HSEC 2026 Speakers

Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) | 2026 Tasmanian Australian of the Year

Dr Jorian (“Jo”) Kippax is a Retrieval Consultant with Ambulance Tasmania’s Critical Care and Retrieval Service (AT-CCR), working primarily with the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS), and also serves as a Trauma Specialist at the Royal Hobart Hospital. His professional interests include resuscitation education with the University of Tasmania, as well as Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Environmental Medicine, and Disaster Preparedness.

In 2025, Jo was part of a specialist team of rescuers tasked to free a whitewater rafter who was trapped in perilous rapids on the Franklin River in 2024.

Lithuanian whitewater rafter, Valdas Bieliauskas, was retrieved from freezing water by Jo and his team. The clinical team performed an operation to amputate Valdas’s leg underwater, allowing him to be freed and ultimately saving his life. Jo was awarded the “Life Saving Cross” by the President of the Republic of Lithuania.

Psychologist & Founder, The Happiness Institute

An internationally renowned leader in the fields of Mental Health and Positive Psychology, Dr. Tim Sharp (aka Dr. Happy) is a sought after Speaker and Facilitator, Consultant, Coach and Mentor, Writer and Podcaster.

His primary areas of interest include enhancing happiness at work including building positive cultures, developing positive leadership and boosting resilience, as well as smashing the stigma associated with mental ill-health.

This engaging keynote explores how the science of positive psychology can help individuals and teams thrive at work and in life. Blending research, practical strategies, and real-world stories, it shows how to build resilience, boost wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and create sustainable success and happiness in even the most demanding environments.

Author, International Speaker, Subtraction Specialist

Donna McGeorge specialises in creating space for thinking, planning, and growing. She understands the power of choice and believes the best way to combat the myth of “wasted time” is living deliberately. Renowned for her captivating presence and ability to deliver practical strategies with flair, she is sought after globally as an authority on productivity and creating space for growth. She brings her expertise to diverse audiences, leaving a lasting impact.

You might catch glimpses of her on television, sharing insights on productivity and time management, or find her articles gracing the pages of esteemed publications like Harvard Business Review, Forbes Magazine, and Fast Company. As a prolific author, she has penned 12 books, with the last four reaching bestseller status— a testament to the relevance and resonance of her work.

Management Consultant, Paul Schott Enterprises

Paul Schott has a background in the health and community sector, with extensive experience across a diverse range of industries. In recent years, he has worked closely within the mining sector, including contributing to the development of a large-scale leadership program and a workforce culture initiative involving more than 500 employees.

Paul has a strong interest in solution-oriented approaches to organisational change and has held several senior leadership roles where implementing this approach has been a key priority. He brings significant experience working with executives, boards, middle managers, and frontline staff, and is regularly engaged for his combined expertise in both fieldwork and management.

He has a particular interest in the dynamics of effective teamwork and fostering strong partnerships between supervisors and staff. Paul is also a sought-after speaker, frequently presenting at training events, conferences, and industry forums.

Head of Organisational Reliability, Brady Heywood

Jodi is an experienced Health, Safety and Environment leader with more than 20 years’ expertise in mining, heavy manufacturing, munitions, chemical process plants and logistics.

She is a passionate advocate for practical, innovative safety leadership and worker health. She advises leadership teams on how to create a positive organisational culture that drives best-in-class HSE performance.

Jodi was the recipient of the ‘Growing Healthy Organisations’ Award at VIOSH, University of Ballarat during her Grad Dip Occ. Hazard Management, and also holds a Master of Science (Occ. Hygiene) from the University of Wollongong.

General Manager – Sustainability, Minerals Council of Australia (MCA)

Chris McCombe has 25 years’ experience working in geoscientific, environmental and sustainability policy and practice in the public and private sectors both in Australia and overseas.

Chris oversees key initiatives supporting the minerals industry’s environmental, social and governance performance, including implementation of the Towards Sustainable Mining system in Australia and the Global Consolidated Responsible Mining Standards initiative. In 2018, Chris worked with the International Council on Mining and Metals, focussing on global water issues.

Prior to MCA, Chris was Manager, Major Projects for Queensland’s abandoned mines program, and an environmental consultant in Australia and the UK.

Principal Consultant, Miner Ventures

Jo-Anne Dudley is a mining engineer and industry leader with more than 30 years’ experience in underground metalliferous mining, spanning operations, major project development and executive leadership. She is the founder of Mining Ventures, providing strategic and technical advisory services to the resources sector and a non-executive director of ASX listed Ora Banda Mining.

Jo-Anne previously served as Chief Operating Officer of Turquoise Hill Resources, where she was responsible for the development and operations of the Oyu Tolgoi copper-gold project in Mongolia, one of the world’s largest underground mining developments. Working closely with Rio Tinto, she led operational planning, regulatory engagement and government negotiations, while overseeing major project delivery and disclosure reporting.

Earlier in her career she worked with Rio Tinto and began in Australia at Northparkes Mines in New South Wales. A Fellow of the AusIMM, Chartered Professional Engineer and MAICD, Jo-Anne has authored multiple technical papers and is widely recognised for her leadership in safety, mine design and strategic project development.

