190 Elizabeth St
Brisbane City QLD 4000
NESA National Conference | 8 - 9 August 2018 | Hilton Hotel Brisbane
Inspiring Progress
Building resilience and agility through focussed leadership
Who Should Attend
This conference has something for everyone in the employment services sector! Delegates will have the opportunity to attend plenary and workshop sessions that explore current issues, global trends and the broader policy environment shaping the sector. The programme will be relevant to all employment services.

"The NESA conference was a positive experience that allowed me to feel a sense of industry inclusion and recognition. This confidence will prompt me to explore new ideas and challenge my comfort zone."
- 2017 Conference Delegate
Our Event Speakers
Plenary Speakers

THE HON JANE PRENTICE MP
Assistant Minster for Social Services and Disability Services

THE HON ED HUSIC MP
Shadow Minister for Employment Services, Workforce Participation and Future of Work, Shadow Minister for the Digital Economy

SENATOR THE HON ZED SESELJA
Assistant Minister for Social Services and Disability Services

SIR BILL ENGLISH
Sir Bill English served in the New Zealand Parliament from his election in 1990 representing rural Southland until February 2018.
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Sir Bill English
Sir Bill English served in the New Zealand Parliament from his election in 1990 representing rural Southland until February 2018. Born in Lumsden in 1961 and educated at St Patrick’s College Silverstream he studied Commerce at the University of Otago and English Literature at Victoria.
As Prime Minister and Finance Minister, he oversaw one of the fastest-growing economies in the developed world, steering New Zealand through the Global Financial Crisis and the Christchurch earthquakes and returning the Government’s books to surplus.
He also focused on tackling New Zealand’s toughest social problems, including inequality, welfare dependence and the educational under achievement of Maori and Pasifika children, aiming to give all New Zealanders the best chance of succeeding.
Bill is a Director of Wesfarmers and a Consultant for commercial, government and not for profit clients.
He is married to Mary, a GP, and they have six children.

Mike Symonds - MC
"Highly engaging, practical and fun!" Mike Symonds is a playful and engaging Keynote Speaker and Corporate MC who will educate, inspire and entertain you.
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Mike Symonds
An engaging MC, Mike Symonds educates, energises and inspires his audience.
A former pioneer of corporate team building events, Mike’s reputation is a person who is “Highly engaging, practical and fun!”
Mike’s interactive team experiences are focused on building positive relationships fast by allowing people’s ‘true spirit’ to shine. His unique ability is to show what is possible and how easy it is to create a environment of choice, heightened morale and improved staff performance.
Mike will inject energising fun and engaging activities at key moments during the day.

rOWENA mCnALLY
Independent Chair
NESA
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Rowena McNally
APPOINTED: 16 FEBRUARY 2016
Qualifications
Bachelor of Law, Fellow, Australian Institute of Company Directors, Fellow, Institute of Managers and Leaders, Fellow, Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia (now Resolution Institute)
Special Responsibilities
Independent Chair of NESA
Chair of NESA Audit and Risk Management Committee
Member of NESA Audit and Risk Management Committee
Experience
Rowena has over 20 years of experience as a board chair and director, including as a past Chair of Mount Isa Water Board, Catholic Health Australia, the Institute of Arbitrators and Mediators Australia and Cerebral Palsy League Queensland. Rowena is currently the Deputy Chair of Lasallian Mission Council and a Director of North West Hospital & Health Service. She has also served on/chaired numerous Board committees

Sally Sinclair
CEO
NESA
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Sally Sinclair
Sally Sinclair is the CEO of the National Employment Services Association, the peak body for the Australian employment and related services sector. Sally has been instrumental in informing key stakeholders both domestically and internationally on addressing employment and inclusion challenges including strengthening the integration of employment, education and training, and increasing employment of disadvantaged job seekers including Indigenous job seekers, people with disability, long term unemployed, youth and mature aged.
Sally has over three decades of domestic and international expertise in the design, development and delivery of employment and related services. Her experience spans the not for profit and for profit sectors, as well as numerous government appointments and industry expert groups. Among her expert roles, Sally is a member of the Minister’s National Disability and Carers Advisory Council (NDCAC), is Chair of the NDCAC Employment Reform Working Group, was a member of the Australian Government’s Welfare Reform Reference Group, the G20 Civil Society 20 (C20) Steering Committee, and chaired the C20 Inclusive Growth and Employment Working Group. Sally is a member of the OECD LEED Programme’s Forum on Local Development Practitioners, Entrepreneurs, and Social Innovators and is an expert advisor to the OECD LEED Programme’s Employment and Skills Strategies in Southeast Asia (ESSSA) initiative.
Sally holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Melbourne, majoring in neuropsychology.

