Program - DNAC26

Conference Program

The 2026 Developing Northern Australia Conference brings together some of the country's most dedicated people from government, business, community and commerce to form a strategic plan and positive path forward for Northern Australia.

Explore the interactive program below, where you can click on each session to view the presentation overview and presenter biography.

Please note, all conference sessions will run on ACST (NT time).

Ready to register? Click here.

To return to the website, click here.

Please email the Conference Manager if you have any questions at conference@northaust.org.au.

The 2026 Developing Northern Australia Conference reserves the right to amend or alter any advertised details relating to dates, program and speakers if necessary and without notice, as a result of circumstances beyond their control. All attempts will be made to keep any changes to an absolute minimum.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

	Welcome	To	DNAC	2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

	Welcome	To
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

	DNAC	2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

	Welcome
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

	To
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

	DNAC
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

	2026
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Nocturnal Outback Dinner Tour \| Tuesday Aug 4, 2026 \| 5:30pm

Wednesday, August 5, 2026

	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 1	Session 2	Session 3	Session 4
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	NRFC, CEFC & NAIF Panel on Investment	Growing Northern Talent: Building the North’s Capability - In Conversation with the Regional Education Commissioner, NT Chief Justice and NAUA Leaders	CRCNA’s Living Wake: 10 Years of Impact Belinda Carlson & Anthony Curro, CRC for Northern Australia	Engoori in Action: Strengths Based Pathways Linking First Nations Knowledge and Leadership Scott Gorringe, Murrimatters
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 1	Session 2
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	NRFC, CEFC & NAIF Panel on Investment	Growing Northern Talent: Building the North’s Capability - In Conversation with the Regional Education Commissioner, NT Chief Justice and NAUA Leaders
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 3	Session 4
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	CRCNA’s Living Wake: 10 Years of Impact Belinda Carlson & Anthony Curro, CRC for Northern Australia	Engoori in Action: Strengths Based Pathways Linking First Nations Knowledge and Leadership Scott Gorringe, Murrimatters
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

	Concurrent Room 1
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 1
	Session 1
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	NRFC, CEFC & NAIF Panel on Investment
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

	Concurrent Room 2
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 2
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	Growing Northern Talent: Building the North’s Capability - In Conversation with the Regional Education Commissioner, NT Chief Justice and NAUA Leaders
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

	Concurrent Room 3
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 3
	Session 3
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	CRCNA’s Living Wake: 10 Years of Impact Belinda Carlson & Anthony Curro, CRC for Northern Australia
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

	Concurrent Room 4
5:30 AM - 9:30 AM	Hot Air Ballooning \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 5:30am - 9:30am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Explore the Desert Knowledge Precinct \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Tour the Arid Zone Research Institute (AZRI) \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
7:00 AM - 9:30 AM	Cultural Tour at Desert Park \| Wednesday Aug 5, 2026 \| 7:00am - 9:00am
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	DNAC26 Registration Open Welcome! Come and say hello to the Conference Team and collect your Name Badge!
	Keynote Session 1 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
10:00 AM - 10:15 AM	Welcome to Country Kumalie Riley Kngwarraye, Tingkabee
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM	Conference Introduction & Housekeeping Craig Doyle, Conference Chair
10:35 AM - 11:05 AM	Northern Horizons: The Proving Ground for the Country’s Future Capability Prof Martin Nakata AM \| Chair Indigenous Reference Group
11:10 AM - 11:40 AM	Developing the North Is Not Just a Catchphrase; It is About Our People, Communities and Our Future Hon. Marion Scrymgour MP, Federal Member for Lingiari
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM	A Decade of Impact with the CRCNA Sheriden Morris, Chair, CRCNA
11:50 AM - 12:15 PM	Engineering the Northern Advantage: Innovation, Technology and the Systems Transformation of Northern Australia John Coyne, Director, National Security Programs, Australian Strategic Policy Institute
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM	"You Can't Wear That Hat" - the challenges of cultural compliance and community-controlled regional development Click to see the list of posters on display for the duration of the conference.
	Keynote Session 2 - MacDonnell Room Chair: Craig Doyle
1:15 PM - 1:30 PM	A Strong North Means A Strong Australia Hon. Madeleine King MP, Minister for Northern Australia
1:35 PM - 1:45 PM	Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) Chief Minister of the Northern Territory
1:50 PM - 2:00 PM	Delivering for Queensland: A Better Lifestyle through a Stronger Economy for Our Regions Hon. Dale Last MP \| QLD Minister for Natural Resources & Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional & Rural Development
2:05 PM - 2:15 PM	Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC Minister for Regional Development, Western Australia
2:20 PM - 2:45 PM	Ministerial Panel Facilitated by Elizabeth Brennan \| The Hon. Madeleine King MP \| The Hon. Lia Finocchiaro (Invited) \| The Hon. Dale Last \| The Hon. Stephen Dawson MLC
2:50 PM - 3:15 PM	Michael Camerlengo Michael Camerlengo, Executive Leader \| Clients and Capital and Deputy Chief Investment Officer, Housing Australia
3:15 PM - 3:45 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 4
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM	Engoori in Action: Strengths Based Pathways Linking First Nations Knowledge and Leadership Scott Gorringe, Murrimatters
4:45 PM - 5:10 PM	Free time to get fancy for Conference Dinner
5:10 PM - 5:20 PM	Transfers to Conference Dinner, departing from Convention Centre & Hotels
5:30 PM - 9:30 PM	BBQ Dinner Experience – Outback Under the Stars A truly unique and authentic experience not to be missed. Become immersed in the spirit and grandeur that is the Australian Outback. From the moment you step off the coach you’ll be captivated by the setting sun exploding in a ray of colour adrift the great expanse of the Northern Territory sky. Please note this is an additional cost.

