INSPIRATION IN EDUCATION

Andy is Visiting Professor at the University of Ottawa in Canada and Research Professor at Boston College in the US. He is an elected member of the US National Academy of Education, former President of the International Congress of School Effectiveness and Improvement (2018-2020), former...

Rose Luckin is an internationally respected academic and influential communicator across multiple stakeholders about the future of education and technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). With over 30 years of experience, she is a recognised expert on AI in education, serving as an...

Jason is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and MacArthur Fellow, honored with numerous awards including the Newbery, Printz, Coretta Scott King, NAACP Image, and Kirkus Awards. He served as the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature from 2020–2022 and is a two-time National Book...

Dr. Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist and science communicator, adept at making brain science accessible for enhancing health, wellbeing and performance. An Oxford University graduate, Sarah earned her MSc and DPhil (PhD) in neuroscience before moving to Australia, where she conducted postdoctoral...

Jason Lodge is a Professor of Educational Psychology and Director of the Learning, Instruction, and Technology Lab in the School of Education at The University of Queensland, Australia. His work explores the cognitive and emotional mechanisms of learning with digital technologies, addressing...

erry Daud is a visionary educator transforming learning through digital innovation at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School in Brisbane. With a Master's in Education focused on Innovative Learning Design, Kerry has pioneered groundbreaking initiatives including the phenomenally successful...

After moving to Australia from Laos with his parents and brothers when he was just six, Anoulack attended Robert Townson Primary and Robert Townson High School in Raby. Upon graduation, Anoulack completed a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney and later undertook postgraduate studies in ...

John Cleary is an experienced former principal and system executive, leading school and system improvement reform in the Northern Territory (NT) Department of Education, Australia. His experience as an educator stretches from Manchester and London (UK) to some of the most remote schools in the...

Mona Sidhu is a dedicated Cyber Education and Awareness Manager at the NSW Department of Education, with a passion for promoting cyber security and online safety awareness among students, teachers, and parents and carers. With a background in education and technology, Mona has a deep understanding...

Danny is a molecular biologist by training, programmer by night, researcher and faculty developer by day, and educator at heart. A multiple international and national teaching award winner, he is Professor of Educational Technologies at the University of Sydney where he co-chairs the...

With a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering and a Master and Ph.D. in the area of Computer Science, I am a researcher and educator in the field of computer science and IT in the School of Engineering and Technology (SET), at Central Queensland University (CQUniversity) in...

Holly's diverse teaching career reflects all her passions – education, service, physical activity, celebration, fun, and critical thinking. As Deputy Principal, Learning & Teaching at Queen Margaret College in Wellington, New Zealand, she is a dynamic leader who empowers young people to be...

Associate Professor Mark A. Bassett is the Director of Academic Quality, Standards and Integrity, and Academic Lead (Artificial Intelligence) at Charles Sturt University.His extensive international experience includes serving as Academic Director, Education Partnerships at SAE Global, where he...

Georgina is a highly accomplished leader with a 25-year career spanning diverse sectors such as Telecommunications, Media, Finance, and Education. Currently serving as the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at Ascham School, she is a key member of the executive...

A passionate advocate for teachers and school leaders, Adam Voigt is an education leader and expert on building healthy school cultures, education leadership and restorative practices. Adam’s work as a School Principal in some of Australia’s toughest locations underpins every element of his...

Kelly is the Lead Education AI Consultant at Oxford's AI Competency Centre. Her academic background is in linguistics and she holds degrees from the University of Western Australia and the University of Melbourne. She is a DIPTesol-qualified English teacher and before joining Oxford she taught...

Verity Harvey works in a P-12 Independent School and has over 20 years experience leading within the inclusion and disability space. Verity is highly passionate about embodying changes and modifications in content, teaching methods, pedagogies, structures and strategies in education to promote...

Chris is a father and children’s entertainer who loves performing live music in bands. He studied science and worked in a laboratory as a quality control chemist before deciding to pursue a career in education. Chris has been teaching in public schools for over fifteen years and enjoys using...

Andrea Therèsé van den Bol Currently sits as Deputy Principal K-12 at Northholm Grammar School in Sydney, NSW. She is a highly accomplished educational leader with extensive expertise spanning the Performing Arts, Pastoral Care, Character Education, Student Leadership, Curriculum Design, and...

After decades in the corporate arena, Andrew has spent the last 7 years in the education sector. Under his direction Cranbrook became the first K-12 institution in Australia to achieve ISO 27001 certification and the first in the world to achieve ISO 42001 (AI) controls to classroom realities while ...

Dr Geri Harris is Programme Director for Business Undergraduate Studies, a senior lecturer in information systems, and Auckland University of Technology's 'Educator of the Year 2025'. With a PhD in Information Systems and a background in business process consulting, Geri bridges...

A digital transformation leader and Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, James specialises in integrating technology to enhance educational practices. Currently leading digital transformation initiatives at Canterbury College, he develops strategies that build future-ready competencies and support ...

Lesley is a lecturer in Science and Technology for the Master of Teaching program at Western Sydney University. Lesley's passion is in creating engaging science and technology lessons for all learners. Her focus on inquiry learning allows pre-service teachers to develop their own skills and...