ANDREW GRIFFITHS
Andrew is a global commentator covering innovative business, customer connection and entrepreneurialism.
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Andrew Griffiths
Andrew is a global commentator covering innovative business, customer connection and entrepreneurialism. Andrew has worked with over 200 organisations globally and has been a member of Richard Branson’s team at the Financial Education Summit and in 2012 he presented at the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table event in Los Angeles.

Professor Kristy Muir
CEO Centre for Social Impact (CSI) and member of UNSW Sydney’s Council
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Professor Kristy Muir
CEO, Centre for Social Impact
Professor Kristy Muir is the CEO of the Centre for Social Impact (CSI), a Professor of Social Policy at UNSW Sydney, an elected member of UNSW Sydney’s Council, and a non-executive director of ARACY. She has worked for more than two decades with for-purpose organisations to help understand, measure, and find innovative solutions to complex social problems.
Kristy has worked with dozens of not-for-profit, corporate and philanthropic organisations, as well as government, to help improve social impact. She has won more than $12m in research funding; has published widely in academic journals and popular media, and works closely with industry partners to increase their social impact.
Kristy was formerly CSI’s Research Director, the Associate Dean (Research) for the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and the Director of the Disability Studies and Research Centre at UNSW Sydney. She has a PhD in social history, is a graduate of the AICD and, previously worked in the not-for-profit sector.

Michael McQueen
A multi-award winning speaker, trend forecaster and six-time bestselling author.
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Michael McQueen
Michael McQueen is a bestselling author and future trends analyst, helping organisations and leaders in Winning the Battle for Relevance.
Michael McQueen understands what it takes to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Having dedicated the last ten years to tracking the dominant trends shaping society, business and culture, he has helped some of the world’s best-known brands navigate change and stay in front of the curve.
Michael has written 4 bestselling books. His first book The ‘New’ Rules of Engagement focuses on strategies for leading and connecting with Generation Y. His newest release Momentum is a revealing look at what happens when a business gets stuck in a rut and inspiration evaporates – and what can be done to turn it around.
As a speaker, Michael is known for his compelling, humorous and practical presentations. He provides audiences with powerful insights into what the future holds and how businesses and leaders can ride the waves of change rather than being engulfed by them. Michael’s sessions are highly tailored to ensure that every audience member leaves equipped with a clear action plan for maintaining relevance, vitality and momentum within their business or team.
In addition to being a regular commentator on TV and radio, Michael is a familiar face on the international conference circuit having shared the stage with the likes of Bill Gates, Whoopi Goldberg and Larry King.

Kathy Kelly
Kathy’s story isn't just about loss and immense grief, it's about resilience and courage and the determination to stand up and change a broken system.
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Kathy Kelly
“Our first instinct is to switch off to stories of unimaginable tragedy, particularly when you’re a parent. It’s much easier to pretend that nothing bad will ever happen. But it does. Kathy Kelly’s story isn’t just about loss and immense grief. It’s about resilience finding the courage and determination to stand up and change a broken system.”
DAY 1 - Workshop Presenters

Chris Kerr
Recipient of the 2003 Centenary Medal for service to the disabled community WA Disability Services Commission "Count Me In" Mid-West Ambassador
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Chris Kerr
Chris was the recipient of the 2003 Centenary medal for service to the disabled community and is the WA Disability Services Commission “Count Me In” Mid-West Ambassador.
She has a wealth of experience in the Human Services and private sectors.
She has had a long-term involvement in the TAFE, labour market and disability sectors with a focus on human rights, social inclusion and disability inclusive development.
She divides her time between working as the Operations Manager with ATLAS, a recreation inclusion program in the Midwest of Western Australia, consults with Transition Management in the areas of training, organisational development, leadership and disability awareness, and has recently taken on a role as a Producer with ABC Radio Midwest and Wheatbelt.
Chris advocates for fair inclusion of all people in every aspect of community. She believes in building dynamic, proactive welcoming communities that value diversity.
Her Board positions past and present include, the Mid West Development Commission, WA Disability Services Commission, St John of God hospital Advisory committee, and National Disability and Carers Advisory Council.