Thursday, August 6, 2026

	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 5: Economic Development Chair: Katrina Kawaljenko	Session 6: First Nations Leadership Chair: Jade Ritchie	Session 7: Environment & Climate Chair:	Session 8: Innovation & Technology Chair:
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	Alice Springs Town Council - Economic Development Projects in Central Australia Mayor Asta Hill, Alice Springs Town Council	Aboriginal Women Leading Enterprise: Building Textile Businesses from Remote Communities Lee-Anne Smith, Henrik Loos, Delphine Judson & Chloe Mandijarra, Job Pathways (Women's Hub)	Beyond Preparedness: Indigenous Governance, Cyclone Fina, and Disaster Resilience on the Wade Charles, Charles Darwin University	AI Skills for the Future - Northern Australia to Contribute to the National AI Capability Tim Burt, Future Skills Organisation
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	Playing the Long Game: How Strategic Partnerships Have Driven Regional Investment Mayor Greg Williamson, Regional Council	Empowering Community Prosperity: Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation's Leadership Pathway in First Nations Economic Development Nathan McIvor, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation	ARIDGRAZE - $5M Research and Adoption Support for Sustainable Development of Central Australian Grazing Industry Robyn Cowley & Alison Kain, NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries	Stronger Homes, Stronger Communities: Empowering the North to Build Their Future Peter Woods, Modpacs & Anthony Faingaa, Moonyah Workforce
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	One Future: What NT, Northern WA and North Queensland Can Learn from Each Other Kate Haycock, AEC Group	Igniting Indigenous-Led Investments: From ILUAs to Equity David Knights, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)	Indigenous Led Carbon Projects Delivering Significant Benefits for Climate, Country and Community Anna Boustead, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network	Invisible Infrastructure - Right Sized for Northern Australia Mitchell Hunt, Rapid Platform
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Who Backs the Risk? Philanthropy as Innovation Capital in Remote NT and Northern Australia Donna Digby, Alexie Seller & Natalie Egleton, Territory Connect	Owning the Evidence – Indigenous Data Sovereignty as Strategic Economic Infrastructure Lindsay Bridge, First Nations Economics	Waterholes as Natural Infrastructure: Climate Variability and Dry-Season Water Security in the Gilbert River Catchment Paula Cartwright, James Cook University	Digital Technology Use and eHealth Literacy in a Remote Aboriginal Community of the Northern Territory Vishnu Khanal & Kureisha Wilson, Menzies School of Health Research
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 9: First Nations Leadership Chair:	Session 10: Health & Community Chair:	Session 11: Growing Northern Talent Chair:	Session 12: Infrastructure & Connectivity Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	No Presentation Fred Pascoe, Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust	Robust Health Systems for the Future: What Are the Priorities for Northern Australia? Associate Professor Alexandra Edelman, Menzies School of Health Research	Indigenous Engagement, Education and Empowerment - Practical Action, Meaningful Impact: ADG's Indigenous Training Academy Sandra De Kock, Airport Development Group Pty Ltd	Resilient Northern Australian Communities: Navigating Disaster Recovery in the East Pilbara Steven Harding, Shire of East Pilbara
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Backing First Nations Entrepreneurs: What Works When Support Is Designed with Place, People and Partners Alexie Seller, Impact North	Could Rotary-Wing Retrieval Improve Timeliness of Prehospital Critical-Care in Central Australia? Professor Richard Johnson, Alice Springs Hospital	The Workforce Conversation Ecosystem: Retention by Design Barbara Clifford, The Hinwood Institute	Where Seaweed Grows, Communities Thrive - Enabling Seaweed Economies in North Australia Alison Duguid, North Australian Seaculture
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Why So Few Commonwealth Government Contracts Awarded to First Nations Companies in Northern Australia? Rod Reeve, Samantha Turk, Ninti One Limited	From Regional Voices to Statewide Strength: Queensland's Transformational Regional Governance Journey Suzi Woodrow-Read, Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development	Working Hard and It's Hardly Working: Novel Solutions to Navigate Under-Resourcing in Regional Mental Healthcare Kacie Austin, Department of Veterans	Developing Connectivity Across the North Naomi Evans, NBN
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Aboriginal Community-Led Project Design and Delivery in the NT - Collective Impact Initiative Elouise Calma, Aboriginal Investment NT	Coordinated Pathways Out of Homelessness: The Central Intake Service in the Northern Territory Kelly Hughes & April Robinson, Lutheran Care	People, Place and Work: Rethinking Workforce Capability in Remote Contexts Fionn Griffin, Remote Contexts Centred Solutions	Building a Resilient Digital Future: Harnessing Technology for Economic and Social Growth in Northern Australia Kathryn Jones, Telstra InfraCo
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 13: Economic Development Chair: Jason Kidd	Session 14: Environment & Climate Chair:	Session 15: Health & Community Chair:	Session 16: Growing Northern Talent Chair: Brook Orr
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Unlocking Scarce Regional Industrial Land to Attract Priority-Sector Investment at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct Sean O'Meara, Andrew Leith & Scott Muller, Eco-Industrial BDO	Applying Circular Economy Principles Through Cross-Sector Collaboration in Remote Communities Jennifer McHugh, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council	Strong Futures Start Here: First Nations Health and Wellbeing Carissa McAllister & Vicky Meyer, CheckUP	Building Capability in the Next Generation Workforce for Northern Australia Margie Atkinson, Atkinson Consulting
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	Northern Australia Coalition: A Call for Bold Action in Northern Australia Glen Hingley, Territory Chamber	Evaluating Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs Under Irrigated Agricultural Development in the Gilbert River Catchment Jack Koci, James Cook University	Working with Social Workers in General Practice Settings: The Views of GPs Ines Zuchowski, James Cook University	What retains the remote health workforce? Quantifying retention priorities in remote Australia using Best-Worst Dr Nanda Budhathoki & Deb Russell, Menzies School Of Health
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Community Resilience in the Northern Territory - A Dashboard for Early Detection of Change Jacki Schirmer & David Gallacher, Northern Hub	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon	Building Better Water Plans: Cultural Values Assessment from Adelaide River to Daly Basin Michelle Rodrigo, DLPE - Water Resources	Finding Assistance for Attraction and Retention of Skilled Workforce Geoff Barbaro, Skills Insight
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 5: Economic Development Chair: Katrina Kawaljenko	Session 6: First Nations Leadership Chair: Jade Ritchie