Over the past 11 years as principal of Plumpton High School, Tim and his team have successfully transformed Plumpton into a school that is recognised for its focus on building intellectual capacity, technology implementation, developing student leadership, agency and voice, wellbeing and commitment ...

With nearly 30 years of experience in the education sector, Andrew has cultivated a diverse skill set and a proven track record of success across a range of roles. He began his career as a dedicated teacher before transitioning into outdoor education, where he honed his leadership, teamwork, and...

Julie Taylor is a passionate instructional designer and dynamic facilitator with a diverse background in education and retail. With formal qualifications in Exercise Science and Training Design and Development, she brings a unique blend of performance, pedagogy, and practical design to every...

Carmel McGee is an experienced Advanced Skills Teacher and school leader at Riverside Primary in Tasmania. She is passionate about designing learning that grows students’ capacity to think critically, act creatively, and contribute meaningfully - capabilities that matter more than ever in a rapidly ...

Julian Ridden serves as Head of AI at The Anglican Schools Corporation, spearheading transformative AI strategy across a network of 20,000+ students. A passionate educator turned edtech leader, Julian is a sought-after speaker renowned for demystifying AI with clarity, wit, and actionable wisdom. ...

Alice Vigors is a dedicated and passionate educator, author and speaker.  In 2022, she published her first book with Amba Press; The Thinking Classroom: supporting educators to embed critical and creative thinking. A book loved by educators globally. She has taught in a range of K-6 school settings ...

As a STEAM teacher and leader, Tim Gee is passionate about empowering students to become creative and confident problem solvers. With a deep belief in the power of play-based learning, he specialises in designing hands-on, engaging STEAM projects that connect non-digital skills to digital...

Samantha Jackson is a CEO of Leadership Development at the NSW Department of Educations School Leadership Institute. She has previously held Director, Principal and senior executive roles in NSW public schools. Samantha is a  transformational leader with extensive experience in building high...

For over a decade, I've worked across primary, secondary and inclusive education settings-supporting students with complex needs, leading wellbeing initiatives and mentoring educators and school leaders. That journey has taken me through mainstream classrooms, specialist behaviour support...

Dr Nattalia Godbold works as the Research Lead at The Lakes College. She is an experienced educator and researcher, working across higher education institutions and Queensland schools. Her research explores the contemporary complexities of teacher professional learning, student partnership, and...

Jason Lane is a passionate and curious education leader, currently serving as Director of E‑Learning at Villanova College (Qld). As a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Minecraft Global Mentor, Adobe Education Leader, and regional esports coordinator, Jason presents with authority on leveraging...

Professor Steven Wong is the Director for the Centre of Digital Enablement (CoDE), a department which oversees the overall digital competency development of the students and academic staff at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT). Prof Wong is also currently leading SIT’s efforts in driving...

Bridget is a Pedagogical Coach and Senior English Teacher at Brisbane Grammar School. She previously served as Head of Senior School and Head of Academic Services, roles that deepened her commitment to education that empowers. Bridget was the first to lead a year-long innovation project on AI in...

Kari Sutton is an author, educator, and international speaker who is leading the charge in the Mental Fitness Revolution. With more than 30 years' experience in education, research and wellbeing, she has worked with over 200 schools, delivered more than 500 workshops and spoken at conferences...

Risk, Compliance & Regulatory Professional | Education Sector Specialist With more than 25 years in risk and compliance, including over a decade in the education sector, Renaye brings extensive expertise in regulatory, risk, and compliance management. Renaye is dedicated to designing and...

Jo Gray is Director of High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) at the NSW Department of Education, leading policy and initiatives that identify and develop high potential students across creative, intellectual, physical, and social-emotional domains. Previously, she was Director, Educational...

Rachel Byrne is a courageous and visionary educator and the principal of Hunter Sports High School, a semi selective public school in Newcastle, Australia. Under her leadership, Hunter Sports High School has become a national model for future focused schooling, winning Australian School of the Year ...

Bryce Ostini is a Junior School Teacher at Ascham School with a strong foundation in K-6 teaching and leading Indigenous Education initiatives. Passionate about empowering educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives into everyday practice, Bryce focuses on creating...

Jessy Shelley is a dedicated Assistant Principal of Curriculum and Instruction at Berry Public School. She is committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence, ensuring that all students have access to high-quality education that meets their individual needs. Jessy...

Andrew Draper is a dedicated and innovative educator with a passion for inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. As a Senior School Science, Physics & Technology Teacher and Head of STEM Programs at Queenwood School, Andrew brings expertise and passion to his role. With...

Indiah is a passionate Digital Technology Teacher at Tumut Public School. With a deep understanding of the importance of integrating technology into the classroom, Indiah is dedicated to inspiring and empowering students to become digital creators and problem solvers. Indiah's teaching...

Professor Ian Li is an economist and Director of Research and Policy at the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success. He specialises in health and labour economics, with current work focusing on various topics in higher education equity and policy, such as higher education access and...

Jenny Hanson works at the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies, the statutory body responsible for senior secondary curriculum, assessment and certification in the ACT. Her work with AI in education has focussed on the ethical and implementation challenges, particularly for senior secondary...

