, worker entitlements, immigration and Australia’s trade agenda as well as detailed analysis of climate and clean energy policy.

Thomas Varendorff

Tom Varendorff is an Assistant Secretary at the Department of Employment and Workplace relations. He looks after the Apprenticeship Operations Branch, who deliver a range of apprenticeship programs, including:

• the Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System, which provides financial payments to assist apprentices and employers in key occupations, and includes the Group Training Organisation Reimbursement Pilot

• the Australian Apprenticeship Support Services, which via the Apprentice Connect Australia provider network, delivers a range of personalised services and supports to help apprentices and employers over the life of their apprenticeship, and

• the Australian Apprenticeship Support Loans, which assist apprentices with everyday costs while completing their apprenticeship.

Tom has worked in the Australian Public Service for almost 20 years across a range of areas, including industry, social services, health and child care policy. Tom started his career in the APS at the Department of Industry, Science and Resources.

Phil Loveder

Phil Loveder is the Executive Manager, Inform and Engage at the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) in Australia. The NCVER is Australia’s premier vocational education and training research and statistics agency.

Phil has almost 40 years’ experience in educational research, business development and in the commercialisation of knowledge-based services in VET and higher education. He has a particular interest in researching industry models of education and in the funding and financing of training. Phil was recently the lead expert for UNESCO’s Bridging Innovation and Learning in TVET New Qualifications and Competencies (NQC) policy project and was research leader of a major international study on measuring the enterprise returns to investment in training. He is also the regional coordinator of UNESCO’s UNEVOC program in the Pacific Island region.

He was formerly an adviser to the APEC integrated referencing project for skills recognition and mobility and consultant to the Indonesian Department of State Development (BAPPENAS) Labour Market Forecasting for Education Policy project. He was also lead facilitator of an Australian government funded management immersion program for senior research and analytics staff of the National Skills Research Division (NSRD) of the NSDA (New Delhi) and the Advanced Training Institute (ATI) in Hyderabad.

Phil has previous experience in evaluation and was formerly a consultant to the review of the Australian government’s National Partnership on Youth Attainment and Transitions (NPYAT) and the Reframing the Future e-VET project.

In addition, he maintains an interest in technology education and recently authored papers on vocational education and the innovation system, new qualifications and competencies and Apprenticeships and Industry 4.0.

Dr Rocco Guarnaccia

Rocco Guarnaccia has been actively engaged in the vocational education and training (VET) sector for over 30 years, serving as a teacher/trainer, manager, senior executive, and co-founder of a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Throughout his career, he has held roles across government (TAFE), university, private/corporate, and non-profit sectors, contributing to the development and delivery of VET programs.

In addition to his professional roles, Rocco has served on the Melbourne Graduate School of Education Research Committee and was a member of the Victorian State Committee for ACPET before its transition to ITECA.

His academic research includes work on advancing interprofessional cultural competence training in allied health programs at The University of Melbourne. He was also involved in the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program: ENLIVEN Policy Trial Review – Transition to Work Community of Practice with the Melbourne Graduate School of Education.

Rocco recently completed a Doctor of Education at The University of Melbourne, focusing on the organisational sustainability of commercial for-profit training providers within the VET sector. His research explored the pedagogical, governance, and business factors influencing the success or failure of training providers. He also holds a Master of Education, a Postgraduate Diploma of Education and Training, and a Bachelor of Education and Training from The University of Melbourne.

Currently, Rocco is the Director of Vocational Education and Training at VETASSESS, part of Bendigo Kangan Institute of TAFE. He is responsible for overseeing key areas such as Skills Recognition for Trades, Job Ready Workplace Assessment for Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) under the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), and various domestic and international VET projects. Additionally, he is a casual lecturer in the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne.

VETASSESS is Australia’s leading assessment-only Registered Training Organisation (RTO No. 21097), with over 25 years of experience delivering assessment services worldwide to individuals, training providers, industry groups, and government agencies. It assesses more than 360 professional and 27 trade occupations for individuals seeking skills assessment.

Mitchell Rigney

Jewellery making is the perfect union of creativity and dexterity, two things that Mitchell Rigney has in spades. Having a lifelong passion for art, Mitchell was excited when he was introduced to the world of jewellery, which allowed him to create wearable art that allows people to express themselves. From that moment, he knew his future lay in jewellery making. When not creating stunning works of art or studying new techniques, Mitchell enjoys restoring and maintaining pipe organs. These grand instruments contain thousands of small parts that work in unison to create beautiful music. Servicing these complicated machines is an almost meditative process for Mitchell and one that helps keep his fine motor skills sharp. Encouraged by colleagues who had participated before Mitchell has improved the quality of his work and strives to be the best in everything he does, including competing against 15 Jewellers from around the globe in Lyon to finished eighth with a Medallion for Excellence.

