Mark Armstrong, CSC was appointed as the inaugural Chief Officer, Queensland State Emergency Service (SES) in February 2024. Previously, as senior Australian Army Reserve officer he commanded the Queensland component of the ADF support to the South-East Queensland floods in 2022 and Operation COVID-19 Assist. In his corporate career Mr Armstrong has worked in senior strategy, supply chain and HR roles in companies such as Coca-Cola Amatil and Symbion. Mr Armstrong holds Master’s Degrees in Business Administration, HR Management, Arts and Security Studies. He is in the final stages of completing a PhD examining the contribution and reform of a part-time workforce.

Todd is a current police veteran with first responder experience spanning 25 years in the Queensland Police Service (QPS). From his role as a Senior Project Officer in the QPS Wellbeing Strategy Team to his secondment as the Training Coordinator for the Psychological and Support Services within the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, Todd has been at the forefront of enhancing operational psychological first aid practices, suicide management and mental health awareness and cultural change across first responder agencies. As a manager with deep mental health understanding, his skills have seen him lead teams of psychologists and social workers in providing psychological services to frontline members within QPS. In these roles, Todd as has been directly involved the coordination and delivery of support services at tragic policing major events such as the Wieambilla police shootings and the Burpengary highway death wellbeing responses. Committed to supporting his colleagues, Todd serves as a dedicated Peer Support Officer (PSO), offering a helping hand to those facing personal and work related challenges. With a personal journey marked by experiences with anxiety, depression, and suicide ideation and behaviour, Todd’s passion for mental health shines through advocacy for the psychological wellbeing of first responders. As an active R U OK Ambassador, Todd exemplifies his dedication to bring about awareness and compassion to the importance of checking in on one another. Todd’s inspiring journey and unwavering dedication make him a beacon of hope and support amongst frontline workers.

James Maskey is a social change leader striving to enhance the mental, physical, and social wellbeing of the first responder community. James is currently the Director of Strategic Communication at Fortem Australia, the nation’s leading support organisation for first responders and their families. James is also a former Police Officer, and navigates life with a diagnosis of PTSD, a condition directly linked to his frontline service. Despite this challenge, James is committed to thriving and empowering others in similar circumstances. As a thought leader in the first responder sector, James is deeply committed to driving systemic cultural change, high-value policy reform, and additional government support to ensure positive mental health and wellbeing outcomes for first responders and their families across the country. For his continued mental health advocacy, James received the 'Conversation Leader' award in the 2023 R U OK? Barbara Hocking Memorial Awards. He was also a finalist for 'Emerging Leader' in the 2023 Third Sector Awards and was named one of Pro Bono Australia's 'Impact 25 Award' recipients in 2020.

Biography coming soon

Debbie Platz APM is the Deputy Commissioner responsible for Operations in the New South Wales State Emergency Service (NSW SES) who ensures the communities of NSW are protected from flood, storm, and tsunami. NSW SES Operations also supports other emergency service agencies including NSW Police and NSW Rural Fire Service. Debbie joined the NSW SES in May 2023, and prior to that has held roles as Assistant Commissioner Security & Counter-Terrorism Command (SCTC), Queensland Police Service (QPS) and Assistant Commissioner Crime Operations, Australian Federal Police. Debbie was President of the Australasian Council of Women and Policing for over 8 years.

Professor Tony Walker ASM brings nearly four decades of experience in ambulance and emergency services, including as CEO of Ambulance Victoria, where he led significant transformation to improve workforce mental health and community response. A Registered Paramedic and Fellow of the Australasian College of Paramedicine, Tony holds adjunct professorships at Monash University and Victoria University. He is also a member of the AICD and non-executive director of several non-for-profit organisations. A 2019 finalist for the Australian Mental Health Prize, Tony continues his work as an academic, management consultant, and non-executive director, focusing on improving health and emergency medical services and first responder mental health.