Andrew Moore’s career spans defence, education, superannuation, not-for-profits and Australian subsidiaries of internationally listed companies.  He is an experienced professional with expertise in strategic planning, executive leadership, ICT, corporate services, financial management and capital...

Leigh is an experienced executive leader, currently Education and Digital Excellence Executive at Brisbane Catholic Education, overseeing all digital, information, technology and Education Teams for 146 schools and 9 offices, as well as providing multiple systems and support for Cairns...

Aaron Johnston is a P-6 Deputy Principal working on Wonnarua Country. Aaron is in his 18th year of teaching and has worked in a variety of roles across all grades from Kindergarten-Year 6 including classroom teacher, learning & support teacher, wellbeing officer, Assistant Principal and...

Brett Duncan is an educator and esports leader dedicated to establishing scholastic esports as a respected and meaningful part of school life. As the Esports Program Coordinator and Teacher at Yarra Valley Grammar, he has built one of Australia’s most comprehensive school-based esports...

Joanne is a Lecturer in Curriculum and Pedagogy, School of Education and Tertiary Access, University of the Sunshine Coast. She describes herself as a Research Practitioner and is a strong advocate for flexible and research-based approaches, calling on her extensive experience of teaching in...

Bron Stuckey is a visionary educator and Director of Innovative Educational Ideas, dedicated to transforming the landscape of education through creativity, innovation and community. With over 20 years of experience in the field, Bron is a passionate advocate for student-centered learning, design...

Vince is an award winning and highly accomplished Australian History teacher with nearly 40 years of classroom experience. He has worked in a variety of leadership roles. He currently leads his school’s integration of AI into the teaching and learning process. He’s a published author with...

Anabella Gray is a dedicated and innovative Senior School Design and Technology Teacher at Queenwood School for Girls. With a passion for inspiring the next generation of creators and problem-solvers, Anabella brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. She is known for her dynamic...

Hannah Fenton is a dynamic and motivated educator dedicated to advancing STEM opportunities for girls. With a deep passion for coding, design, hands-on experimentation and cutting edge manufacturing, she inspires students to become real-world ready for future careers. Her commitment to...

David Collison is a Junior School Science Teacher at Barker College who’s passionate about sparking curiosity and creativity in young learners. With a background in science education and a love for hands-on, inquiry-based learning, David brings energy and imagination to every lesson. He’s known for ...

Lesley Woodhouse, a proud Boorooberonal Dharug woman, is the Founder and CEO of Wingaru Education, an Aboriginal-owned organisation dedicated to supporting schools and educators to embed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives across teaching and learning. A proud advocate for culturally ...

Dr Hugh Gundlach is a lecturer and researcher in the Faculty of Education at The University of Melbourne. He teaches in the Master of Teaching (Secondary), as well as graduate research supervision.

With 25 years at Education Queensland spanning primary and secondary schools, regional leadership roles and 15 years as a school leader including principalships at a very large P-12 college and currently at Peregian Springs State School, I have built extensive expertise in pedagogy, literacy and...

Ian Preston is a STEM educator based at Griffith High School in New South Wales, with over 30 years of experience in secondary education, with programs reaching students across primary and secondary settings. He is the founder of the Murrumbidgee Academy of STEM Excellence (MASE) and the NSW...

Annabel is the Head of Education at the ABC where she works with a talented team of content producers to bring Australian teachers and students high-quality, engaging educational reosurces. She is a passionate advocate for media literacy for all Australians and works with institutions and...

Georgina Blix is the founder and director of Blix Architecture, a research-led design studio with a focus on design for wellbeing. Her studio has experience with school masterplans, school buildings, open space design, public art, aged care and housing. In particular this studio focuses on school...

Craig Nicholls is Head of Digital Learning at Lauriston Girls’ School in Melbourne, where he leads the strategic integration of technology across K–12. With nearly 30 years in education, Craig focuses on strengthening the digital literacy and capability of staff and students through innovative...

Ronnelle Sanders During her career, Ronnelle has been an Early Years teacher, a Primary Years teacher in both State and Independent sectors, and is currently the EAL/D Co-ordinator K-6. She has presented at many Local, National and International Conferences of Literacy and Early Education over the ...

Wiradjuri man Ben Bowen is the CEO of the Indigenous Literacy Foundation (ILF). Ben is a proud Aboriginal man, a descendent of the Wiradjuri Nation with family links to the Gandangara, Dharrawal and Yuin Nations. He was born and raised on the Gadigal and Wangal lands of the Sydney basin. Ben has...

Deb Wilson is an experienced educator and current Kindergarten Coordinator at St John’s Anglican College. She has worked across both the Early and Primary Years as a kindergarten, classroom and music teacher, and as a Music Co-ordinator in the State, Independent and Tertiary sectors. Her...

Wendy Palmer is a global expert in microcredentials, short-form learning, and lifelong learning strategy, with over 30 years of experience across higher education, government, and industry. She leads Lifelong Learning Practice, an Australian consultancy focused on the design and implementation of...

Todd Nelson is a proud Dunghutti man with ancestral ties to the Yuin nation, raised on Awabakal/Wonnarua country connected to Mindarribba Local Aboriginal Land Council, and residing on Ngunnawal country. With more than 15 years of experience spanning the private, public, and not-for-profit...

