Debbie Childs GAICD is CEO of Helping Minds, a leading mental health and carer support organisation in Western Australia. Debbie brings extensive experience as a leader and Board Director for both for profit and for purpose organisations. Under Debbie’s leadership, Helping Minds has launched several impactful initiatives, including the Carers Guide Project, supporting engagement with families and carers; and PIECES, a feature film aimed at destigmatising mental health. As a passionate advocate for lived experience leadership, Debbie brings a unique perspective to her role as a mental health carer and has significantly contributed to making Helping Minds a vital mental health resource in the community.

Dr Joanne Orlando (PhD) is a researcher, author and experienced keynote speaker, quickly becoming a world-renowned expert in AI and digital safety for families and young people. With a focus on children of all age groups including teenagers, Jo analyses and predicts how technology and AI use shapes children’s minds and behaviours and the broader implications for society and public policy now and in the future. Jo consults with local and international governments on social media guidelines, impacts on mental health, education and industry to develop evidenced-based policies that enhance digital best practice. With extensive media experience in TV on Sunrise, the Today Show, The Morning Show, Jo excels in making complex topics accessible and engaging. Jo popularised new terms like ‘sharenting’ and ‘zombie scrolling’, demonstrating her influence on how Australians discuss and understand digital behaviours. An experienced keynote speaker, Dr Jo Orlando has taken part in South by Southwest (SWSX) for her expertise as a futurist and recently addressed Apple, YouTube, Roblox and the Global Sync Summit. Dr. Orlando’s dynamic keynotes inspire and empower audiences to thrive in the digital age by offering deep insights into the incorporation of AI and other technologies into work, families and everyday life. A unique blend of substance and spontaneity make Dr Jo a rare gem in the world of tech and a highly sought after expert for high profile panels and discussions. Dr Jo’s core topics are Artificial Intelligence, digital family safety, the future of technology, and digital wellbeing. Dr Joanne Orlando is based in Sydney, Australia, has three children and has just completed her first half marathon. In 2025 Dr Jo’s second book Generation Connected was published by Penguin and is quickly becoming the go-to guide for Australian schools and families on digital safety.

Growing up, Lucy Thomas OAM (and sister Rosie) saw the toll bullying took on their peers and wanted to rewrite the story. Shortly after finishing school, they launched PROJECT ROCKIT. What began as a grassroots anti-bullying project has grown into a nationwide movement, engaging over 750,000 young Australians and creating career-starting employment for 150+ young people. Passionate about amplifying lived experience Lucy is now a globally recognised pioneer in youth-driven digital innovation, advocacy, and education, serving on global safety advisory boards for Meta, Snapchat, Spotify, and more. Working at the intersection of young people, industry and government, Lucy is dedicated to championing inclusive communities, meaningful action, and the wellbeing of young people online and beyond.

Siobhan Wilson, 16, is an international public speaker, youth and disability advocate, philanthropist, and four-times published author who uses her lived experience of trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD and neurodivergence to drive meaningful change for children and teens. She is known for transforming lived experience into professional learning and practical training strengthening trauma-aware, neurodiversity-informed practice for educators, clinicians, and community professionals working with children and adolescents. Siobhan is the founder of Our Pixie Friends, a social enterprise supporting young people through storytelling, sensory resources such as Cozipals, and initiatives fostering kindness and inclusion. Her latest book, Support Our Healing, reflects her commitment to improving outcomes for young people.