She was named a 2018 Exceptional Woman in Queensland Resources and a member of the Global 100 Women in Mining.

Manager – HSE Systems, Whitehaven Coal

Misha Fazen is a senior manager specialising in data, performance, and operational systems, with over 15 years’ experience across the mining, oil and gas, and construction sectors. She has led major transformation and analytics initiatives, including the delivery of enterprise systems supporting billion-dollar acquisitions.

Misha’s work focuses on operational excellence, safety systems, and change management. She also actively mentors emerging professionals in her field.

Currently, she is advancing the use of data analytics to identify leading indicators and developing AI-enabled solutions that enhance organisational performance and support innovative, data-driven change in the field.

Partners, Seyfarth Shaw Australia

Paul Cutrone: With three decades of experience in work health and safety law, Paul Cutrone, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw Australia, is a leading advisor on risk mitigation, crisis response, Board-level governance, and defending high-stakes prosecutions. He is widely respected for combining deep legal insight with practical judgment, having advised and represented employers in more than 200 workplace fatalities and guided leading employers in Australia and globally through complex safety, regulatory and enforcement challenges.

Sarah Goodhew: With two decades of experience dedicated solely to work health and safety law, Sarah Goodhew, Partner at Seyfarth Shaw Australia, is a trusted advisor to leading employers on prevention, compliance, and incident response. She is widely respected for her practical, clear advice and her strength in high stakes investigations and prosecutions, guiding organisations across Australia and the Asia Pacific through complex regulatory and governance challenges, emerging psychosocial risks, and rapidly evolving regulator obligations.

Chief Corporate Services Officer, The Bloomfield Group

Renata brings more than 23 years of experience in the resources sector, spanning HR, Safety and Health, Risk, Industrial Relations, Communications, Community Engagement, and IT, with roles held both in Australia and internationally.

An award-winning leader, she was named NSW Exceptional Woman in Mining in 2020 and went on to become the first NSW recipient of the Exceptional Woman in Australian Resources Award. In 2022, she was also recognised among the 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining. Renata is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and mental health.

In addition to her role at Bloomfield, Renata is Chair of Firstchance, and is the author of the children’s leadership series Join Jackson’s Journey.

CEO | Principal Psychologist, Opus Centre

Dr Tessa Bailey is a psychologist, consultant, and author specialising in psychosocial risk, invisible work, and the design of healthier workplace systems. Dr Tessa is the CEO of Opus Centre and an Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of Adelaide. She works with organisations across Australia and internationally to prevent psychosocial harm through practical, systems‑level approaches grounded in real work.

As an expert witness in psychosocial risk matters, Dr Tessa ia a frequent speaker at industry conferences. Tessa is an international keynote speaker, PhD award winner, and is Director of the Global Psychosocial Safety Network.

CEO, Safemap

Corrie Pitzer is a specialist in culture and leadership, focusing on safety…or more specifically on risk. He is a leading consultant in this field globally. He established and approach called ‘risk competency’, that essentially holds that humans are the most capable, most dynamic risk control we have, and as such should be seen as the strongest link in safety, not the weakest. The company that he founded, Safemap International, is today regarded as a leading consultancy in this field, with several international corporations utilizing its expertise.

Chief Inspector of Mines, NSW Resources Regulator

Anthony Margetts has over 20 years’ experience in the mining industry.His qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering (mining) and a mine managers’ certificate of competency.

In his current role, Anthony leads the mine safety inspectorate team responsible for state-wide compliance activities under the WHS legislation.

Previously, Anthony has held multiple roles in the mining industry across Australia, ranging from mining engineering through to senior leadership roles.

CEO, Coal Services

Angela Hunter was appointed Managing Director and CEO of Coal Services in May 2025, following a distinguished career spanning more than 35 years. She has held CEO, Director, and senior executive roles across the insurance, healthcare, financial services, and telecommunications sectors.

Throughout her career—including leadership roles with organisations such as Chubb, IAG, General Electric, Citibank, and Prudential—Angela has led high-performing teams, driven customer-focused digital transformation, navigated complex regulatory environments, and delivered sustainable business outcomes.

Angela is a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and holds a Master-level Board Directorship qualification from the University of Hong Kong. She is a founding member of the Asia Businesswomen Leaders Council and the founder of Financial Executive Women in Australia. She also holds a Bachelor of Business in Management and Marketing from the University of Technology, Sydney, and is Six Sigma Green Belt qualified.

Director & Executive Leader – Major Projects & Approvals, EMM Consulting

Nicole Armit’s tertiary education in environmental engineering and environmental law provides a thorough grounding in the technical and regulatory complexities of assessments and approvals.

Nicole’s strategic project direction and business development role in EMM reflects her in-depth knowledge and experience in major projects across a range of sectors, particularly in mining and energy. As an advisor to a range of companies, she has successfully delivered numerous environmental assessments and approvals, as well as auditing and environmental management projects, in which she has shared her knowledge gathered from years of working on complex projects under state and Federal laws, regulations, policies and guidelines.