Shannon Ruska

Shannon is a spokesman of the Yuggera-Toorabul tribes of Brisbane City. For over 30 years he has translated his ancestral native culture to over 25 million people in Australia and around the world in America, Canada, China, Europe, New Zealand, Korea, Japan, Britain and more via live performance, television and live internet. As the Co-Owner and Director of Tribal Experiences Australia alongside his wife Kayleen from the Wakka Wakka, Kabi Kabi and Koa tribes they have driven a world class indigenous delivery agency boasting 800+ performances and projects a year along the east cost of Australia.

Trevor Schwenke

Trevor Schwenke is the Chief Executive Officer of WorldSkills Australia, bringing over 24 years of leadership experience across the vocational education and training (VET), higher education, school, and corporate sectors. His career began as a tradesman specializing in boilermaking and welding, and he holds qualifications in Engineering, Education, and Online Learning. Trevor has held key positions, including CEO and General Manager roles within the TAFE sector in both Queensland and Victoria. Trevor's involvement with WorldSkills Australia spans over three decades, during which he has served as a dedicated volunteer and board member. Appointed CEO in July 2019, he is passionate about promoting skills excellence and supporting individuals to achieve their best. Committed to fostering industry partnerships, Trevor emphasizes collaboration as essential for bridging the gap between training and employment. He actively encourages organizations to support the development of Australia's future skilled professionals.

The Hon. Andrew Giles MP

The Hon. Andrew Giles MP was first elected to the Australian Parliament as the member for Scullin in 2013 and currently serves as the Minister for Skills and Training in the Albanese Government.

Before coming to Parliament, Minister Giles advocated for workers’ rights as a solicitor specialising in employment law. Building on his work in law and justice, Minister Giles acted on behalf of the asylum seekers on the MV Tampa and worked in the Victorian Government.

Since joining the Australian Labor Party at 18 years old, Minister Giles has strongly campaigned for opportunity for all. As the member for Scullin, he continues this work by being a strong voice for the Northern Suburbs in Parliament.

Minister Giles is married to Dr Jillian Constable, and they have two children.

Harrison Field

Growing up, Harrison (Harry) had a natural urge to create things and could always be found making ad-hoc sculptures and structures with whatever materials he could get his hands on. So, when Harry left school at the end of year 10 to begin his training as a metal fabricator, his friends and family knew it would be a great fit and one that he’d thrive in. Since starting down that career path, Harry has already notched up several achievements, including winning Gold at the 2023 Nationals and being named Young Tradesperson of the Year at the 2023 New South Wales and ACT Welding Excellence Awards. Harry’s performance has already inspired his sister, who is currently completing a fitting and machining apprentice. When not working, Harry can be found racing his car around the track or on the soccer pitch – two sports in which he’s achieved significant successes. Harry’s competitive mindset and focus, along with his ability to learn form mistakes and remain clam during the heat of competition meant he was successful in competing against 38 global peers and secured a Bronze Medal.

Arline Dumazel

Arline Dumazel holds the position of the Director of Apprenticeships & Traineeships within the Department of Education. Her team leads strategic initiatives, policy, and programs that support apprentices, trainees, and their employers across NSW. They are also responsible for administering the NSW Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 and supporting the Regional Training Services team in fulfilling the Department’s obligations under the Act.

As an enthusiastic advocate for aligning industry skills and training needs with vocational education and training (VET) offerings, Arline focuses on creating partnerships and leveraging research, innovation, and technology to support pathways for achieving career goals and improving employment and economic outcomes.

Arline has held various senior roles in the vocational skills and training sector, including:

· VET sector governance and quality assurance

· Medical vocational education and training

· Small and micro business development

· Mentoring programs and equity measures supporting female entrepreneurs

She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney and an Executive Master of Public Administration from the Australian and New Zealand School of Government. Additionally, Arline has served on several not-for-profit boards, is a past member of the University of Sydney's Human Research Ethics Committee and is a graduate and current member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Sari Conte