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	Alice Springs Town Council - Economic Development Projects in Central Australia Mayor Asta Hill, Alice Springs Town Council	Aboriginal Women Leading Enterprise: Building Textile Businesses from Remote Communities Lee-Anne Smith, Henrik Loos, Delphine Judson & Chloe Mandijarra, Job Pathways (Women's Hub)
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	Playing the Long Game: How Strategic Partnerships Have Driven Regional Investment Mayor Greg Williamson, Regional Council	Empowering Community Prosperity: Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation's Leadership Pathway in First Nations Economic Development Nathan McIvor, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	One Future: What NT, Northern WA and North Queensland Can Learn from Each Other Kate Haycock, AEC Group	Igniting Indigenous-Led Investments: From ILUAs to Equity David Knights, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Who Backs the Risk? Philanthropy as Innovation Capital in Remote NT and Northern Australia Donna Digby, Alexie Seller & Natalie Egleton, Territory Connect	Owning the Evidence – Indigenous Data Sovereignty as Strategic Economic Infrastructure Lindsay Bridge, First Nations Economics
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 9: First Nations Leadership Chair:	Session 10: Health & Community Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	No Presentation Fred Pascoe, Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust	Robust Health Systems for the Future: What Are the Priorities for Northern Australia? Associate Professor Alexandra Edelman, Menzies School of Health Research
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Backing First Nations Entrepreneurs: What Works When Support Is Designed with Place, People and Partners Alexie Seller, Impact North	Could Rotary-Wing Retrieval Improve Timeliness of Prehospital Critical-Care in Central Australia? Professor Richard Johnson, Alice Springs Hospital
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Why So Few Commonwealth Government Contracts Awarded to First Nations Companies in Northern Australia? Rod Reeve, Samantha Turk, Ninti One Limited	From Regional Voices to Statewide Strength: Queensland's Transformational Regional Governance Journey Suzi Woodrow-Read, Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Aboriginal Community-Led Project Design and Delivery in the NT - Collective Impact Initiative Elouise Calma, Aboriginal Investment NT	Coordinated Pathways Out of Homelessness: The Central Intake Service in the Northern Territory Kelly Hughes & April Robinson, Lutheran Care
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 13: Economic Development Chair: Jason Kidd	Session 14: Environment & Climate Chair:
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Unlocking Scarce Regional Industrial Land to Attract Priority-Sector Investment at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct Sean O'Meara, Andrew Leith & Scott Muller, Eco-Industrial BDO	Applying Circular Economy Principles Through Cross-Sector Collaboration in Remote Communities Jennifer McHugh, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	Northern Australia Coalition: A Call for Bold Action in Northern Australia Glen Hingley, Territory Chamber	Evaluating Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs Under Irrigated Agricultural Development in the Gilbert River Catchment Jack Koci, James Cook University
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Community Resilience in the Northern Territory - A Dashboard for Early Detection of Change Jacki Schirmer & David Gallacher, Northern Hub	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 7: Environment & Climate Chair:	Session 8: Innovation & Technology Chair:
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	Beyond Preparedness: Indigenous Governance, Cyclone Fina, and Disaster Resilience on the Wade Charles, Charles Darwin University	AI Skills for the Future - Northern Australia to Contribute to the National AI Capability Tim Burt, Future Skills Organisation
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	ARIDGRAZE - $5M Research and Adoption Support for Sustainable Development of Central Australian Grazing Industry Robyn Cowley & Alison Kain, NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries	Stronger Homes, Stronger Communities: Empowering the North to Build Their Future Peter Woods, Modpacs & Anthony Faingaa, Moonyah Workforce
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	Indigenous Led Carbon Projects Delivering Significant Benefits for Climate, Country and Community Anna Boustead, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network	Invisible Infrastructure - Right Sized for Northern Australia Mitchell Hunt, Rapid Platform
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Waterholes as Natural Infrastructure: Climate Variability and Dry-Season Water Security in the Gilbert River Catchment Paula Cartwright, James Cook University	Digital Technology Use and eHealth Literacy in a Remote Aboriginal Community of the Northern Territory Vishnu Khanal & Kureisha Wilson, Menzies School of Health Research
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 11: Growing Northern Talent Chair:	Session 12: Infrastructure & Connectivity Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Indigenous Engagement, Education and Empowerment - Practical Action, Meaningful Impact: ADG's Indigenous Training Academy Sandra De Kock, Airport Development Group Pty Ltd	Resilient Northern Australian Communities: Navigating Disaster Recovery in the East Pilbara Steven Harding, Shire of East Pilbara
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	The Workforce Conversation Ecosystem: Retention by Design Barbara Clifford, The Hinwood Institute	Where Seaweed Grows, Communities Thrive - Enabling Seaweed Economies in North Australia Alison Duguid, North Australian Seaculture
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Working Hard and It's Hardly Working: Novel Solutions to Navigate Under-Resourcing in Regional Mental Healthcare Kacie Austin, Department of Veterans	Developing Connectivity Across the North Naomi Evans, NBN
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	People, Place and Work: Rethinking Workforce Capability in Remote Contexts Fionn Griffin, Remote Contexts Centred Solutions	Building a Resilient Digital Future: Harnessing Technology for Economic and Social Growth in Northern Australia Kathryn Jones, Telstra InfraCo
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 15: Health & Community Chair:	Session 16: Growing Northern Talent Chair: Brook Orr
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Strong Futures Start Here: First Nations Health and Wellbeing Carissa McAllister & Vicky Meyer, CheckUP	Building Capability in the Next Generation Workforce for Northern Australia Margie Atkinson, Atkinson Consulting
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	Working with Social Workers in General Practice Settings: The Views of GPs Ines Zuchowski, James Cook University	What retains the remote health workforce? Quantifying retention priorities in remote Australia using Best-Worst Dr Nanda Budhathoki & Deb Russell, Menzies School Of Health
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Building Better Water Plans: Cultural Values Assessment from Adelaide River to Daly Basin Michelle Rodrigo, DLPE - Water Resources	Finding Assistance for Attraction and Retention of Skilled Workforce Geoff Barbaro, Skills Insight
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