Peter De Natris
Strategic Advisor at National Disability Insurance Agency
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Peter De Natris
Peter De Natris, from Scheme Design was also awarded a Public Service Medal (PSM) for his work in disability reform in NSW.
Peter is an Executive Director with the NDIA. He has held various roles within the education and human services sectors with the Victorian, Commonwealth and NSW Governments. He has taken the lead in seeking to transform the aspirations of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and the FACS Living My Life My Way framework into a practical and deliverable reality. He has led a number of initiatives to increase the employment options for young people with a disability, supporting them in leaving school and transitioning into employment and aspiring to a life of economic participation through career planning.
Peter says, “It is exciting to be working on the NDIS and towards the vision of a truly inclusive Australia for people with disability.
“The PSM is something I acknowledge and am a little humbled by; the award is really a representation of all the work of so many people in New South Wales who have supported innovative reform work in the area of disability and for people who are marginalised often without a voice.”

Teresa Pilbeam
National Coordinator Early Days and Indigenous Liaison Programs
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Teresa Pilbeam
Teresa’s professional background includes 25 years in the education sector and her studies highlight her interest in the education of children with disabilities. Teresa’s current role as the National Coordinator Early Days and Indigenous Liaison Programs is complemented by her social sector participation as a board director of a disability and therapy service provider, consumer consultant for Queensland Health, and a carer representative member of the Queensland Carer Advisory Council, and the National Disability and Carer Advisory Council.
Teresa’s skill set includes extensive board experience and a knowledge of current state, national and global trends relevant to sustaining and growing organisations within the disability sector to be responsive to the needs of persons with disability and their carers.

SEAN ARMISTEAD
General Manager - Indigenous and Community Engagement at Sodexo
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Chris Kerr
Chris was the recipient of the 2003 Centenary medal for service to the disabled community and is the WA Disability Services Commission “Count Me In” Mid-West Ambassador.
She has a wealth of experience in the Human Services and private sectors.
She has had a long-term involvement in the TAFE, labour market and disability sectors with a focus on human rights, social inclusion and disability inclusive development.
She divides her time between working as the Operations Manager with ATLAS, a recreation inclusion program in the Midwest of Western Australia, consults with Transition Management in the areas of training, organisational development, leadership and disability awareness, and has recently taken on a role as a Producer with ABC Radio Midwest and Wheatbelt.
Chris advocates for fair inclusion of all people in every aspect of community. She believes in building dynamic, proactive welcoming communities that value diversity.
Her Board positions past and present include, the Mid West Development Commission, WA Disability Services Commission, St John of God hospital Advisory committee, and National Disability and Carers Advisory Council.

Lindsey Ricker
OECD - Policy Analyst, LESI Programme (Local Employment, Skills and Social Innovation)
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Lindsey Ricker
Based in France, Lindsey is a policy analyst at the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Within the Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) of the OECD, Lindsey primarily assesses employment and skills outcomes of Indigenous People in Australia and Canada. Previously, she worked in the Education and Skills Directorate at the OECD on Inclusive Growth and Equity initiatives including a project measuring educational outcomes for Indigenous People in Australia, Canada and New Zealand.
Lindsey holds a Master’s degree in Human Rights and Humanitarian Action from Sciences Po. During her graduate studies, she also worked at the Greek Delegation to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Before studying in Paris, Lindsey spent 18 months as a Lumos Travel Award grantee in Cape Town working at the South African Human Rights Commission and the Entrepreneurship Centre of the Tertiary School for Business Administration.
Lindsey hails from Tennessee in the United States, where she obtained her Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship at Belmont University.

JODY HAMILTON
Lead Facilitator and Founder at LIFT Social Enterprise - I LIFT, You LIFT, We LIFT
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Jody Hamilton
Jody Hamilton is the Lead Facilitator for LIFT Social Enterprise and Director of JMP Consulting, with 20 years’ experience working in the areas of employment and economic development, including 12 years as a senior executive in organisations in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Jody and the whole LIFT team draw on experiences in strategy, management and operations in economic and social development, where they have primarily worked in the areas of youth, Maori and Indigenous employment. In her spare time, Jody wrangles her six-year-old son Paimako and tries to guide her 21-year-old daughter Moana as she navigates her way into the world of work.

Patrick Herd
Principal Consultant Community Business Australia
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Patrick Herd
For more than 25 years Patrick Herd has specialised in guiding organisational growth across the employment, education, disability, aged and community care sectors.
Patrick is Principal Consultant of Community Business Australia. Patrick and his team of specialist consultants take a hands-on approach to assisting Boards, CEOs and Managers to move through significant industry or cultural change.
His expertise encompasses the facilitation of strategy development, organisational reviews, good governance, training and coaching of Boards, mentoring of CEOs and Managers in the workplace.
By placing a very high emphasis on facilitation and collaborative people processes, Patrick has developed a unique ability to engage with key stakeholders to assist them to “own and operate” their vision and their organisation’s desired future.

