Introducing our 2025 Speakers

A strategist and author of The Collaboration Instinct, specialising in systemic, culture-driven solutions. Known for leading award-winning resilience programs across sectors, with a focus on collaboration, systems thinking, and innovation to help organisations navigate complexity and drive long-term impact.

With 20+ years in environmental education and waste management, Nicole holds a PhD focused on innovative solutions in plastic food and beverage packaging and implements the strategy for the Australian Circular Economy Hub (ACE Hub).

5 X Olympian and Director Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Committee

A five-time Olympian, Nat is bringing 25+ years’ experience helping businesses and teams build resilience, confidence, and performance to the summit. Known for delivering strategic, practical insights, she works across Queensland regions to inspire growth, inclusion, and innovation—empowering individuals and organisations to achieve lasting impact and realise their potential.

Advocates for a thriving small business sector in Queensland, with a focus on reducing barriers and fostering collaboration. Leads initiatives supporting regional resilience and sustainable growth, including expanding the Small Business Friendly Program. Passionate about creating inclusive platforms for innovation, and championing social impact and circular economy opportunities.

As acting mayor, Councillor Greaney leads with a vision for a sustainable and resilient city.

Now in her third term as an elected official, she advocates for initiatives that enhance liveability and promoting circular economy practices all while creating investment and job opportunities for a thriving community.

A globally experienced finance executive with a strong record of driving growth and optimising financial strategies to increase cashflow. With a focus on Australia and the APAC region, Daren leads international investment initiatives and commercialisation across sustainable materials, regenerative products, and early-stage ventures in FMCG, Biotech, AgTech, and Waste-to-Energy.

With over 40 years of experience across agriculture, engineering, energy, and manufacturing, Steve brings deep commercial and operational expertise to circular innovation. From 2014–2019, he served as Innovation Officer at Growcom, where he built strong cross-sector networks and became a recognised connector and catalyst for regional innovation, agribusiness growth, and sustainable industry transformation across North Queensland.

A leader in sustainable fashion and supply chain innovation, with global experience bringing creative ideas to life for major brands. Now driving circular solutions and end-of-life innovation in Australia, with a focus on transforming industry challenges into opportunities for a more sustainable, regenerative future.

A seasoned leader driving innovation and economic growth in North Queensland. Experienced in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and project management across government and resources sectors. Passionate about Queensland’s development, with a strong focus on delivering impactful outcomes through collaboration, policy development, and sustainable regional growth.

Committed to community-led solutions, the Remote OpShop Project’s founder champions empowerment in remote First Nations communities, underpinned by circular economy principles. Drawing on a decade of experience in remote Australia, her leadership fosters sustainable development, recognised as the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award 2024 National Winner and the AMP Foundation’s Tomorrow Maker program.

Committed to Northern Australia’s development and a Nature Positive future, a Rural Planner and Agricultural Scientist with 23 years’ farming experience in FNQ. Chairs the Healthy Waters Partnership Dry Tropics, previously led Terrain NRM, and authored Agriculture and Resilience in Northern Australia, exploring farmer resilience in the face of adversity.

Engineer, inventor, and CEO of CHARM, pioneering land-based coral aquaculture technology. Leads multinational reef conservation through Beyond Coral Foundation and advises communities on energy, water, and waste solutions. Combines technical innovation with creativity, supporting youth education in robotics, music, and environmental stewardship across Magnetic Island and beyond.

Driving innovative, community-led waste solutions in North Queensland, with 20+ years in sustainability. Passionate about connecting soil, human, and city health, and delivering practical, regenerative outcomes. Recent work on the ‘pantry model for waste’ earned major support from Coles, showcasing a collaborative, future-focused approach to resource recovery.

Supports businesses to grow, innovate, and thrive through tailored government programs, mentorship, funding, and strategic connections. Focused on helping businesses become more resilient, commercialise new ideas, and access domestic and global markets—while connecting them with valuable support across all levels of government to drive sustainable economic growth.

Simon leads the development of AI-powered IoT systems for flood monitoring, infrastructure protection, and climate resilience. With a background in ecology and local government, he’s driving smart sensing innovation that strengthens environmental monitoring and sustainable decision-making across Australia.

Glenn “Minty” Mintern brings 30+ years of event hosting experience, from national conferences to major sporting events including the NRL Grand Final and Sydney 2000 Olympics. Founder of GMmedia, Minty is a dynamic host known for engaging audiences of all sizes and delivering high-energy, seamless event experiences.