	Concurrent Room 1
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 1
	Session 5: Economic Development Chair: Katrina Kawaljenko
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	Alice Springs Town Council - Economic Development Projects in Central Australia Mayor Asta Hill, Alice Springs Town Council
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	Playing the Long Game: How Strategic Partnerships Have Driven Regional Investment Mayor Greg Williamson, Regional Council
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	One Future: What NT, Northern WA and North Queensland Can Learn from Each Other Kate Haycock, AEC Group
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Who Backs the Risk? Philanthropy as Innovation Capital in Remote NT and Northern Australia Donna Digby, Alexie Seller & Natalie Egleton, Territory Connect
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 1
	Session 9: First Nations Leadership Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	No Presentation Fred Pascoe, Gulf Regional Economic Aboriginal Trust
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Backing First Nations Entrepreneurs: What Works When Support Is Designed with Place, People and Partners Alexie Seller, Impact North
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Why So Few Commonwealth Government Contracts Awarded to First Nations Companies in Northern Australia? Rod Reeve, Samantha Turk, Ninti One Limited
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Aboriginal Community-Led Project Design and Delivery in the NT - Collective Impact Initiative Elouise Calma, Aboriginal Investment NT
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 1
	Session 13: Economic Development Chair: Jason Kidd
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Unlocking Scarce Regional Industrial Land to Attract Priority-Sector Investment at Lansdown Eco-Industrial Precinct Sean O'Meara, Andrew Leith & Scott Muller, Eco-Industrial BDO
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	Northern Australia Coalition: A Call for Bold Action in Northern Australia Glen Hingley, Territory Chamber
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Community Resilience in the Northern Territory - A Dashboard for Early Detection of Change Jacki Schirmer & David Gallacher, Northern Hub
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