Kristine Salgado
Managing Principal – FINPRO Marsh Pty Ltd
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Kristine Salgado
After graduating Monash University with majors in Finance, Genetics and Zoology, like many others Kristine fell into insurance. She commenced her insurance career in 2009 under a graduate program with a global broking organisation, gaining experience across corporate, commercial and financial lines divisions.
Kristine began specialising in financial lines in 2010, managing a portfolio of complex renewals consisting of large private and publicly listed organisations and undertaking responsibility for strategic management of client relationships at a senior level.
Kristine specialises in Directors and Officers and Professional Indemnity insurance. In recent years this has also expanded to specialisation in Cyber insurance, and Kristine has strong experience in all facets of broking this product class including placement, establishment of facilities and technical wording reviews.

Paul Maguire
Principal, Maguire Consulting HR and Industrial Relations Risks
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Paul Maguire
Paul Maguire, (B. Com, Grad Dip Labour Relations Law) is the Director of Maguire Consulting, a business consultancy service specialising in employee relations’ advice, research and business development. Paul has been a trusted adviser to NESA and the employment services industry since 2000. Amongst his achievements has been overseeing the making of the modern Labour Market Assistance Industry Award at the Fair Work Commission, managing Employee Relations Online, the industry workplace relations advice service, and conducting the bi-annual National Survey of Remuneration and HRM Performance. Paul is also the author of HR for small business for Dummies. His business has a national focus advising and representing businesses throughout Australia.

TY EMERSON
Branch Manager, Job Seeker Participation and Compliance Branch
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Ty Emerson
Ty Emerson is Branch Manager, Job Seeker Participation and Compliance in the Department of Jobs and Small Business. He leads a Branch with national responsibility for job seeker activation, the targeted compliance framework, Mature Age participation and the design and implementation of a range of job seeker participation measures.
Ty holds a Master of Public Administration from the Australian National University, Post Graduate Diplomas in Rehabilitation Counselling and Professional Development Education and a BA (Psychology). He has worked in a range of social, education and employment policy and program areas for over 30 years, including 10 years as a Senior Executive in the Australian Public Service.

DANIELLE WILLIAMS
Assistant Director Job seeker Participation & Compliance Branch
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Danielle Williams
Danielle joined the Department in 2011 and is currently leading the Job Seeker Compliance Team in the Department of Jobs and Small Business.
Danielle played a key role in the introduction of the Targeted Compliance Framework, working from the initial stages of the policy development to the operational design of the IT System. In recent months she has also assisted in developing and delivering TCF Training to providers across Australia.

CHRIS NEWMAN
Director Asia Pacific ArcBlue
Chris Newman
INDUSTRY EXPERIENCE
State government, Local government
FOCUS
Procurement Transformation, Social Procurement, Program Management, Facilitation, Capability Development
YEARS EXPERIENCE
Over 18 years’ experience in Senior Management roles
Chris Newman is a Director of ArcBlue, one of the Asia-Pacific Region’s fastest growing procurement consultancy, analytics, and training organisations. One of ArcBlue’s key areas of expertise and experience is in social procurement, where Chris has been a leader over the last decade.
Key social procurement activity that Chris has played a leadership role in includes:
- The delivery of social procurement and workforce development strategies and solutions on current major infrastructure projects in Victoria and NSW, working with Government and with major suppliers.
- The development and implementation of the social procurement strategy across the Geelong Regional GROW Program over the last 4 years, working with over 70 organisations to maximise the local economic and social impact from their procurement.
- The establishment in 2018 of the GROW Gippsland Program designed to address significant economic challenges and unemployment across the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.
- Support for the development of key Government policies, including the Victorian Government’s new Social Procurement Framework, and the Transport for NSW Social Procurement Workforce Policy and Guidance; and
- Delivery of Social Procurement Training for over 400 people across Australasia
As a consultant and trainer, Chris has presented at State, National and International Conferences and worked with a range of public and private sector clients across Australia and New Zealand on social procurement development and training programs.

Professor John Mendoza
Director, ConNetica Adjunct Professor, Health and Sport Science, University of Sunshine Coast Adjunct Associate Professor, Medicine, Sydney University
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Professor John Mendoza
Led by Director and Adjunct Professor John Mendoza, inaugural chair of the National Mental Health Advisory Council and Chief Executive Officer of the Mental Health Council, ConNetica has a wealth of experience in mental health and suicide prevention in Australia.
ConNetica is a known and reputable national and international thought leader in the areas of primary health, mental health, suicide prevention and human services.
Our well earned reputation is evident by our team’s related national and international consulting assignments, frequent sought advice to commonwealth, state and local governments and academic institutions, membership of various professional “think tank” networks, chairing of Maroochydore Headspace, Masters Level Mental Health Leadership and Suicide Prevention Masters Programs, leading mental health and suicide research, highly regarded ConNetica workplace and community training programs and national mental health forums.

