CRCNA’s Living Wake: 10 Years of Impact
Tracks
Concurrent Room 3
| Wednesday, August 5, 2026 |
| 3:45 PM - 4:45 PM |
Overview
Belinda Carlson & Anthony Curro, CRC for Northern Australia
Speaker
Belinda Carlson
Creative Content
CRCNA
CRCNA’s Living Wake: 10 Years of Impact
Presentation Overview
Join us for a session that’s equal parts reflection, celebration and candid conversation as we mark a decade of the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). In what we’re calling a ‘living wake’, because we’re not quite done yet, we’ll look back on ten years of ambitious ideas, hard-won progress and the partnerships that made it all possible. This is the CRCNA’s final DNAC appearance, and we’re taking the opportunity to do something a little different.
Together with some of our groundbreaking research partners, we’ll share the real stories behind research, development and extension in northern Australia, the breakthroughs that delivered impact on the ground, and the hurdles that tested us along the way. Expect honest reflections, a few behind-the-scenes insights and a celebration of what’s been achieved across industries, communities and regions. More than a retrospective, this session is about recognising the people, collaborations and persistence that have shaped a decade of work, and what that legacy means for the future of the north.
Come along to raise a glass (figuratively or otherwise), reconnect with collaborators and be part of closing this chapter in true northern style.
Together with some of our groundbreaking research partners, we’ll share the real stories behind research, development and extension in northern Australia, the breakthroughs that delivered impact on the ground, and the hurdles that tested us along the way. Expect honest reflections, a few behind-the-scenes insights and a celebration of what’s been achieved across industries, communities and regions. More than a retrospective, this session is about recognising the people, collaborations and persistence that have shaped a decade of work, and what that legacy means for the future of the north.
Come along to raise a glass (figuratively or otherwise), reconnect with collaborators and be part of closing this chapter in true northern style.
Biography
Belinda is a passionate advocate for the sustainable development of Northern Australia. Prior to joining the CRCNA she worked for the Australian Government’s Office of Northern Australia where she led the coordination of the White Paper on Developing Northern Australia, and strategic communications and engagement to support economic policy outcomes.
Bel was also a Senior Adviser with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet in the Indigenous Affairs Group for the Arnhem Land and Groote Eylandt region as well as a Government Business Manager across Arnhem Land and the Southwest Gulf of the Northern Territory.
Bel has a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Cultural Heritage, an Advanced Diploma in Interior Design and a Diploma in Aboriginal Interpreting. Bel is a member of the Northern Territory Commonwealth Heads of Agency, Northern Territory Government ArtsNT advisory board, NT Library and Archives Reference Group, and the Developing Northern Australia Conference committee.
Anthony Curro
Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement
Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA)
CRCNA’s Living Wake: 10 Years of Impact
Presentation Overview
Join us for a session that’s equal parts reflection, celebration and candid conversation as we mark a decade of the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). In what we’re calling a ‘living wake’, because we’re not quite done yet, we’ll look back on ten years of ambitious ideas, hard-won progress and the partnerships that made it all possible. This is the CRCNA’s final DNAC appearance, and we’re taking the opportunity to do something a little different.
Together with some of our groundbreaking research partners, we’ll share the real stories behind research, development and extension in northern Australia, the breakthroughs that delivered impact on the ground, and the hurdles that tested us along the way. Expect honest reflections, a few behind-the-scenes insights and a celebration of what’s been achieved across industries, communities and regions. More than a retrospective, this session is about recognising the people, collaborations and persistence that have shaped a decade of work, and what that legacy means for the future of the north.
Come along to raise a glass (figuratively or otherwise), reconnect with collaborators and be part of closing this chapter in true northern style.
Together with some of our groundbreaking research partners, we’ll share the real stories behind research, development and extension in northern Australia, the breakthroughs that delivered impact on the ground, and the hurdles that tested us along the way. Expect honest reflections, a few behind-the-scenes insights and a celebration of what’s been achieved across industries, communities and regions. More than a retrospective, this session is about recognising the people, collaborations and persistence that have shaped a decade of work, and what that legacy means for the future of the north.
Come along to raise a glass (figuratively or otherwise), reconnect with collaborators and be part of closing this chapter in true northern style.
Biography
As Chief Executive Strategy and Engagement at the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA), Anthony is responsible for leading the CRCNA’s strategy, engagement, business development and impact monitoring priorities. He is also responsible for water development research that de-risks and brokers opportunities for agricultural development across Northern Australia.
Based at the CRCNA’s headquarters in Townsville on Wulgurukaba and Bindal Country, Anthony brings a wealth of experience supporting private and corporate business, research organisations, universities, government and natural resource management organisations across agriculture and community health initiatives.
Anthony comes from a local family-owned agricultural enterprise and understands the connection between the land and people. He aims to apply practicality in research, especially as Northern Australia adapts to climate resilience and demonstrates that development and healthy eco-systems can co-exist.
Anthony has a Bachelor of Pharmacy, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and a Director on the North Queensland Dry Tropics Board.