Bronwyn “Bonnie” Cochrane is a proud Gamilaraay woman, Aboriginal educator, consultant and founder of TIPIAC Pty Ltd. With over 25 years’ experience in education, Bonnie supports schools, educators and organisations across Australia to embed authentic, rich and diverse Aboriginal and Torres Strait...

Sandy Neisler is a passionate primary educator and robotics coach at Peregian Springs State School on the Sunshine Coast. His teams have repeatedly reached the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) National Championships, winning the national title in 2024 and again in 2025. These teams represented Australia at...

Jessica Brady is a high school student who grew up in Darwin and brings a lived experience of her education journey in the Top End. Her Mum is from Bali and her limited opportunity to access education as a young girl has shaped how Jess sees the importance of education and opportunity. Jess has...

Dr Nick Jackson has worked in education for 25 years across the US, UK, India, and Australia. He’s held leadership roles in universities and schools, and is currently Leader of Digital Technologies at Scotch College as well as the founder of Now Future Learning. He co-authored best selling books on ...

Jack, a proud Gomeroi/Gamillaroi man, has been reporting and presenting on BTN since 2016. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Creative Arts and Arts (majors in Performance and Indigenous Studies) from the University of Wollongong, he brings a rich blend of artistic and cultural knowledge to his...

As the Founder and Chair of CWAA, Nick guides the committee coordinating the service delivery, membership strategy, forums and advisory groups. The establishment of this association stems from a passion of connecting stakeholders to improve resources students use in the classroom. Following a...

Deb Belyea is a proud Torres Strait Islander woman from the Samuawgadhalgal (Cassowary Clan), with her roots extending from the Top Western Islands of Saibai and Dauan, to the Cape York Community of Bamaga. Deb has been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, teaching in regional and remote...

Blake (Gumbaynggirr and Gomeroi/Gamilaraay) is a senior technology and transformation executive recognised for translating strategy into impact across higher education, government, and regulated industries. A trusted advisor to University Executives, Deputy Secretaries, and boards, Blake has led...

Kerrie Quee is a Nationally accredited Highly Accomplished Teacher (HALT) with 41 years of experience as a primary teacher, working across diverse educational settings. She currently works as an EAL/D Education Leader (K–12) with the NSW Department of Education, providing strategic leadership to...

Greg Sawyer joined CAUDIT in January 2020 as Director of the Cybersecurity Program and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in April 2022. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the Higher Education sector, having held a range of technical and leadership roles at both the University of...

Dr Dharshani Chandrasekara is a User Experience Researcher at the Australian Council for Educational Research. Her work focuses on enhancing the digital assessment experience for students and improving test administration and evaluation processes for educators through a human‑centred design...

Matt Esterman has over 20 years working in schools and beyond as a leading voice in the thoughtful adoption of technology. He is a trained History teacher with two masters degrees, who has made a significant contribution to professional learning in Australia and overseas. He has been recognised...

Natalie Turmine is the CEO of Service and Creative Skills Australia (SaCSA), one of the Federally funded Jobs and Skills Councils. She leads national skills and workforce planning for the Arts, Personal Services, Retail, Tourism, and Hospitality sectors. Natalie is a highly accomplished executive...

Anwar began his career as a scientific programmer before founding Martian Logic in 2003. Under his leadership, the product evolved from a job multi-posting tool into a comprehensive Recruitment & Onboarding platform, and eventually into a full-fledged HR system. Anwar is passionate about...

Serryn O’Regan is CEO of Equinim College (T/As EQC Institute).   Serryn has a 30+ year history in business and law. Serryn has worked in education since 1999.   Serryn is Deputy Chair (Skills) of the Board of ITECA, and chair of the Governance Committee. Serryn is a Board member of NCVER. She...

Anton Rainer-Smith is Technology Partnerships Manager at The Smith Family, leading technology partnerships and device donation initiatives that help bridge the digital divide for young Australians. With a background spanning partnerships, business development and education, Anton is passionate...

Chloe Read has been Managing Director of TAFE NSW since January of 2025. With over 20 years of experience in public sector education, Chloe holds expertise in public policy, strategy, intergovernmental relations, program management and IT. Most recently, she served for five years as Deputy...

Dr Nigel Palmer works at the intersection of education and industry through his role as Senior Policy Manager for skills and education with Business NSW. Nigel has 20 years’ experience in tertiary education policy, research education and program development. Nigel holds a PhD from the Australian...

Lisa is a Research Fellow at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) specialising in assessment and reporting in foundational skills. She works across curriculum areas focusing primarily on content in mathematics, digital technology and innovation. Lisa's core work is in test...

Robert Dodds is Head of Data Analytics and Systems Methodist Ladies’ College, Western Australia, where he also coordinates and teaches Digital Technologies. He leads the innovative school‑wide use of data, digital platforms, AI, and other technologies to strengthen pedagogy, inform decision...

Soya Thippawal is a passionate music teacher at St. Gabriel's School, known for her dedication to inclusive and innovative education. With a background in music education, she develops creative teaching approaches that empower students with diverse learning needs to express themselves through...