DR Kylie Henderson
Founder and Managing Director Back2Work
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Dr Kylie Henderson

Kerryn Kovacevic
A/g Group Manager Employment Systems Group Department of Jobs & Small Business
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Justine Galke
Justin is currently the Director for DES Reform Policy, Transition and ICT. He is developing the policy and how it is operationalised following the Australian Government’s Budget announcement to reform Disability Employment Services. This work also includes setting the arrangements for a smooth transition to DES from 1 July 2018. With 18 years of experience in the Australian Public Service, Justin has primarily worked in employment-related areas. This includes more than four years in DES performance and policy roles. In 1999, Justin began his APS career as an IT developer responsible for designing and building the IT platforms for Job Network. Later, amongst other employment related roles, he managed Job Services Australia performance.

Peter Broadhead
Branch Manager – DES Department of Social Services

Justin Galke
Director DES Reform Policy, Transition and ICT
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Justine Galke
Justin is currently the Director for DES Reform Policy, Transition and ICT. He is developing the policy and how it is operationalised following the Australian Government’s Budget announcement to reform Disability Employment Services. This work also includes setting the arrangements for a smooth transition to DES from 1 July 2018. With 18 years of experience in the Australian Public Service, Justin has primarily worked in employment-related areas. This includes more than four years in DES performance and policy roles. In 1999, Justin began his APS career as an IT developer responsible for designing and building the IT platforms for Job Network. Later, amongst other employment related roles, he managed Job Services Australia performance.

EMMA HILL
Director, Mature Age Programs Team
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Emma Hill
Emma is the Director of the Mature Age Programs Team in the Department of Jobs and Small Business. Her team is responsible for managing the Career Transition Assistance Trial and national rollout of the program.
Emma joined the Department in 2008 following several years working in the employment services industry. Emma has worked in a number of different roles across the Department including five years in the job seeker compliance team and more recently as Departmental Liaison Officer in the Minister for Employment’s office.

Jodie WEARNE
Branch Manager Incentives and Investments Branch
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Jodie Wearne
Jodie is Branch Manager of the Incentives and Investments Branch in the Department of Jobs and Small Business. The Branch is responsible for initiatives that improve employment outcomes through support to get a job or through self-employment and entrepreneurship. Jodie has previously held senior roles in The Treasury working on taxation policies for small business, not-for-profits and startups.
Jodie has also held executive roles in labour market policy, structural adjustment and industry strategies and has worked on a number of Federal Budgets and OECD projects relating to policies that address the impact of economic change on vulnerable people. Jodie has also held various roles in the private sector. Jodie holds a Master of International Studies from the University of London.

Derek Stiller
Branch Manager Employment Services Reporting and Analysis Branch
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Derek Stiller
Derek is the Branch Manager, Employment Services Reporting and Analysis Branch, in the Department of Jobs and Small Business.
Derek has been in the department since 2003 and has held a range of different roles relevant to employment services. The Reporting and Analysis Branch is responsible for monitoring and analysing the performance of employment services, including through the Star Ratings and the Post-Programme monitoring surveys.

Helen Boyle
Acting Director Job Seeker Eligibility and Services Assessment Services and Outcomes Branch

CRAIG WATERSON
Senior Adviser
Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet

CHLOE BIRD
Assistant Secretary Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet Community and Economic Development Division
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Chloe Bird
Chloë Bird is an Assistant Secretary within the Community Development and Economic Division of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, where she leads the Community Development Programme Strategy Branch. In this position, Chloë is responsible for leading strategic policy for the Government’s remote employment and participation service in the Community Development Programme. In this role, Chloë is working to improve employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in remote areas.
Chloë previously worked with the Department of Home Affairs, where she was most recently responsible for development of policy to transform Australia’s visa system to make it easier to understand, easier to navigate and more responsive to Australia’s economic, social and security interests. Chloë has held a variety of leadership roles in key operational and policy areas over a 15 year public service career. She has undergraduate degrees in Asian Studies and Arts, and a Masters degree in Government and Commercial Law.