When Sari Conte’s grandmother (or Nonna) immigrated to Australia from Reggio Calabria, Italy in 1957, she had big dreams of becoming a seamstress and making beautiful dresses. Unfortunately, as was common for the era, Nonna Conte gave up her small business aspirations to focus on her family – but her dream lives on through Sari, who is making waves as a young fashion designer. During her first four years of high school, Sari was awarded Dux – the student with the highest grades in the year. With the world at her fingertips, she decided to explore her sartorial sensibilities through the TAFE at Schools program. Sari found the experience so exciting and satisfying that she left school in Year 11 to start a Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Merchandising. While her career is just getting started, Sari has already achieved several successes, including selling one of her designs at the debut of her very first collection, and then seeing that design featured on the runway at the Brisbane Fashion Festival later that year. Sadly, Sari’s Nonna passed away just months before she won Gold at the Nationals in 2023 – a devastating loss that threw her training schedule into disarray. Determined to honour her Nonna’s life and legacy, Sari represented Australia at the WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, placing 16th out of 25 among the world’s best emerging fashion talents – a proud moment that reflects both her resilience and dedication to her craft.

Gabrielle Clift

Gabrielle completed a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology while working at Highfields Mechanical. Early in her career, she has already impressed many with her skills and knowledge of the industry. In 2020, she won Capricorn’s National Rising Star Award as well as MTA Institute’s Apprentice of the Year, that included the chance for 2 weeks of work experience with Triple Eight Race Engineering, which she undertook in 2022. Gabrielle impressed so much that she was asked to join the crew at the Bathurst 1000 and Gold Coast 500, and is now working for Triple Eight full-time.

Gabrielle is also a member of MTA Queensland’s Auto Women Mentor Team. “Between Auto Women, Autocare, MTA Queensland, and Capricorn events, I try to be involved in as many programs as possible. I want to show everyone that vocational education and training is a genuine and engaging career option,” Gabrielle says.

Gabrielle is excited to continue to spread the word about the benefits of working in the trade—and that there’s more than just being a “grease monkey.” Gabriella says that “There is so much more to the automotive industry than meets the eye, and we are constantly evolving.”

Claire Field

Claire is the Principal of Claire Field and Associates, an independent consulting practice offering advice across higher education, VET, international education, and GenAI/EdTech.

Claire previously held senior positions in education agencies in the NSW and Australian governments, as well as in the public, private and non-profit tertiary education sector.

In 2023 Claire was awarded the International Education Association of Australia’ (IEAA) Excellence in Professional Commentary Award. She is the host of the ‘What now? What next? Insights into Australia’s tertiary education sector’ podcast, and is undertaking a PhD at Torrens University Australia writing the history of the university’s first 10 years.

Claire will be presenting virtually at the NAEN 2025 Conference.

Sharon Robertson

Sharon is CEO of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, an industry owned and industry led organisation operating as the Jobs and Skills Council for the manufacturing sector. The Manufacturing Alliance works in partnership with industry, government, unions, employers and training providers to find solutions to the skills and workforce challenges industry faces.

With more than 20 years’ experience in senior roles within the manufacturing sector and the vocational and educational training system, Sharon understands the key challenges faced by industry, and the policy initiatives required to meet future workforce outcomes.

Julia Banks

Julia Banks is a leadership consultant and bestselling author, and an experienced executive corporate and board director, general counsel and nonexecutive director.

Julia has worked with global companies and Australian organisations, across industries, the private and public sectors and all levels of government. Julia has also served as a federal government and independent MP in the Australian Parliament.

Julia’s expertise is in leadership, power dynamics – personal power vs. positional power, safe, healthy, and respectful workplace cultures, diversity and inclusion, reputational management and governance.

Julia's current work is broad ranging: Keynote Speaker, ‘In Conversations’ with business leaders, panel work as Moderator, Facilitator, and MC of conferences, workshops and CEO and CxO roundtables. Julia also works 1-on-1 as an executive coach and mentor to individuals.

Julia's bestselling book ‘PowerPlay, breaking through bias barriers and boys’ clubs’, part memoir and resource guide, was nominated in the 2022 Australian Book Industry Awards, and she has another book in the pipeline.

Julia also regularly authors opinion pieces which have been published in The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, The Saturday Paper & The New Daily, has appeared in radio, television, and mainstream media interviews and various podcasts.

Julia’s broad experience across industries in the corporate and public workplace sectors, and all levels of government - has harnessed her deep understanding and ability to tailor and adapt her keynote speeches, panel discussions and “In Conversations” in industries ranging from the law, manufacturing, professional and finance services, IT, construction, retail, sport, research, media, academia and all levels of government.

Julia Banks graduated in Arts & Law from Monash University in Melbourne Australia, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a Fellow of the Australian Governance Institute.