David Reeve is an experienced, customer focussed CIO and leader who thrives on business transformation. David has over twenty years of experience gained across a wide spectrum of industries including Retail, Financial Services, Education, Defence and Aviation. His career has been defined by...

KATHLEEN DONOHOE B Ed, M Sc, MCAS, QQ16S3372, GAICD CEO, A Start in Life   Kathleen Donohoe is a strategic thinker and education leader whose career spans senior roles across K–12, tertiary and vocational sectors in Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom, with a consistent focus on lifting...

I’m not your typical education executive. My journey started in a backyard workshop, fixing trucks with my grandfather, and led me through a career as a Porsche race mechanic, scuba diver, and eventually a leader in vocational education. Every step has been shaped by one core belief: leadership is...

Delia is a highly respected copyright lawyer who leads the National Copyright Unit (NCU), providing specialist copyright advice to Australian Schools and Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes with a focus on the rapidly changing digital teaching environment. She has led the advocacy for ...

With over a decade of experience at Monash University and 20 years in the education sector, I currently serve as the Third Party Cyber Risk Manager. In this role, I oversee and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with third-party vendors and partners, while providing advice and feedback on...

Jade Bassett is an award-winning Australian educator, STEM innovator, and Founder of the Rutherford Technology High School Women in STEM Program — one of the largest school-based initiatives dedicated to increasing participation of girls in science, technology, engineering and...

Prem Radhakrishnan is Manager of AI Services at the Catholic Education Network (CEnet), where he leads the development of safe, scalable, and ethically aligned AI solutions for K–12 education. A senior solution architect with extensive enterprise experience, Prem specialises in AI...

Mal Younes is a dynamic and results-driven professional with over 3 years of experience in the education and training industry. Currently serving as the General Manager of Training at Entry Education, Mal is passionate about driving innovation and excellence in education.With a strong background in ...

Founder & Strategist, Vidversity & Adjunct Industry Fellow Swinburne University Natalie is a pioneer in digital transformation with over 20 years of experience redefining professional adult education. A former solicitor and University of Melbourne Law School lecturer, she holds a...

There's a concept worth understanding called planned obsolescence. This is the point at which a device is deemed no longer viable, not because it has physically worn out, but because the software ecosystem has moved on. Here's the sustainability challenge with that. Roughly 80% of a...

Lynn (she/her) is nationally and internationally recognised for her thought leadership in AI teaching and learning and digital innovation practices, which have won multiple awards.  With community at heart, she created and co-leads the AI Community of Practice to disseminate, collaborate and...

An educator for over 30 years, Dr Tim Kitchen is one of Australia’s leading voices in digital creativity and education innovation. A passionate advocate for empowering students and teachers through creative technologies, Tim has taught across primary, secondary, and higher education and has...

Tanya McErlain is a Portfolio Manager in the Tertiary and Industry Tools Division at the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER), with extensive experience leading large‑scale, high‑stakes assessment and education services across the higher education, vocational and professional...

As an AI Transformation Lead, I combine deep expertise in IT service management and project delivery with advanced capabilities in AI, automation, and conversational bots to accelerate digital transformation. With over 25 years in the IT industry, I have successfully led initiatives that integrate...

Siobhan O’Sullivan is an executive leader with more than 25 years’ experience driving organisational transformation across finance, logistics and the technology sector. She is currently working with the Future Skills Organisation to lead the FSO Skills Accelerator–AI, a national initiative helping...

Bill Swannie is Senior Lecturer at the Thomas More Law School. His areas of expertise include human rights law, anti-discrimination law, legal theory, media law and international law. He is a leading expert in free speech and vilification (hate speech) laws. Previously, Dr Swannie was Principal...

Joanne Jarvis is the Executive Director of the NSW School Leadership Institute, where she leads the development of evidence-informed, future-focused leadership programs and resources to support leaders at all stages of their career across NSW public schools. Joanne has held leadership roles across ...

I am the principal of Shotover Primary School, a fantastic school in the stunning town of Queenstown, New Zealand. Shotover opened in 2015 and was a greenfield development.  Opening with 88 children, its current roll is approximately 600.  It has a reputation for providing a highly effective...

Dr Lorraine Finlay is the Human Rights Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission.  In this role Lorraine leads the work of the Commission in areas including modern slavery, emergency responses, asylum seekers and refugees, business & human rights, and technology & human...

Doug Taylor was appointed CEO of The Smith Family in August 2021. He has built a 30-year career in the social sector with national and international experience in leading innovative social impact initiatives in partnership with the not-for-profit, government, philanthropic and corporate sectors. ...

Megan Kavanagh is a partner in Colin Biggers & Paisley's education team, specialising in employment and safety law. With over 20 years' experience, Megan works with the largest education providers in Australia and attends in excess of 100 school related unfair dismissal, discrimination...

Niraj Pandya is Director, Learning and Teaching at Kaplan International College Adelaide. He leads academic quality, curriculum innovation, and staff development across pathway and ELICOS programs, with a strong focus on standards alignment, inclusive practice, and evidence-informed design. His...

Ruzika Soldo is currently the Head of Impact & Engagement at UNICEF Australia, with extensive experience leading community engagement, intergenerational dialogue, culture change, and future workforce across the not for profit, education, financial services and infrastructure sectors. She is...