Sandra McPhee AM
Independent Chair Employment Services Expert Advisory Panel

Martin Hehir
Deputy Secretary Department of Jobs and Small Business

Nicholas Dowie
Branch Manager Department of Jobs and Small Business Active Labour Market Assistance 2020

Chris D’Souza
Director
NDIS Market Oversight Branch
Department of Social Services
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Chris D'Souza
Chris is a Director in the NDIS Market Oversight Branch. Chris has experience in Government disability services and employment services, including working on Disability Employment Services Policy, Australian Disability Enterprises and disability advocacy. Chris is currently looking at policies that enable a vibrant NDIS market, including how demands for the expected growth in the NDIS workforce will be met.

Malcolm Greening
Assistant Secretary of the Industry, Regional and International Strategies Branch

Nisette Anderson
Director, Regional Policy in the Department of Jobs and Small Business, Industry, Regional & International Strategy Branch

Ali Jalayer
Assistant Secretary Department of Jobs and Small Business Specialist Programmes Branch, Youth and Programmes Group

CRAIG DUNKELD
Senior Advisor, Business Development
Department of Jobs and Small Business

sarah clough
Assistant Secretary, Employment Branch
Department of Jobs and Small Business
DAY 2 - Workshop Presenters

Dr Vinita Godinho
General Manager Advisory
Good Shepherd Microfinance
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Dr Vinita Godinho
In her role as the GM of Advisory at GSM, Vinita advises the government, industry, academia and civil society, on evidence-based approaches to enable people on low incomes to realise ‘economic mobility’ (i.e. move away from financial crisis and hardship towards stability and income generation) and ‘financial resilience’ (i.e. recover from financial shocks).
Drawing on her extensive professional background as a senior banker and business owner, she excels in the co-design and implementation of holistic and user-centred solutions, harnessing collaborative synergies across multiple sectors to promote financial inclusion, financial wellbeing and resilience for vulnerable Australians.

Sara Parrott
Executive Manager Corporate Responsibility
Suncorp
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Sara Parrott
As a corporate affairs professional, Sara has more than twenty years’ experience in corporate responsibility, stakeholder relations, communication and marketing, with both corporate and community organisations, holding staff and board positions.
Sara recently became Executive Manager of Suncorp Group’s new corporate responsibility function, leading the development of environmental and social responsibility strategy group-wide.
Previously, Sara worked for resources giant Xstrata, global investment firm Babcock & Brown and accounting firm Ernst & Young, leading the implementation of sustainability policy, social impact management, stakeholder engagement and community investment at regional, national and global levels.
Sara has held executive and management roles in the community sector in advocacy, communications and marketing with Australia’s largest social enterprise and childcare provider Goodstart Early Learning, international development agency TEAR Australia and the human services agency Uniting Church Queensland.
Sara is on the Board of Climate KIC Australia, the National Steering Group of LBG Australia New Zealand and the Queensland Steering Committee of the Social Impact Measurement Network Australia.
Sara volunteers her professional skills in Australia and overseas to support international relief and development agencies. She is a proud alumni of QUT, and holds Bachelor of Business-Management and a Master of Business-Marketing.

Dr Abigail Powell
Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Social Impact
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Dr Abigail Powell
Dr Abigail Powell is a Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Research Director at the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW. She is a leading researcher in equality and social policy, with a passion for social justice. Abigail is an expert in the gender division of labour (in the home and workplace), youth studies and complex evaluation and impact measurement. Abigail also has a keen interest in organisational governance, leadership, collaboration and workforce capacity in the social purpose sector. Abigail has attracted research income over $3million in these areas, working with, and delivering research for government, not-for-profits and industry. This includes National Australia Bank (NAB), Macquarie Group Foundation, Homelessness NSW, the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission, the Fair Work Commission, Department of Immigration and Citizenship, Good Shepherd Microfinance, headspace and beyondblue. Abigail has published widely in sociology, social sciences, management and industrial relations journals, as well as producing accessible publications, such as The Travel Companion: Your guide to working with others for social outcomes.

Maria Smith
Founder and CEO
Bounce Australia
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Maria Smith
With a strong focus on personal and professional development, Maria’s company, Bounce, has rapidly expanded, into a thriving International Company; delivering a huge range of programs in not only Australia but New Zealand and America as well.
Maria’s background in Neurolinguistic Programming, Social Science, Positive Psychology, Emotional Intelligence, Training and Assessment means that the educational and motivational content is developed to the highest standard, and Bounce facilitators are expertly trained to help people find the right path and make those all important steps to ensure success.

Dr Emma Campbell
CEO Federation of Ethnic Communities' Councils of Australia (FECCA)

James Weait
Managing Director Pure Insights
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James Weait
James is Managing Director for Pure Insights, an international counselling service that empowers people to soar through bespoke employment services programs. Pure Insights supports thousands of jobseekers every year in partnership with jobactive and DES providers across Australia and the Department for Work & Pensions in the United Kingdom. James has worked in the Employment Services industry for over 14 years both in the UK and Australia in various management and executive roles for the Ingeus Group before joining Pure Insights in May 2017.