	Concurrent Room 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 6: First Nations Leadership Chair: Jade Ritchie
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	Aboriginal Women Leading Enterprise: Building Textile Businesses from Remote Communities Lee-Anne Smith, Henrik Loos, Delphine Judson & Chloe Mandijarra, Job Pathways (Women's Hub)
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	Empowering Community Prosperity: Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation's Leadership Pathway in First Nations Economic Development Nathan McIvor, Djarindjin Aboriginal Corporation
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	Igniting Indigenous-Led Investments: From ILUAs to Equity David Knights, Indigenous Business Australia (IBA)
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Owning the Evidence – Indigenous Data Sovereignty as Strategic Economic Infrastructure Lindsay Bridge, First Nations Economics
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 10: Health & Community Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Robust Health Systems for the Future: What Are the Priorities for Northern Australia? Associate Professor Alexandra Edelman, Menzies School of Health Research
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Could Rotary-Wing Retrieval Improve Timeliness of Prehospital Critical-Care in Central Australia? Professor Richard Johnson, Alice Springs Hospital
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	From Regional Voices to Statewide Strength: Queensland's Transformational Regional Governance Journey Suzi Woodrow-Read, Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines, Manufacturing, Regional and Rural Development
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Coordinated Pathways Out of Homelessness: The Central Intake Service in the Northern Territory Kelly Hughes & April Robinson, Lutheran Care
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 14: Environment & Climate Chair:
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Applying Circular Economy Principles Through Cross-Sector Collaboration in Remote Communities Jennifer McHugh, Napranum Aboriginal Shire Council
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	Evaluating Ecosystem Service Trade-Offs Under Irrigated Agricultural Development in the Gilbert River Catchment Jack Koci, James Cook University
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

