INTRODUCING OUR MASTER OF CEREMONIES:
TIM STACKPOOL

BIOGRAPHY:
Tim Stackpool is an Australian-born TV and radio professional, with a CV that boasts reporting for CBS radio in New York, CBC in Canada, Real Radio in the UK and RTE in Ireland.

Tim was once the Chief Australian correspondent for the Canadian Economic Press and remains a longtime contributor to radio and TV programs as well as to various specialty publications.

Tim is heard weekly on the Macquarie Media Network as 'Tim the Techno Bloke' discussing consumer technology. Tim has also produced local radio for the ABC, along with presenting the news on-shift. With such a varied background in the media, he is a capable facilitator of discussions on a wide range of subjects, being a proven and experienced public speaker.

Tim is a voting member of The Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) and is an Honorary member of the Australia Cinematographers Society (ACS), bestowed in recognition of his support of Australian crews working in film and TV. As such, he has moderated industry Q&A sessions following Australian Film Institute screenings.

Tim also facilitated numerous public consultation meetings regarding the controversial White Bay Passenger Terminal development in Sydney.

OPENING KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
SAROO BRIERLEY
#1 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING AUTO BIOGRAPHY,
A LONG WAY HOME

BIOGRAPHY:
Saroo Brierley was born in a small Indian town. In 1986, aged only 5, he lost all contact with his family when he was separated from his brother at a train station. He never saw his brother again.

After living on the streets of Calcutta for 3 weeks by himself, Saroo was placed in a local orphanage before being adopted by an Australian family. He grew up with his new parents in Hobart, Tasmania for the next 25 years. But he was unable, and unwilling, to forget the land of his childhood. Determined to rediscover his past, he embarked on a virtual odyssey of his homeland and, after many hours pouring over Google Earth, armed only the images etched into his memories as a 5 year old, he managed to recognise his home town, and track down his mother.

Their reunion in 2012 made headlines across the world, and his full story is recounted in his #1 international bestselling autobiography, A Long Way Home. The film Lion, based on his autobiography was released in November 2016 and nominated for four Golden Globe and six Academy Awards. The film stars Nicole Kidman and Dev Patel.

Saroo’s journey is a remarkable and touching story of survival and sheer determination.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
SARAH WILSON
POLICY MANAGER, VOLUNTEERINGACT

BIOGRAPHY:
Sarah is the Policy Manager at VolunteeringACT and is an expert in volunteer management and volunteer involvement.

Sarah is an alumna of the Australian National University, holding a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws.

Sarah has played an instrumental role in delivering volunteering projects that have made a demonstrable impact on the Canberra community.

Sarah is also a passionate volunteer, as the President of the Youth Coalition of the ACT and as a volunteer for Lifeline Canberra.

In her spare time Sarah likes to read, watch basketball, and go shark diving.

CONCURRENT SPEAKER:
ANDREW BACON
VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY PRESENTER,
BLACK DOG INSTITUTE            

BIOGRAPHY:
By day Andrew Bacon was an Auditor for the University of Sydney.

At any other time, Andrew is fortunate to be able to follow his passion of working with and giving back to the wider community. One way in which he does this is by telling 'My Journey' as a Community Presenter.

As a Presenter Andrew's personal aim is to increase mental health knowledge in both the wider community, provide an understanding of help-seeking options and services, and advocate for empathy towards those experiencing mental health disorders.

In Andrew's spare time he is the Director and Founder of the Australian Indigenous Technology Foundation (AITF) whose mission is to deliver Technology Solutions to Indigenous Schools and Students through rural and remote Australia.

Andrew Bacon is also fortunate to be a Board Observer (Through the Observership Program) for the Aurora Education Foundation which is a National Not For Profit Organisation that focuses on Indigenous Education.
            

CONCURRENT SPEAKER:
DORIS ZAGDANSKI, AUTHOR & EDUCATOR

BIOGRAPHY:
Doris was born and raised in Geelong, Victoria. She was educated at Monash University and began her career as a secondary school teacher.

In 1980, Doris' two month old daughter Claire died as a result of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) - this became a life and career changing event.

Together with the local Coroner's department, Doris established a support system for bereaved parents and became a Home Visitor to all SIDS families in the Geelong region. This lead to a long involvement with the Melbourne based Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation where Doris was amongst the original volunteers who helped to launch Red Nose Day in Australia. During this time, she was awarded the Mrs Victoria Community Achievement Award (1987) for her services to bereaved families and SIDS awareness.

Doris wrote her first book on the subject of teenagers and grief in 1990 and this began a public speaking career around Australia and New Zealand. She now has seven books published and her best-selling book on empathy, Stuck For Words – what to say to someone who is grieving, is Doris’ most requested topic for professional training and development.

In 1994, Doris was employed by an American-based funeral company Service Corporation International (SCI) as National Training Manager for Australia and was also sent to the US and the UK to train funeral directors. SCI was the forerunner of InvoCare – Australasia’s largest operator of funeral companies, cemeteries and crematoria.

Still currently employed part time at InvoCare, Doris works in the Learning & Organisational development team and also oversees the company’s website mygriefassist.com.au which focusses on a contemporary view of grief with a variety of free resources. Doris is a Past President of the Australian Funeral Directors Association - Queensland Division.

Doris is a well known conference speaker and organizational trainer, presenting grief seminars for emergency services, health professionals, corporate organisations and the wider community. She communicates a compelling message with a blend of humour, honesty, empathy and passion for her field.