Sarah Kallon
Practitioner Pure Insights
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Sarah Kallon
Sarah is a qualified counsellor with a post-graduate degree in Counselling. She has experience working with individuals, families and groups and has a great understanding of cultural competency, self-advocacy and trauma informed care and practice. Sarah has worked with a variety of issues, including; anxiety; depression; domestic violence; anger management; displacement and grief and loss. Sarah has been the operational lead for Pure Insights’ Ready to Launch in Australia refugee support program and was recently a panellist for the African Australian Mental Health Awareness Conference.

Matthew Cox
Co-chair the Logan City of Choice Leadership Team.


Richard Reid
Account Manager Queensland Department of Jobs and Small Business

Gail Kerr OAM
CEO, Access Youth support, housing and social enterprise services for migrants, refugees and Australian born clients – DES Provider
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Gail Kerr OAM
Nationally lauded and award winning, Gail Kerr is the CEO of Access Community Services Ltd where she leads over 400 staff in pursuit of their organisational vision to create social, cultural and economic experiences and opportunities that transform the lives of individuals and communities globally.
Renowned for her expertise in service solutions for newly arrived migrants and humanitarian entrants, Gail is a recognised thought leader in needs-based community planning, innovative business models, social cohesion, strategic partnerships, employment pathways, funding opportunities and strategic direction. Under her tutelage and leadership, Access has grown from a one room youth employment service in Logan City into one of Australia’s leading organisations in the provision of settlement, employment, training, youth support, housing and social enterprise services for migrants, refugees and Australian born clients.
Gail’s standing has been recognised with numerous honours including the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her work in Multiculturalism in Queensland and the 2017 Australian Migration and Settlement Award – Winner of the Empowering Women Award.

Lynette Phuong
Project Manager of
Digital Springboard
Infoxchange
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Lynette Phuong
Digital Literacy Program Lead
Lynette joined Infoxchange as the Digital Literacy Program Lead in 2017 where she has led the organisation’s digital literacy programs including Go Digi and Digi House. She is currently the project manager of Digital Springboard, a new national program by Infoxchange and Google to help people learn the digital skills they need to thrive in work and life. She has a Bachelor of Commerce/Arts and a Masters of Public Health, and worked in public health and advocacy across Australia and Mongolia. Her passion for working with and helping to improve the lives of people experiencing disadvantage stems from being the daughter of refugee parents.

Dr Michael McGann
ARC Research Fellow
School of Social and Political Sciences
University of Melbourne

Belinda-Jane Dolan
CEO
Clariti Group

Greg Mazzone
Director Digital Information Assurance Section & External Systems Certification Authority

ANDREW GRIFFITHS
Andrew is a global commentator covering innovative business, customer connection and entrepreneurialism.
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Andrew Griffiths
Andrew is a global commentator covering innovative business, customer connection and entrepreneurialism. Andrew has worked with over 200 organisations globally and has been a member of Richard Branson’s team at the Financial Education Summit and in 2012 he presented at the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table event in Los Angeles.
Facilitators

Annette Gill
Head of OECD Employment and Skills Unit, Local Employment, Skills, and Social Innovation Division (LESI)
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ANNETTE GILL
Principal Policy Advisor
Annette was the General Manager of a successful employment service organisation and later came to NESA where she worked for 10 years as the Policy Manager. Prior to commencing her current consultancy business, Annette held the role of Policy and Research Manager of Karingal a large community and disability services organisation with annual revenue of approximately $100 m and which was part of the NDIS Barwon trial. In this role, Annette led the policy and research agenda as well as undertaking bid management contributing to organisational growth, particularly in its aged care and employment services divisions.

MATT CLARKE
Deputy CEO
NESA
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Matt Clarke
Deputy CEO
Matt is the Deputy CEO of the National Employment Services Association, the peak body for the Australian employment and related services industry. Since 2014, Matt has led two of Australia’s largest reform projects across remote Australia focusing on building capacity and workforce development. He has designed a national supply chain of industry experts and has personally overseen the successful delivery of 250 building capacity projects and 150 professional forums.
Matt has over 14 years’ experience working in the employment services sector including executive management roles both at a strategic and operational level. Matt has also worked across the community services sector for 10 years including 7 years as an Aboriginal Health Worker. Matt’s passion has always been to bridge the gap that Aboriginal Communities experience in terms of employment, education and health. Matt holds a BSc (Hons) from the University of Wollongong, majoring in Indigenous Health.
Matt is a proud descendant of the Ngunawal people. Matt’s commitment to Closing the Gap has seen him leading NESA’s Project Management arm, which includes the delivery of the successful Remote School Attendance Strategy (RSAS) Project and the specially designed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health First Aid course, advancing NESA’s commitment to creating opportunity through employment and inclusion for all Australians.