Professor Scott Sleap is the STEM Enrichment Coordinator for the NSW Department of Education, where he leads statewide initiatives that connect schools with industry, universities and emerging technologies to strengthen STEM learning and future workforce pathways. He is also the Principal of the...

I am a secondary educator and communication specialist passionate about helping schools foster connected, communicative cultures. With experience teaching Drama, English and Performing Arts across the UK and Australia, I have spent my career supporting young people to build confidence, develop...

dop™ is a future-focused technology partner. We deliver integrated services across key focus areas- each designed to solve real-world problems with clarity, speed, and impact. Whether you’re protecting your business, connecting your teams, or enabling smarter operations dop™ is here to unite the...

Brett Hall is General Manager – Policy, Research and Projects in Australian Industry Group’s Centre for Education and Training. The Centre works with and for industry to drive bold new thinking on education and training in the context of work. Brett has more than 15 years’ experience shaping and...

Megan Lilly is Deputy Commissioner at Jobs and Skills Australia, bringing more than two decades of leadership in education, training, and workforce development. She joined JSA in September 2024, following a distinguished career at the Australian Industry Group (Ai Group), where she served as the...

Ben Lawless is the founder and director of Lawless Learning, a Melbourne-based consultancy focused on developmental assessment and learning design. His work centres on helping organisations build clear learning progressions, capability frameworks, and assessment systems that make progress visible. ...

Julie Tickle is a respected educational leader, with over two decades of experience in the VET sector as teacher, mentor, and executive. In her role as Chief People Officer for TAFE NSW Julie oversees the attraction, development, and retention of a capable, engaged, and adaptable workforce of over...

Faraz Khan is a cybersecurity teacher at Victoria University and a 2025 International VET Practitioner Fellow with the International Specialised Skills Institute, supported by the Victorian Skills Authority. His fellowship project, Teaching the Future: Integrating Cybersecurity into...

Beth Welden is National Program Manager of ForestLearning, an initiative of Forest and Wood Products Australia, where she leads the development of free, innovative, curriculum-aligned resources used by teachers across Australia, including nationally award-winning education initiatives. A qualified...

Dr. Janneke Blijlevens is an Associate Professor in the Marketing discipline in the College of Business and Law at RMIT. Social impact and interdisciplinarity are her middle name. She works with students, industry partners, and research collaborators to develop and implement learning...

Leigh is a researcher, teacher trainer, educator, curriculum leader, Fellow of the International Specialised Skills Institute, PhD candidate at James Cook University, life-long learner and polymath. He works full-time as Curriculum & Assessment Leader at William Angliss Institute where he leads ...

A proud dyslexic, out-of-the-box thinker and change-maker, Kelly has over 20 years’ experience in education and leading transformative learning initiatives. She has developed innovative, award-winning programs that bridge education, conservation, and technology. Passionate about empowering...

Emma Wilson is an educator dedicated to redefining the middle years through transdisciplinary, project-based learning. With 12 years of experience, Emma currently serves as the Director of Middle School at Living School, where she has established a model that places student engagement and agency at ...

Max Lenoy is Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, and Warungnu and his family were sent to Yarrabah and Palm Island.  He is the Curriculum Specialist, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures at the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Max is developing First...

I serve as Chief Transformation Officer and Senior Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at The Texas A&M University System, one of the nation’s largest public university systems, serving more than 170,000 students across 12 universities. My work centers on building...

Bruce Fraser is the Executive Director of AI Initiatives at Indian River State College in Fort Pierce, Florida, where he leads institutional strategy for integrating generative artificial intelligence into teaching, learning, and organizational practice. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Boston...

Andrew is an experienced CIO with 25+ years of global experience across diverse industries including Education, Healthcare, Public Transport, Government, Telecoms, Not-for-profit, Corporate, and Defence. He is the Chief Information & Digital Officer at Charles Darwin University (CDU) and...

Melanie Hughes, Curriculum Specialist, Technologies, Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is responsible for the Australian Curriculum: Technologies and the General Capability: Digital Literacy. Melanie is an experienced teacher who has worked in Primary and Secondary...

Vince is a proud Dunghutti man from the small community of Bellbrook on the Mid North Coast of NSW. In his current role as Director First Nations and Community Engagment he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting and engaging with Aboriginal communities, with the past six years...

Madhavi is the Co-Founder and CEO of SpaceBasic, an AI platform transforming student housing and campus operations across 100+ universities, impacting over 350,000 students. A Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honouree and recipient of the Global Australian Award, she is building SpaceBasic with a mission to ...

Jackie Sheehan is the Head Teacher of Information Technology at TAFE NSW, with nearly a decade of leadership experience spanning classroom teaching, curriculum delivery, and large‑scale program oversight. She leads IT qualifications across regional and remote locations in New South...

Farrah brings a wealth of experience across education, learning design, project management, and product ownership. With a career spanning K–12, Higher Education, Vocational Education and Training (VET), and Professional Learning, she has developed deep expertise in designing and delivering...

Paul is a Senior Educational Developer in the Learning and Teaching Futures team at CQUniversity (CQU). His work focuses on educator capability, assessment redesign, and the practical integration of Generative AI in education. During his 14 years at CQU, Paul has worked across teaching and...