	Concurrent Room 3
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 3
	Session 7: Environment & Climate Chair:
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	Beyond Preparedness: Indigenous Governance, Cyclone Fina, and Disaster Resilience on the Wade Charles, Charles Darwin University
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	ARIDGRAZE - $5M Research and Adoption Support for Sustainable Development of Central Australian Grazing Industry Robyn Cowley & Alison Kain, NT Department of Agriculture and Fisheries
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	Indigenous Led Carbon Projects Delivering Significant Benefits for Climate, Country and Community Anna Boustead, Indigenous Carbon Industry Network
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Waterholes as Natural Infrastructure: Climate Variability and Dry-Season Water Security in the Gilbert River Catchment Paula Cartwright, James Cook University
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 3
	Session 11: Growing Northern Talent Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Indigenous Engagement, Education and Empowerment - Practical Action, Meaningful Impact: ADG's Indigenous Training Academy Sandra De Kock, Airport Development Group Pty Ltd
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	The Workforce Conversation Ecosystem: Retention by Design Barbara Clifford, The Hinwood Institute
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Working Hard and It's Hardly Working: Novel Solutions to Navigate Under-Resourcing in Regional Mental Healthcare Kacie Austin, Department of Veterans
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	People, Place and Work: Rethinking Workforce Capability in Remote Contexts Fionn Griffin, Remote Contexts Centred Solutions
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 3
	Session 15: Health & Community Chair:
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Strong Futures Start Here: First Nations Health and Wellbeing Carissa McAllister & Vicky Meyer, CheckUP
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	Working with Social Workers in General Practice Settings: The Views of GPs Ines Zuchowski, James Cook University
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Building Better Water Plans: Cultural Values Assessment from Adelaide River to Daly Basin Michelle Rodrigo, DLPE - Water Resources
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

	Concurrent Room 4
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 2 Registration Open
	Keynote Session 3 Chair: Craig Doyle
8:30 AM - 8:40 AM	Welcome to Day 2
8:40 AM - 8:55 AM	Northern Australia – Securing the Nation Shadow Minister for Resources and Shadow Minister for Northern Australia
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Health, Community and Cultural Resilience: Locally Led Research Development and Translation Driving Change Across Northern Australia Dr Scott Davis \| Executive Director, Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre Limited (TAAHC)
9:25 AM - 9:40 AM	Marianna O’Gorman Deputy Chair at Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
9:45 AM - 10:30 AM	Environment, Climate & Natural Resource Transition Panel Facilitator: Marianna O’Gorman, Deputy Chair, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) Panellists: Andrew Johnson, PSM, Independent NT Controller of Water Resources Dr Dylan Irvine, Charles Darwin University Jimmy Cocking, CEO Desert Knowledge Australia Kirsty Howey, CEO NT Environment Centre
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM	Morning Tea
	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 8: Innovation & Technology Chair:
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM	AI Skills for the Future - Northern Australia to Contribute to the National AI Capability Tim Burt, Future Skills Organisation
11:25 AM - 11:45 AM	Stronger Homes, Stronger Communities: Empowering the North to Build Their Future Peter Woods, Modpacs & Anthony Faingaa, Moonyah Workforce
11:50 AM - 12:10 PM	Invisible Infrastructure - Right Sized for Northern Australia Mitchell Hunt, Rapid Platform
12:15 PM - 12:35 PM	Digital Technology Use and eHealth Literacy in a Remote Aboriginal Community of the Northern Territory Vishnu Khanal & Kureisha Wilson, Menzies School of Health Research
12:35 PM - 1:35 PM	Exhibition Networking Lunch
	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 12: Infrastructure & Connectivity Chair:
1:35 PM - 1:55 PM	Resilient Northern Australian Communities: Navigating Disaster Recovery in the East Pilbara Steven Harding, Shire of East Pilbara
2:00 PM - 2:20 PM	Where Seaweed Grows, Communities Thrive - Enabling Seaweed Economies in North Australia Alison Duguid, North Australian Seaculture
2:25 PM - 2:45 PM	Developing Connectivity Across the North Naomi Evans, NBN
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Building a Resilient Digital Future: Harnessing Technology for Economic and Social Growth in Northern Australia Kathryn Jones, Telstra InfraCo
3:10 PM - 3:40 PM	Afternoon Tea
	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 16: Growing Northern Talent Chair: Brook Orr
3:40 PM - 4:00 PM	Building Capability in the Next Generation Workforce for Northern Australia Margie Atkinson, Atkinson Consulting
4:05 PM - 4:25 PM	What retains the remote health workforce? Quantifying retention priorities in remote Australia using Best-Worst Dr Nanda Budhathoki & Deb Russell, Menzies School Of Health
4:30 PM - 4:50 PM	Finding Assistance for Attraction and Retention of Skilled Workforce Geoff Barbaro, Skills Insight
4:50 PM - 6:20 PM	Welcome Networking Event Kick off the conference in style! Join us on Thursday 6 August 2026, from 5.00pm – 6.00pm in the Alice Springs Convention Centre Courtyard for an evening of connection and celebration. Enjoy canapés, beverages, and live entertainment as you meet fellow delegates and soak up the atmosphere of Central Australia. Cost: Included for 3-day conference registrations. Includes: Live entertainment, canapes and beverages.