CONCURRENT SPEAKER:
JENNIFER WENDTMAN, WELLBEING CONSULTANT
DIRECTOR, 360 CONNECTIONS

BIOGRAPHY:
Known for her ability to engage with the audience and skillfully and naturally take them on a journey, Jennifer Wendtman uses humour and life experiences to connect and inspire. Her delivery offers a clear message woven together with narrative from broad experience. Jennifer challenges people to think, reflect and move toward their purpose.

Working with communities to build better connections and systems of support is the major focus of the work of 360 Connections. This work is motivated by Jennifer’s life goal of growing connections in every system and at every level, in all directions thus 360 Connections.

Jennifer started her career as a registered nurse, working with Hunter New England Health to found the Youth Health Team working with high risk young people. This role opened her eyes to the needs of community members that find themselves disconnected from the main stream. Whilst studying family and adolescence she found her voice for the marginalised.

After leaving health she spent 10 years in the community sectoras a Chaplain and Educator where she founded in partnership with Macquarie Care and local women’s services,Our Backyard – a car to home transition programs that gave ‘Car Sleepers’ as safe place to park and re-join community.

In 2018 Jennifer started 360 Connections – her current work is all about connecting with the people you share this planet with and most importantly with yourself.

And just for fun, Jennifer is also a Marriage Celebrant !

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
MELINDA CRUZ

BIOGRAPHY:       
Showing that you can overcome adversity to impact change, Melinda Cruz is the award winning founder of Miracle Babies Foundation. She is a published researcher, influencer and expert speaker on topics such as not for profit start-ups, social entrepreneurship, health and consumer advocacy, and living a life of inspired action. She is also currently working on publishing her first solo book. 

Previous Experience

Social Entrepreneurship:Starting the Foundation in 2005 after having three premature babies, the incredible difference Melinda has made to thousands along with her impact as a successful entrepreneur, has seen her win numerous awards including the 2011 EY Social Entrepreneur of the Year and also be a regular guest on radio, TV, podcasts and speaker at national and international conferences. In 2013, Melinda was inducted into the Australian Businesswomen’s Hall of Fame and was a 2015 NSW Woman of the Year - Premiers Award finalist. She now sits on the panel of judges for Australian Entrepreneur of the year.

Research and Consultancy:She is a trusted consumer expert to medical professionals seeking to improve treatments for premature and sick babies and the impact it has on the family unit. In 2012, she was awarded the title of Honorary Research Associate by the University of Sydney and was the first parent to be invited as an Associate Investigator on a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) neonatal trial.

In 2014, Melinda joined the Perinatal Society of Australia & New Zealand's (PSANZ) Consumer Advisory Panel as their inaugural Chair and accepted a position on the PSANZ Clinical Trials executive committee. In 2016, she joined the NHMRC Clinical Trials Ready Development Committee and in 2017 and 2018, was part of two award winning global trials improving the lives of millions of premature newborns. Melinda also sits on the Red Cross Blood Service Milk Bank Advisory Committee.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
PHIL DOORGACHURN
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MANAGER, SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE

BIOGRAPHY:
All children and young people have the right to feel safe and be safe. Protecting children and young people has always been my life's passion, and now my purpose. Keeping children and young people safe is not difficult, however it does involve courage to speak out and stand up for their rights. Children and young people's voices are important and we need to ensure they are heard and amplified.

Throughout my career I have ensured I have given children and young people a voice and put safeguarding at the heart of the organisation. To really create a safeguarding culture, you must have a passion for children and young people's rights. To create a safe organisation, we must ensure we create a safeguarding cultures, develop operations which promote the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people as well as creating safe online and physical environments.

I have years of global experience working with organisations to keep children and young people safe including the fortunate experience of providing key notes and speeches to audiences all over the world.

I have lead the strategic direction for safeguarding at a range of organisations including the NSPCC (the UK’s largest children’s charity), the Premier League, Arsenal Football Club and British Tennis. I now lead the YMCA of Australia’s National Safeguarding Unit, which provides support and guidance to all Y’s across Australia on how they can help children and young people to be safe and feel safe.

CONFERENCE DINNER SPEAKER:
LORIN NICHOLSON

BIOGRAPHY:
Lorin Nicholson is fast becoming one of Australia’s pre-eminent entertainers and motivational speakers. He has an imposing and unforgettable presence, and a musical ability that has attracted the genuine acclaim of critical experts. But more than that, Lorin is a decent bloke who personifies life's ideals, and unfailingly gifts an audience with something that is very special - an example of using the gifts that each of us has been given.

He is a real talent, and an inspiration that lives life-long with all those with whom he comes in contact. He tells each of us "Don't die with the music in you''.

Over the past decade Lorin has shared his amazing music and inspirational life experiences in over 4000 keynote addresses and workshops, to more than a million people across the globe.

As a:
♦ Record Breaking Cyclist
♦ Award-Winning Musician
♦ Best Selling Author
♦ Leading Health Professional
♦ Powerful Keynote Speaker

Lorin has the extraordinary ability to communicate, teach and connect people of all ages and backgrounds with success and higher achievement, however what makes his successes even more extraordinary is that he was born with Retinitis Pigmentosa and has been legally blind his entire life.

He has further been recognised as an;

• Australian of the Year nominee.
• Queensland service award recipient.
• Batonbearer for the 2018 Queens Batten Relay.
  
• Motivational speaker at the Invictus Games 2018.

As a happily married father of four children, businessman, educator, author, musician, athlete and motivational speaker, Lorin not only talks about success, he personifies it and looks forward to sharing his inspirational music, unique insights and life experiences with every audience.