Chemène Sinson trains professionals and advises organisations on learning strategy, curriculum design and educator development. An Olympian and national-level coach with over 25 years of experience teaching others how to teach, Chemène is the author of teaching materials used by more than 150...

My research interests sit at the intersection of initial teacher education, in-service professional learning, and educational research, with a focus on teacher development across the career continuum. I am particularly interested in how collaborative, context-responsive support mechanisms enable...

Averil Waite is a secondary science teacher and STEAM educator based in regional New South Wales, with a focus on building innovative, student-centred learning environments. She leads the integration of artificial intelligence across her school, developing practical strategies that support both...

Chaitali Samani is a Project Manager for AI Strategy at TAFE, working at a system level to support education leaders as generative AI reshapes learning, assessment, and quality assurance. Her work focuses on the practical implications of AI for assessment design, academic integrity, equity, and...

Paul Dionysius is a leader in digital technologies education, having taught in State, Catholic and Independent schools, he is currently serving as the Techonologies Head of Learning Area at Sunshine Coast Grammar School, Queensland. With a career defined by innovation, Paul was recently honoured...

Joanna is an accomplished project and systems leader in the education sector, specialising in large-scale digital transformation. As Project and Systems Manager at King’s Baptist Grammar School, she is spearheading an 18-month strategic overhaul of the school’s digital ecosystem, including the...

At Superhuman (formerly Grammarly), Jenny Maxwell leads the go-to-market teams focused on engaging a global community of forward-thinking educational leaders who are driving innovation through the use of AI in education. Jenny brings over 15 years of experience in the education and ed-tech...

Jake Turnbull is a passionate and innovative Digital Learning Leader at Pymble Ladies' College. With over 20 years of experience in the education sector, Jake is dedicated to integrating technology into the classroom to enhance student learning experiences. Jake is a forward-thinker who stays...

Stacia is Senior Learning Design Manager at LEGO Education in Billund, Denmark, where she explores the intersection of teaching, learning, and the creative potential of LEGO bricks. With 18 years of experience, she has developed and implemented educational programs for organizations including...

Daniel Edwards is currently Head of ACER's Student Learning and Progress Division which is at the forefront of delivering ACER's educational measurement and evidence-based products and services to schools and school system in Australia and across the world. ACER's approach supports...

As an educator, I am passionate about leveraging esports as a powerful tool to increase student engagement, connection, and success within the school environment. I believe esports provides meaningful opportunities for students to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, and...

I am an experienced educator dedicated to bridging the gap between creative expression and technical fluency. Currently teaching Visual Arts, Media Arts, and Digital Technology across the Middle Years, I specialise in designing interdisciplinary learning experiences that empower students to see...

Elizabeth is an experienced executive with a demonstrable track record in innovative leadership and the application of technology as a transformation agent for business change.  Elizabeth is passionate about education, gender diversity in technology, and the safety of children in the online...

Andy Rankin spent 33 years in Australian education, including 15 years as a principal and senior leader in Sydney. He is a certified trainer in Stephen Covey's Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, and co-facilitated the NSW Primary Principals Association's Principal Credential...

Jane Artup is a dedicated and innovative professional with a passion for driving positive change in the education sector. As the Manager of the NSW Digital Compact Industry Workforce Programs at the NSW Department of Education, Jane brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. With a...

2026 Apple WWDC Winner • Young Creator • Inspiring Girls in Tech Martina Recabarren is a Year 9 student and one of Australia’s rising young technologists. She began coding only a year ago with the support of her teacher, Paul Dionysious, and quickly found a love for creating apps that help...

Nick is an education technology specialist passionate about helping schools rethink teaching and learning through smarter, more human-centred technology. With a strong focus on K-12 education, Nick works closely with school leaders to simplify complexity, reduce teacher workload, and create...

I am a future-focused educational leader specialising in the design of innovative learning models, curriculum architecture, and system-wide transformation. As Director of Vision and Development for the Urban Campus at Immanuel Lutheran College, I lead the strategic design and realisation of a new...

Miriam Scott is an Education Consultant at Independent Schools NSW, supporting schools to engage thoughtfully with generative AI. Her work focuses on leadership alignment, staff readiness, student engagement and responsible use, helping schools move beyond tools to build shared understanding, clear ...

Ms Monica Bahl, Chief Executive Officer, Beauty & Wellness Sector Skill Council, is a service Professional with 30 years of expérience in leadership roles involving strategic planning, organisation building, P&L Management, with 21 years of multi-functional expérience in Business Management ...

William is the Director of an independent security consulting firm, established after almost 20 years working in the education sector and more than a decade in risk and security consulting. With over 35 years of experience in information technology, he has led major risk programmes and delivered...

Mandy brings over 15 years of experience in human resources, with a strong track record in developing and implementing HR strategies that align with organisational goals. She excels in managing all aspects of the employee lifecycle from recruitment and talent acquisition and onboarding, to training ...

Sumith Abkari is the TAFE NSW Project Manager for Partnerships and Education Innovation, with extensive experience across the education and healthcare sectors in both corporate and government environments. An accomplished senior project manager, Sumith is recognised for his ability to lead teams to ...