Dianne Dayhew

Dianne Dayhew is the CEO of the National Apprentice Employment Network (or NAEN), the member body representing the network of group training organisations that employs some 25,000 apprentices and trainees around Australia.

Originally an educator in primary and tertiary education, Dianne also has a professional background in the arts and creative industries. Dianne commenced her career in Australian vocational education, training and employment in the mid-90s, matching trainees to host businesses for the arts and cultural industries.

Dianne worked with the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council for more than six years, initially running their NSW ITAB contract for construction and property services, and later as General Manager of Policy.

She established and managed three group training operations in both the arts and property services industries, and later worked with high profile organisations including SOCOG, SPOC (for the Paralympics) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, where she was a Senior Executive in the Human Resources Division.

Dianne commenced her CEO role with NAEN in late 2018. The Associations Forum awarded NAEN the 2021 External Campaign of the Year Award in recognition for effective campaigning for apprentice employment. Her advocacy work has led to regular news media appearances, and radio, online and print media interviews.

Warren Hill

As Executive Director – Training Products with HumanAbility, Warren leads the team responsible for developing and maintaining the national qualifications and skill sets for the early childhood education and care, community services, disability and aged care, health and sport and recreation sectors.

John Liddicoat

John Liddicoat is the Founder and CEO of Octossure, the complete compliance and quality management system built specifically for Australia’s Registered Training Organisations.

John’s twenty-plus years of evolving expertise across GTO’s, RTO’s, Australian apprenticeships, international education, Indigenous employment, community development programs and employment services have made him one of the most respected advisors in the VET sector.

John has Chaired the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) and the Apprentice Employment Network NSW ACT (AEN NSW & ACT) and remains actively involved with various VET sector businesses.

Drawing on his C-suite roles leading organisations through numerous acquisition, integration, and expansion activities, John has turned his focus toward the role of technology in VET and how it can positively transform the traditional VET paradigm.

He believes that intelligent adaptation of technology is paramount to achieve efficient change capability, improve outcomes for learners and industry, and increase the sustainability of VET providers, whilst delivering quality assurance for the Government.

Anthea Middelton

Anthea is the CEO for Powering Skills Organisation – a jobs and skills council looking into energy, gas and renewables. PSO is focused on industry workforce planning, engagement, and training sector enhancement. Anthea brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the role, with recent achievements including contributing future workforce skilling research for Australia’s electricity networks, electrotechnology contractors, and the Coal Seam Gas industry.

Natalie Turmine

Natalie Turmine is a highly accomplished executive with 30 years of leadership experience spanning workforce development and community impact. Her expertise encompasses leading organisations delivering workforce development, employment, disability, Indigenous initiatives, apprenticeships, labour hire, community programs, social enterprises, and vocational training across Australia.

As CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), she leads national skills and workforce planning for the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors. Natalie is also the Chair of the Australian Racing Drivers Club & Sydney Motorsport Park, Non-Executive Director of Hydrogen House Australia, State Councillor for Business NSW and sits on the NSW 24-Hour Economy Council.

With a career spanning numerous executive roles and board positions, Natalie is dedicated to fostering sustainable growth, innovation, business and workforce excellence.

Jo Waugh

Joanne has been a senior researcher with NCVER for five years, leading complex projects on a variety of topics including apprenticeships and student equity. She is a mixed methodology researcher with qualifications in applied linguistics and psychological science.

Joanne's previous VET work experience includes working in apprenticeship policy for the South Australian government, in training package development, and in content development and delivery for training providers.

Melinda Lees

With over 25 years of experience as a data analyst and researcher across both public and private sectors, Melinda brings expertise in evidence-based research and data-driven insights. She currently leads NCVER’s Advanced Data Analytics team, overseeing a portfolio of statistical projects—including longitudinal analysis of VET student pathways and outcomes. Previously, she managed NCVER’s Total VET Activity and VET in Schools national data collections and reporting.

Paul Walsh

Paul Walsh is the Chief Executive Officer of Industry Skills Australia, the Commonwealth appointed Jobs and Skills Council for the Transport and Logistics industries, comprising Rail, Maritime, Aviation, Transport and Logistics, Space Transport and Omni-Channel Logistics. He holds more than 30 years’ senior experience in transport and logistics, both as a company owner and as an employee.

A strong believer in the transformative power of skills development, and its ability to lift productivity and create better jobs, his role at Industry Skills Australia enables Paul to combine his two passions of industry and workforce development.