VANESSA PUOPOLO
Policy Advisor
NESA
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Vanessa Puopolo
Vanessa has worked in the employment services sector for over 9 years. After completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Disability) in 2007, Vanessa ‘unintentionally’ went on to start a career as DES Employment Consultant.
Working on the frontline (in what she initially thought would only be a short stint), she quickly learned to expect the unexpected! During her 5 years as a consultant Vanessa had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of job seekers from all walks of life with often unique and challenging circumstances to overcome adversity including drug and alcohol abuse, homelessness and mental health issues.
Always seeking opportunities to engage with job seekers through innovative methods Vanessa championed the implementation of a Job Club aimed at single mums from non-English speaking backgrounds with no previous employment history to breakdown some of the myths, fears, attitudes and barriers to employment. The Job Club provided a vibrant environment for connection, support and education which resulted in negative attitudes turn to motivation to actively seek and obtain work.
In 2013 Vanessa joined the NESA policy team, she continues to draw on her knowledge of the industry coupled with her frontline experience. Often engaging with NESA members through outreach to identify operational and policy related issues across the breadth of all employment programmes including jobactive, DES, TTW and WfD , she is focused on being a voice and influence that helps shape employment programme settings to achieve operational efficiencies for staff whilst ensuring programmes tangibly meeting the needs of job seekers through effective and efficient services.

AMANDA OWEN
Project Manager RSAS
NESA

JOHN PERRY
Manager
Access Community Services

Marg Lourey
Senior Policy Advisor
NESA

Miro Lojanica
Senior Project Manager
NESA

NESA Awards for Excellence
Be acknowledged for industry excellence!
The Awards highlight the commitment this sector has made to improving the well-being of our community, the excellent levels of service offered and the very real successes resulting from hard work and innovation at the frontline.
MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Event Details
VENUE
Brisbane Hilton Hotel
190 Elizabeth St
Brisbane City QLD 4000
WELCOME RECEPTION
Tuesday 7 August
6.30pm - 8.00pm
CONFERENCE
Wednesday 8 and
Thursday 9 August
GALA AWARDS DINNER
Wednesday 8 August
From 7.30pm
Meet our Sponsors and Exhibitors

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alffie
alffie is passionate about creating engaging and inclusive online training that provides students with real-life skills that lead to sustainable employment.
Recently, we launched the alffie app. It takes an innovative and holistic approach to supporting our students and clients. It offers students flexible on-the-go study options, and job search and support features designed to enhance their ability to find and sustain employment. And, it allows employment consultants to quickly and easily manage their caseloads and meet their reporting requirements.

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Anasight
Anasight is a market leader for the development and creation of Australian industry solutions to provide a cloud-based app for sharing real-time business insight and intelligence through dashboards and reports available 24/7 via web, mobile and TV displays. Our cloud app solution is made possible from Anasight’s enterprise level data and analytic services backed by industry leading cloud infrastructure and environment.


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Bounce Australia
Since 2006 Bounce has been delivering programmes throughout Australia, New Zealand and the USA; working with a multitude of clients; from large businesses, helping develop better communications and leadership in the workplace, to individual job seekers, providing clarity and motivation for their future. Bounce has experience delivering customised training programs in Government, Corporate and Community Sectors for all levels of staff training, from annual strategic planning to ongoing professional development and coaching for leaders and front line staff.

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Corporate Culcha
Corporate Culcha is an Indigenous-owned and operated company which commenced operations in 2008 delivering cultural awareness programmes to support Indigenous workforce development. We have since grown to provide a broader range of services and products to assist our clients to successfully engage and work with Indigenous Australia in urban, regional and remote locations. Apart from cultural awareness and eLearning we now deliver Indigenous community training, conduct Indigenous business procurement workshops, undertake research and evaluation projects, develop Indigenous employment strategies and Reconciliation Action Plans, and support Indigenous business development. At Corporate Culcha we work collaboratively with organisations to establish quality projects and programmes which are culturally appropriate and complement an organisation’s business objectives.

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Department of Jobs and Small Business
NESA AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE SPONSOR
Achiever of the Year
Champion Employer of the Year
Innovation in Indigenous Employment
The Australian Government Department of Jobs and Small Business is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians find and keep employment and work in safe, fair and productive workplaces.