Jasmina Cahill is a Director of Product Management at Civica, where she plays a key role in shaping the organisation’s education portfolio, including Civica Education Suite and Daymap. She also leads global strategy and delivery for Spydus, a widely adopted library management platform used by...

With a PhD on Shakespeare, Angela Schumann brings a holistic approach to her role as APAC Partnerships Manager and Education Consultant for Matific, an award-winning global EdTech company pioneering AI-driven digital learning, used by over 50 million students in over 50 languages.  Angela has a...

Nadia works with students and staff in P – 12 Independent School to promote the love of learning through leveraging digital to create, communicate and explore. She mentors teachers to create impactful learning opportunities with careful consideration of learning design principals. Nadia has a...

Adam Inder is Head of Education at Pivot Professional Learning, where he supports schools to use data effectively to strengthen teaching, learning, and student outcomes. He works alongside school leaders and teachers to design and deliver professional learning grounded in research and classroom...

Rolfe is a passionate educator whose career has spanned classroom teaching, technology integration, online learning, school transformation, and professional learning leadership across both the independent and public sectors. Now teaching Mathematics and Design and Technology while leading the...

Nina Laitala works at the intersection of governance, leadership, and institutional change. As Training Lead at the Institute of Community Directors Australia, she designs and delivers governance and leadership programmes for boards and executives across the not-for-profit sector, including...

Demelza is Co-CEO of Patient Zero and 10,000 Spoons, experimenting with AI-native ways of building businesses, products, and brands: tiny teams, AI swarms, and shipping in days what used to take months. A slightly weird, slightly uncool creative, she's a Kiwi turned Australian-first ambassador...

Neil Jeremiah is a dynamic and results-driven Senior Manager with a proven track record in eCommerce Sales Mobilisation at Commonwealth Bank Australia. With over two decades of experience in the financial services and technology industries, Neil has a deep understanding of digital sales strategies...

Adrian Janson is a highly experienced and passionate teacher who has worked in both the independent and government sectors. One of his key interests has been in the use of coding in the classroom and the ways that this can drive engagement. Adrian has written several text books, including the...

Julia Ryan is Director of Human Resources at Camberwell Girls Grammar School and a senior HR leader with extensive experience across education, healthcare and corporate environments. She specialises in employee relations, industrial frameworks, policy development and organisational change, with a...

Mark Lamont is an innovator at the intersection of learning, teaching, administration, technology, AI and Human Centred Design. He chairs and directs a portfilio of well known edtech enterprises, at the same time leading inventive projects that serve diverse learning communities across Australia...

Paul is a Co-founder and Co-CEO at Patient Zero though he remains a problematic employee who prefers shared leadership, mostly for the joy of arguing with diverse viewpoints. Along with the entire team at Patient Zero, he has helped build an evidence-based approach to understanding Developer...

Dan Hughes is a seasoned CIO with over 20 years of experience in the IT industry. Throughout his career, Dan has led multiple teams to drive digital transformation across various sectors. As a strategic thinker and innovative problem solver, Dan is dedicated to leveraging technology to elevate...

Reece Corbett-Wilkins is the Head of First Response + Recovery, and is the Chief Strategy Officer at Atmos. For over 10 years, Reece has focused exclusively on cyber and privacy risk, having helped 1,000+ organisations through some of their most challenging times. Reece is particularly experienced ...

Melissa is the Head of English at Edmund Rice College in Wollongong, NSW. She is passionate about leading others to develop dynamic and engaged teaching teams, supported by effective management and administration processes. She is a sessional lecturer at University of Canberra in their online...

Tom Worthington is an independent computer professional, educational design consultant, and Honorary Senior Lecturer in the ANU School of Computing. A Certified Professional and Honorary Life Member of the Australian Computer Society, he received the national Digital Disruptors Gold Award for ICT...

I have worked within the Australian Catholic University community for 17 years in roles including Academic Manager, Coordinator, Lecturer in Charge and teacher across Foundation Studies, English for Academic Purposes, Communication Skills and Proficiency Test Preparation. I currently coordinate...

Jen Walsh is a dedicated and results-driven Customer Success Manager with a focus on the Asia-Pacific region at Cidi Labs. With a strong background in education technology and a passion for empowering educators, Jen excels in building strong relationships with clients to ensure their success in...

Fred Shu is an experienced education technology leader with a strong background in ICT governance, infrastructure, and digital transformation across the independent school sector. He currently serves as Head of Information Technology at William Clarke College in Sydney’s North‑West, where he leads...

A leader in technology transformation and strategic innovation, Hassan specializes in bridging the gap between high-end industrial tech and practical educational applications. With experience navigating complex data ecosystems in retail, healthcare and education, Hassan provide a unique lens on how ...

Dr David Bowser is the founder and CEO of Curio Group, a global company that uses technology to rethink how people learn and organisations build capability. David has spent more than two decades at the intersection of learning and technology. At Curio, he leads work with universities, professional ...

Edward Robinson is the Founder and CEO of Robinson Aerospace Systems, an Australian space and education technology company transforming how students engage with STEM and space technology in the classroom. At just 22 years old, Edward has led the development of RASCube, a classroom-ready satellite...