Paul is an accomplished leader with an extensive knowledge of Australia’s VET system and is highly respected by industry, unions, regulators and government stakeholders for his expertise, impartiality and high standards of professionalism.

He holds unapparelled experience in the design, negotiation and implementation of multilateral skills recognition frameworks across APEC, IORA and LATAM regions for the Transport, Logistics and Ports industries. He has also led the design and implementation of industry-led VET models for the transport and logistics industry in developing economies, such as Vietnam.

Through collaboration and a shared vision for a skilled and resilient supply chain workforce, Paul and his talented team at Industry Skills Australia are focused on working closely with leaders across industry, unions, and government to implement solutions to national workforce skills challenges.

Daniel Connell

Daniel Connell could easily be described as the ideal Aussie comedian; affable, loveable and hilarious. His observational, dry, often unanticipated comedy has seen him take to stages all over Australia.

Daniel has also performed in India, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Scotland.

Driven to further his career in comedy, Daniel moved to Melbourne in 2010 and quickly established himself in the local scene. In 2011 he performed in ‘The Comedy Zone’ at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (MICF), a line-up show of up and coming Australian comedians, hand picked by the festival.

Since then Daniel has performed a brand new hour of stand-up at 10 consecutive Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. He has also taken each show to every major Australian festival.

Daniel has made several TV appearances, performing on the ‘Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala’ (2017, 2019, 2021 & 2024), ‘Comedy Up Late’ (2018), and the ‘Opening Night Comedy Allstars Supershow’ (2022).

In 2023 Daniel took off on his first national tour, taking his sell-out show ‘I’m Always Sore’ right around Australia.

In 2024 Daniel takes his new show ‘Little Aussie Battler’ to every major Australian festival, and on a national tour.

Tom Emeleus

Tom Emeleus has held leadership roles in vocational training for over 20 years, with a focus on the Electrotechnology and Electrical Supply Industries. Tom currently manages the electrical industry’s GTO and RTO in NSW, QLD and the ACT and contributes on several state and national strategic industry boards, including as the current Deputy Chair of NAEN. Tom is a passionate advocate for Group Training and for engaging industry and government in VET to drive quality.

Bob Bowden

Bob has spent some 30 years as a journalist, government adviser and communications consultant.

He started as a reporter with the former Sydney Sun newspaper before moving to Canberra as Economics Correspondent for The Australian. He spent some 15 years working in the Canberra Press Gallery, including positions with SBS, ABC and 2UE.

He was press secretary to Prime Minister Bob Hawke and media adviser to former Labor Cabinet Minister Michael Lee.

He was the NSW General Manager of global PR firm IPR Shandwick, and established his own business in 2000. He has worked for clients across diverse areas including health, transport, telecommunications, defence, property, and vocational education and training.

Stuart Diepeveen

Stuart Diepeveen has spent over three decades in the electrical and apprenticeship training industry, starting out as an apprentice electrician himself. Today, he’s the General Manager of Electrical Group Training (EGT), WA’s largest employer of electrical apprentices. With a strong background in operations, governance, and workforce development, Stuart is passionate about creating real opportunities for apprentices and supporting the future of skilled trades. He’s an active member of industry boards and advisory groups and a proud life member of the National Apprentice Employment Network.

Paul Hillberg

Speaker bio will be available soon.

Andrew McCarthy

Andrew McCarthy - CEO of the Victorian Group Training Company (VGTC) and the Victorian State-appointed Director of the National Apprenticeship Employment Network (NAEN). With close to 20 years in the vocational education and training sector, Andrew is passionate about creating real opportunities through apprenticeships, traineeships, and strong industry partnerships.

Andrew’s focus is on building sustainable career pathways and advocating for policies that strengthen Australia’s skilled workforce

Sharon Smith

Sharon Smith was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Zeal Futures (formerly HVTC) in 2013, bringing a wealth of experience as a dynamic and influential leader across the utilities, regional development, education, and employment sectors spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.

She is a current Director and former Chair of the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN) representing NSW, reinforcing her commitment to advancing vocational education and training pathways across Australia through Group Training.

In addition to her leadership in education and workforce development, Sharon also has a role in advancing regional infrastructure and agricultural innovation. She is a current Independent Director on the Board of Coleambally Irrigation Co-operative Limited (CICL), supporting sustainable irrigated agricultural growth in the Riverina.

Kit McMahon

Kit is CEO of Women’s Health in the South East – a Women’s Health Service in Southern Metropolitan Melbourne that, through primary prevention, health promotion and gender equity, works to improve the health and wellbeing of women. She has implemented gender equality plans in TAFE, local government, tourism, and skills policy. She has over 20 years' experience in not for profits and has a background in skills and training policy.