Friday, August 7, 2026

	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 17: Infrastructure & Connectivity Chair:	Session 18: Economic Development Chair: Katrina Kawaljenko	Session 19: Innovation & Technology Chair:	Session 20: People & Place Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	The Outback Way - Infrastructure That Connects: Unlocking Northern Australia Through Strategic Corridor Development Mel Forbes, Outback Highway Development Council	From Resource Province to Investment Corridor: Activating the Mount Isa-Townsville Economic Zone Maria James, Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone Inc (MITEZ)	Autonomous Systems at Scale: Transforming Livestock Operations in Northern Australia Edward Barraclough, Drone-hand Inc	Country at the Centre: How GeoRegions Can Support Indigenous Leadership, Story, and Sustainable Futures Angus M Robinson, Australian Geoscience Council
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Enabling Infrastructure to Build, Connect and Grow the Northern Territory Evan Tyrrell, Northern Territory Government	Private Sector Investment and Commitment to the NT Warren Ebert, Sentinel Property Group	Northern Australia: A Frontier Platform for Critical Care, Innovation, and Global Health Leadership Professor Eamon Raith, James Cook University	Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme: Insights and Opportunities for Northern Australia and the Pacific Region Dany Turner, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations & Rachel Jolly PSM, Pacific Labour Mobility Branch
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Port of Karumba: Diversification of Regional Supply Chains in North West Queensland Neil O'Brien, Gulf Savannah Development	Structural Barriers to Growth in Northern Australia's Cities George Wilkinson, Deloitte	From Data to Decisions: Planning for the Cumulative Impacts of Major Projects Ben Rada, Projects Remplan	Building Health Workforce Through Education and Training: Role of the WA Centre for Rural Health Professor Rohan Rasiah, University of Western Australia
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Gateway to the Pacific: Building the Central Queensland Defence Industry Ecosystem Central to Defence Project Representative & Amanda Hinton, Gladstone Regional Council	Why Northern Australia Needs Place-Based Solutions: City of Karratha Virginia Miltrup, City of Karratha	Justin’s Journey: Transitioning Leadership Styles to Benefit Indigenous Economic Development and Innovation Justin Jones, V&I Homes	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon!
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!

	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 1	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 17: Infrastructure & Connectivity Chair:	Session 18: Economic Development Chair: Katrina Kawaljenko
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	The Outback Way - Infrastructure That Connects: Unlocking Northern Australia Through Strategic Corridor Development Mel Forbes, Outback Highway Development Council	From Resource Province to Investment Corridor: Activating the Mount Isa-Townsville Economic Zone Maria James, Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone Inc (MITEZ)
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Enabling Infrastructure to Build, Connect and Grow the Northern Territory Evan Tyrrell, Northern Territory Government	Private Sector Investment and Commitment to the NT Warren Ebert, Sentinel Property Group
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Port of Karumba: Diversification of Regional Supply Chains in North West Queensland Neil O'Brien, Gulf Savannah Development	Structural Barriers to Growth in Northern Australia's Cities George Wilkinson, Deloitte
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Gateway to the Pacific: Building the Central Queensland Defence Industry Ecosystem Central to Defence Project Representative & Amanda Hinton, Gladstone Regional Council	Why Northern Australia Needs Place-Based Solutions: City of Karratha Virginia Miltrup, City of Karratha
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!