Nicole has a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering (Hons), University of NSW and a Master of Environmental Law, ANU. She is also a Certified Environmental Practitioner (Impact Assessment Specialist) and is a registered NSW Environmental Assessment Practitioner.

Partner, Johnson Winter Slattery

Samantha is a partner and national practice group head of the property, planning and environment and construction group at Johnson Winter Slattery. She is a environment and planning specialist primarily focussing on the energy and resources, property and infrastructure industries.

She advises on all aspects of planning and environment regulation, including approvals, compliance, water, climate change, nature markets, cultural heritage and pollution. She also has extensive experience advising the mining industry including on all aspects of mining law and mine closure considerations. She regularly assists clients in assessing project risks and provides practical advice for her clients in responding to regulatory investigations, as well as acting for her clients in planning and environment litigation.

Director, Agency Systems and Performance
Development Coordination Authority – Department of Planning, Housing & Infrastructure

Founding Partner, Niche

Matt is a Founding Partner of Niche, the largest privately-owned specialist biodiversity and heritage consultancy in Australia. Matt’s consulting career spans more than 26 years during which he has managed complex projects combining a range of environmental disciplines, in diverse locations across Australia’s eastern states. He has delivered hundreds of projects in a variety of industry sectors and has substantial experience with large infrastructure, utility, renewable, mining and other landscape-scale projects.

Matt has considerable experience in developing biodiversity offset strategies, delivering large and complex biodiversity offset obligations for major projects, strategic land use planning, ecology assessments, project environmental approvals. He understands that excellent advice early in the life of a project will drive excellent outcomes. Matt works strategically with clients to understand their objectives, and to ensure that Niche provides the right expert team and delivers maximum value to each of our clients on every project.

Partner, ERM

Chris Gimber provides specialist expertise in mine rehabilitation and closure, water management, geochemistry, and soils. His experience spans all stages of resource project planning and delivery, including feasibility studies, impact assessment, concept and detailed engineering, operations and auditing, decommissioning, rehabilitation, and asset transition.

Chris has over 25 years’ consulting experience in the environmental sector, working on projects across the globe. He is a Chartered Engineer in both Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering.

Associate Director, Control Risks

Lance specializes in geopolitical, political, security, and regulatory risk across Australia, New Zealand, and North Asia. He has extensive experience advising companies on activism trends, including in the mining sector.

Prior to joining Control Risks, Lance managed business development and service delivery for Japanese industrial clients at an international geopolitical consultancy and was previously a consultant at a Big 4 firm in Tokyo. He also served as an Australian diplomat in China, focusing on political analysis and public affairs.

Principal, Engagement & Change Advisory, Aurecon

Kylie Cochrane is a global engagement leader with more than 30 years of experience in communication and stakeholder engagement. She supports clients to build, maintain, and restore their social licence by mitigating social risk and effectively managing community concern and outrage.

Highly regarded within the industry, Kylie brings deep expertise and a strong understanding of the unique pressures and priorities associated with government infrastructure.

Kylie was the inaugural Chair of the Australian National University Advisory Board for the Institute for Infrastructure in Society, which oversees NextGen research into community engagement and social risk. She held this role for five years and continues to serve on the board. Internationally, she served as Global Chair of the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2) from 2017 to 2022, and is currently the Engagement Institute’s representative on the IAP2 international board. She also served on the Australian IAP2 Board from 2011 to 2021.

Her contributions have been widely recognised. In 2022, Kylie was named one of three inaugural Honorary IAP2 Fellows across Australia and New Zealand. She was recognised as a Deloitte Outstanding 50 LGBTI+ Leader in 2020 and was an opening speaker at the 2019 United Nations Conference on Engagement.

Kylie established and grew Aurecon’s Communications and Stakeholder Engagement practice into one of the leading engagement businesses in Australia and New Zealand. Over the past decade, the Aurecon Engagement and Change team has received more than 30 industry awards, including IAP2 International Engagement Project of the Year, the National Women in Construction Innovative Team Award, and Consult Australia’s Gold Excellence Award.

Team Leader, Net Zero Emissions Modelling
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water

Kaydy has over 20 years of professional experience in research and in the energy and mining industries in South Africa and Australia. She is currently a Team Leader in the Net Zero Emissions Modelling and the Project Manager for the NSW Greenhouse Gas Monitoring and Verification Program.

She oversees the development of the fugitive emissions projections for NSW and the establishment of the NSW GHG Monitoring Network.

Kaydy was employed with CSIRO Energy from 2006 to 2022, and with BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance Coal in Queensland and Sasol Limited in South Africa as a coal geologist, prior to CSIRO.

Manager, Sustainability, Yancoal

Iain Hornshaw has over 18 years of experience in the mining sector across operational, technical and senior leadership roles.

He joined Yancoal in 2021 after holding several environment and approvals management positions and is currently Manager, Sustainability, leading the implementation of the company’s Sustainability Strategy.

In 2025, Iain led Yancoal’s inaugural AASB S2 climate‑related financial disclosures, strengthening the organisation’s climate-related risk and opportunity management and reporting. He holds tertiary qualifications in Geography, Environmental Science and Sustainability.