Currently Kit is Chair of Tradeswomen Australia, Convenor of Women in Adult and Vocational Education and, Co-Chair of ICOS the Independent Collective of Survivor Advocates. She has also been, the Deputy Chair of Volunteering Australia and Deputy and Chair of the Women's Spirit Project. Kit was also the founding Chair of Victoria’s Peak organisation for Gender Equality – Gender Equity Victoria.

With qualifications in Arts (Hons), Master of Adult Education, an MBA and the AICD Company Directors Course, Kit also sits on a range of committees for primary health prevention and community development in the South East region ranging from the prevention of elder abuse, family violence, equality in labour and skills, and women’s health. Kit is currently lead of Training for Respect a Victorian State wide project to prevent workplace gendered violence in RTOs and TAFE, and has also lead projects to apply gender lens in vocational education and training curriculum practice and policy. Kit sat on the Industry Reference Group for the Review of Australian Apprenticeship Incentive System and, is currently on the Steering Committee of Jobs and Skills Australia Gender Economic Equality Study.

Dominic Alford

Dom Alford is a leader at The Men's Project, a part of Jesuit Social Services, engaging men and boys in masculinities and gender equality across a range of areas including sport, construction, workplaces, prisons and fatherhood. Dom has worked in the community services sector for over 15 years with extensive experience working with children and families and holds post-graduate qualifications in social work and leadership.

Prof Michael Flood

Prof Michael Flood is an internationally recognised researcher on men, masculinities, gender, and violence prevention. Flood has driven community and policy attention to the goal of fostering healthier and more gender-equitable lives for boys and men. His work has informed both the international development of this field and the practices and programs it adopts. Flood’s scholarship and public education are widely used and highly cited reference points for violence prevention work with men and boys. Flood’s work has shaped international policy and programming frameworks on men, gender and violence and standards for practice. Professor Flood is the author of Engaging Men and Boys in Violence Prevention (2019), co-author of Masculinity and Violent Extremism (2022) and Young Men’s Online Lives: cultivating critical digital dispositions towards gender justice (2025), and the lead editor of Engaging Men in Building Gender Equality (2015) and The International Encyclopedia of Men and Masculinities (2007). Michael has had a life-long involvement in advocacy in support of gender equality and social justice.

Ben Brown

Ben Brown is Head of Development at Essendon Football Club's AFLW program, having worked in women’s football since 2016. He is a former AFL Footballer, having played 175 games at the North Melbourne and Melbourne Football Clubs.

Ben is a passionate advocate for inclusion, gender equality and social justice, with a particular interest in the power of sport in bringing about positive social change. Over many years he has filled ambassadorial roles for organisations such as Our Watch, The Good Friday Appeal and Stand Up Events, an organisation working to combat sexual and gender discrimination in sport. He has also lent support to other organisations, including childhood cancer charity Challenge, Lend A Hand To Hugo, a charity supporting children on the autism spectrum, and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.Most importantly, Ben is a husband to Hester and a father to two daughters: Aila, 6, and Esme, 4.

Lauren Conceicao

Lauren Conceicao is the founder of Skills Frontier, a consultancy shaping the future of workforce strategy, skills policy and vocational education. With a career spanning executive roles in government, education and industry — including as Executive Director at TAFE NSW and former National Executive Officer of the National Apprentice Employment Network — Lauren has led high-stakes reform from the inside out.

Known for her clarity, systems thinking and ability to connect policy with real-world impact, she now partners with organisations across Australia and internationally to deliver insights that inform, influence and drive change. Her work with clients like Jobs and Skills Australia, the Department of Defence, and national training providers positions her at the forefront of skills system transformation.

Justine Hamilton

Justine Hamilton is 24 years old and grew up in a small town north of Gympie called Tiaro. Justine moved out of home at the age of 17 to pursue a university degree. After a year and a half of studying, Justine realised that university and the chosen career path weren't a good fit. On a whim, Justine applied to do a Cert II in electro technology and discovered a real passion for it. Justine has since secured an apprenticeship with Hunter Technical through East Coast Apprenticeships and absolutely loves it.

Kyla Kenyon

Kyla Kenyon is 21 years old currently in her third year of a Light Vehicle Mechanical Apprenticeship. In her downtime, Kyla likes going to the gym, spending time with friends and on occasion helps out Maisie Place Motorsports at race meets as pit crew.