	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 3	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 19: Innovation & Technology Chair:	Session 20: People & Place Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Autonomous Systems at Scale: Transforming Livestock Operations in Northern Australia Edward Barraclough, Drone-hand Inc	Country at the Centre: How GeoRegions Can Support Indigenous Leadership, Story, and Sustainable Futures Angus M Robinson, Australian Geoscience Council
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Northern Australia: A Frontier Platform for Critical Care, Innovation, and Global Health Leadership Professor Eamon Raith, James Cook University	Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme: Insights and Opportunities for Northern Australia and the Pacific Region Dany Turner, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations & Rachel Jolly PSM, Pacific Labour Mobility Branch
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	From Data to Decisions: Planning for the Cumulative Impacts of Major Projects Ben Rada, Projects Remplan	Building Health Workforce Through Education and Training: Role of the WA Centre for Rural Health Professor Rohan Rasiah, University of Western Australia
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Justin’s Journey: Transitioning Leadership Styles to Benefit Indigenous Economic Development and Innovation Justin Jones, V&I Homes	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon!
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!

	Concurrent Room 1
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 1
	Session 17: Infrastructure & Connectivity Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	The Outback Way - Infrastructure That Connects: Unlocking Northern Australia Through Strategic Corridor Development Mel Forbes, Outback Highway Development Council
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Enabling Infrastructure to Build, Connect and Grow the Northern Territory Evan Tyrrell, Northern Territory Government
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Port of Karumba: Diversification of Regional Supply Chains in North West Queensland Neil O'Brien, Gulf Savannah Development
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Gateway to the Pacific: Building the Central Queensland Defence Industry Ecosystem Central to Defence Project Representative & Amanda Hinton, Gladstone Regional Council
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!

	Concurrent Room 2
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 2
	Session 18: Economic Development Chair: Katrina Kawaljenko
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	From Resource Province to Investment Corridor: Activating the Mount Isa-Townsville Economic Zone Maria James, Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone Inc (MITEZ)
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Private Sector Investment and Commitment to the NT Warren Ebert, Sentinel Property Group
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Structural Barriers to Growth in Northern Australia's Cities George Wilkinson, Deloitte
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Why Northern Australia Needs Place-Based Solutions: City of Karratha Virginia Miltrup, City of Karratha
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!

	Concurrent Room 3
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 3
	Session 19: Innovation & Technology Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Autonomous Systems at Scale: Transforming Livestock Operations in Northern Australia Edward Barraclough, Drone-hand Inc
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Northern Australia: A Frontier Platform for Critical Care, Innovation, and Global Health Leadership Professor Eamon Raith, James Cook University
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	From Data to Decisions: Planning for the Cumulative Impacts of Major Projects Ben Rada, Projects Remplan
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Justin’s Journey: Transitioning Leadership Styles to Benefit Indigenous Economic Development and Innovation Justin Jones, V&I Homes
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!

	Concurrent Room 4
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM	Day 3 Registration Open
	Concurrent Room 4
	Session 20: People & Place Chair:
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM	Country at the Centre: How GeoRegions Can Support Indigenous Leadership, Story, and Sustainable Futures Angus M Robinson, Australian Geoscience Council
8:55 AM - 9:15 AM	Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme: Insights and Opportunities for Northern Australia and the Pacific Region Dany Turner, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations & Rachel Jolly PSM, Pacific Labour Mobility Branch
9:20 AM - 9:40 AM	Building Health Workforce Through Education and Training: Role of the WA Centre for Rural Health Professor Rohan Rasiah, University of Western Australia
9:45 AM - 10:05 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon!
10:05 AM - 10:30 AM	Morning Tea
	Keynote Session 4 Chair: Craig Doyle
10:30 AM - 10:45 AM	Presentation by.. Senator the Hon Nita Green \| Assistant Minister for Northern Australia, Assistant Minister for Tourism, Assistant Minister for Pacific Island Affairs
10:50 AM - 11:35 AM	Economic Development & Growing Northern Talent Panel Facilitator: Kylie Porter, CEO, Greater Whitsunday Alliance Panellists: Lisa Hewitt Jeff Stewart-Harris, Chair, Northern RDA Alliance Romy Carey, CEO NT Cattlemen's Association Elizabeth Brennan, AgDots
11:40 AM - 11:55 AM	Exciting Presentation Coming Soon
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM	Healing Communities to Build the North: Cultural Strength as the Foundation for Development Kynan Barnes Ampetyane, Kings Narrative
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM	Presentation by: Naomi Anstess, Big Boss (CEO) NT Indigenous Business Network
12:45 PM - 1:00 PM	Conference Closing Prize Draws & 2027 Conference Destination Announcement
1:00 PM - 1:15 PM	Departing Lunch – Safe Travels Home!